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Adventra - Fit a Trans Cooler! RECOMMENDED UPGRADE

routier1642

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After many delays, I finally fitted a transmission cooler to my VZ Adventra LX6.

Wow! Big difference in engine temperature.
It now runs cooler generally, heats up more slowly, and cools more rapidly.
I know this because I monitor the temperature using DashCommand to interpret the OBD-II signal from the ECU.
No more going over 100 when at rest after a hard run uphill.
No more getting hot in stop-start traffic.

This is an upgrade I would recommend to any Adventra 6 owner, whether you do any towing/heavy hauling or not.
The transmission is driven hard in the Alloytec Adventras, and it contributes a major amount of heat to the cooling load.
I regard this as a fix.

On the recommendation of OzNick, I installed the PWR VZ kit (Part No: PWO6690 – VZ V6 & V8 Commodore Transmission Cooler Kit inc Brackets).
Thanks to OzNick, who also provided installation advice, though I think my install worked out a little differently.

It didn't quite fit the Adventra out of the box - I had to
- remove 1 of the 2 existing brackets (the driver's side one)
- install the 2 supplied new brackets (drill 3 holes - one bracket has to go in an entirely new position))
- use the remaining original bracket to support the cooling loop (or whatever that thing is called)
- move the ambient air sensor out of the way of the cooler

But it was well worth it. Really pleased with the results.

I can publish photos if anyone is interested.
 

ozNick

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After many delays, I finally fitted a transmission cooler to my VZ Adventra LX6.
Your install sounds fairly similar to mine - just some minor mods, except I didn't move the ambient temp sensor.

Did you bypass the radiator?
The kit leaves the radiator in-line which means you can still do a transmission overfill via the top return pipe if desired.


One issue it presents is the bottom opening of the Adventra doesn't have a grill, exposing the transmission cooler to potential damage.

I will probably put a metal grill over the bottom opening at some point soon to keep it safe.

Cheers, Nick
 

routier1642

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The kit leaves the radiator in-line which means you can still do a transmission overfill via the top return pipe if desired.

One issue it presents is the bottom opening of the Adventra doesn't have a grill, exposing the transmission cooler to potential damage.

I will probably put a metal grill over the bottom opening at some point soon to keep it safe.

Cheers, Nick


Ah, thanks! I was wondering how to top up the transmission fluid! :)

Yes, I was thinking about a grille myself - it does look a bit exposed.
Let me know if you have any good ideas.

cheers.
 

ozNick

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ozNick

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routier1642

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On the subject of topping up the trans fluid via the top radiator connection, is there a recommended procedure?
Is it as simple as warm up, open up, top up, seal up?
Or do you have to do this a few times?
 

ozNick

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I fill the transmission via the fill plug on the transmission, with it warmed up and running in Park.

I just use the return hose to do a 500ml overfill, but you could fill from there, it's just very slow.

I also use Dexron XI.
 
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