When it comes to transmissions – especially automatics – its hard to argue that anybody has more experience rebuilding them than TCI Automotive. TCI has been in the winner’s circle more times than they can count, be it drag, oval, dirt or circle track racing; so you can trust your automatic gearbox to these guys.

The Not-So-Silent Killer

The number one enemy of an automatic transmission is excessive heat, whether you’re towing, hauling heavy loads, or racing. So it comes to reason that TCI has the cure to rid your transmission of unwanted heat. When you run a higher stall converter you are already at a slight disadvantage as far as heat is concerned, because when your torque converter is slipping and not spinning above it’s rated stall speed it is generating a lot of extra heat.

Most of us never think about the grueling conditions that our transmissions are subjected to while racing, towing, or just plain pushing their mechanical limits until we have burnt up or broken one, and then it’s too late. Fact is, most of the damage could’ve been prevented by adding the right components to keep it cool; and actually extended the life and durability of your transmission.

Coolers To The Rescue

TCI has quite a selection of goodies to add to your automatic to keep the temperatures down. TCI offers three different coolers for your transmission.

First is their Universal cooler which covers basic applications rated up to 18,000 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) for the budget-minded user.

Then there’s TCI’s Performance line of coolers that are tube type offered in three different sizes to suit your needs.

Last on the list is TCI’s Max Cool design that comes in four different sizes for all extreme and heavy duty applications. All of which are tube- and fin-style that cool up to 33% more than the standard tube-type cooler.

A good transmission cooler is a must when protecting the transmission from excessive heat; even in a stock application it can significantly improve the transmission’s life. In addition to the cooler, it’s a very good idea to install one of TCI’s temperature gauges to monitor the internal temperature of your transmission and fluid; its a bit of good insurance against potential failure.

Not Your Father’s ATF

Your transmission fluid should be changed at the recommended intervals, and the type of fluid can have a major effect on how well your transmission shifts and performs.

If you race or use your vehicle for off-road, competition, or hauling heavy loads, you may need to change the fluid more frequently, and if it is burnt when you check it, damage may have already been done.

TCI has its own line of special automatic transmission fluids (ATF) for different applications titled “Max Shift“; their line-up covering four different applications: Street Performance, Race, Circle Track, and a Full Synthetic fluid that resist thermal breakdown.

Deep-Panning For Gold

One of the best additions to your automatic transmission is adding one of TCI’s Premium Cast Aluminum pans; they add an additional 2.5 quarts fluid capacity which really helps keep temperatures down. In addition, they have extended cooling fins that dissipate heat, and the cast aluminum design adds rigidity to the transmission case for extra strength under severe usage, and each pan has a drain plug that makes servicing much easier.

And in some applications, like diesels and large truck applications, these pans will provide up to an extra 7.5 quart capacity over the stock pan.

TCI also has their Chrome, and Polished Aluminum Series pans for show cars and street rods, so they are stock capacity with ground clearance in mind and come with a magnetic drain plug to keep any metal from getting into your transmission internals.

Scott Miller at TCI explained, “If you use one of our deep aluminum pans in combination with our cooler, you will drop transmission temperatures about 30% or more in some applications.”

We know you pay strict attention to your engine’s performance and upkeep, and your transmission should get the same treatment and care. With everything that TCI has to offer for your transmission, it’s a no brain er to have these options installed on your vehicle.

The parts not only look cool, they actually extend the life of your transmission by keeping temperatures down while performance and durability go way up. If you are not sure what type of fluid you should be running or you need help choosing the proper components for your vehicle, be sure to contact TCI for the right parts to fit your particular application; they cover everything from coolers, shifters, torque converters, and complete transmissions, along with all the accessories to boot!