Howdy, I rebuilt my 700r4 and wanted to know how long to go before I change the fluid the first time? I also got a small transmission cooler, should I put it on right away or wait to see how everything goes first?

Put the cooler on now.

Most torque converter companies recommend at least 50 nice lock/unlock of the TCC before you startb eating the heck out of it. So I would at least follow that much.

I tend to start teh car on stands and make sure the fluid is filled before I do anything else.

Than make sure it shifts thru the gears(if u do this on stnads for the love of *** make sure it is well supported).

then double check everything again and take it for a spin.

Go thru the gears slowly and build up speed and repeat the process... Make sure it all works before you beat it

later
Jeremy

Once all of that is checked you should be good to go. There really isn't a breakin period for automatic transmissions since they are hydraulic.

TCI recommends changing the fluid and filter after the first 500 miles on a street car. And after 20 passes on a race car. So I guess there is no actual break-in period.

I hate changing fluid in an auto...but at least my TCI street fighter transmission has a nice chrome pan with a drain plug.

I asked Dana at Pro-Built about break-in and he said to make sure the trans was full of fluid, then take it out for a spin and shift it manually for the first ten miles. Then put it in D or OD and let it shift itself. Check the fluid level again as it will probably be down a little. Make sure there are no leaks, bad noises or strange smells. Everything checks out? Hammer down.

I'm running a non-lockup converter, so the converter thing isn't an issue for me, but that sounds like decent advice. The converter has a clutch in it in a lockup, so you don't want to go beating on it right away because you could damage the clutch (just like a new clutch in a stick car).

I also asked Dana about fluid changes. He said to check the fluid regularly and make sure that it did not smell burnt or look brownish. He said that provided the fluid looks and smells fine you don't need to change it. Recommendations might be different for a race trans. I will still probably change mine every 30,000 just to be safe. He said that no initial change was required though (like after the first 500 miles or so like with a new engine).

Install the cooler ASAP, particuialy with a smaller diameter or non-lockup converter.

sweet, I will go easy on 'er and keep an eye on the fluid. I will probably change fluid / filter when I feel like I have the motor broken in as well. That way I can put em both to the test at the same time!