AT Trans Cooler: Performance cooler vs Standard
 

So I am going to track my AT FR-S but not before I add a transmission cooler. Now my question is, what trans cooler do I get? Any cooler specifically designed for the twins looks like it will cost at least $400, while standard coolers start at around $50. This is a huge cost delta. I don't want to over pay for a cooler but at the same time I am getting a cooler to protect myself so I do want one that works for the track.

PS I want to read live coolant temps on the track. Are there any good gauge kits you guys recommend? I see a lot out there but do these kits come with sensors?
I am going to do have this work done for at a performance garage so right now I am trying to gather all my parts.

Thanks

Your car has a transmission cooler already. It uses the engine coolant.

Yes it does. But with an AT I need to keep my coolant temps down. Factory won't do that with an AT on the track

Scour the internet and read-up. Look on NASIOC, as I remember thinking about getting an aftermarket AT cooler for my WRX. I chose not to because you want the stock one because it has a thermostat and bypass to help heat the AT fluid faster when starting the car. 4EAT will not go into third unless the temp is up. Some people used both after market and stock to avoid this issues. Not sure about the BRZ, but it could have a similar feature that heats it up to operating temp before opening up the cooler. Running too cool could bring problems as well during DD.

The automatic transmission "cooler" is really just a heater to get the AT trans to temp it's not a cooler. An oil cooler and this OEM heater works together if you buy a thermostat for the oil cooler.

Lots of good info in here if you haven't read this one already.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61498