FYI the trans can be filled without the controller hooked up. I asked about this a while back and didn't get an answer but I was told yesterday it was ok. I had 8 quarts in it already, so I cranked it and ran thru the gears manually and was able to add 4 more. 12 quarts is the standard capacity with stock pan and converter. I have the deep pan (3 extra) and circle D converter (will be less), so I'm guessing 14-15 quarts in the end. It has a internal stat and want pass fluid to the cooler until 160 degrees. Unfortunately I wasn't able to leave the car running to get the trans up to tempature. As luck would have it my car broke just sitting there for three months.... Well it didn't break really, but a fuel fitting decided to leak so I have to make a new hose. It sucks, but it's better it leaked in the garage vs driving down the road.