Write-Up: Transmission Cooler Install

Update:

I borrowed a scanner to see what this (inline) stacked-plate cooler would do on an unusual 95-degree day. The location right behind the bumper seems to block all the ram-air effect, actually leaving the tranny fluid a couple degrees higher on the freeway... However, during 40 minutes of stop & go, hills, and highway with the A/C on and the coolant going as high as 205, the fluid stayed at 180*, +/- 2 degrees. That puts it in squarely in the safe zone for fluid and transmission life - now I just hope I didn't wait too long to install it...

With the added torque from my I/C install i am starting to question how much longer my stock trans will last. (180k miles now and i beat the shit out of it daily)
I would like to get some kind of trans cooler installed to help with not only keeping this one as cool as possible in the FL summer, but in preparation for the trans i will eventually need to buy/rebuild.

I am thinking about getting a cooler with an attached fan so i can mount it facing down at the rear of the car. (not sure quite where yet)

I would also like to clean up as much of the lines as possible and completely bypass the radiator. What lines can i use that will hold up to the heat and pressure of a trans?

Opinions?

For a worry-free installation, I'd pay the extra $$$ for something like Earl's ProLite 350 braided Nylon hose:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Earl%26%23039%3Bs/361/350606/10002/-1

detail:



Russell and Aeroquip also make high pressure hoses to withstand up to 1000 PSI and 350ºF. JEGS and Summit both sell a house brand version that costs less, but does the job. I went with JEG' Pro-Flo 350, which I think is the same as Earl's:

http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performance-Products/JEGS-Pro-Flo-350-Series-Braided-Hose/761335/10002/-1

You might also consider a braided stainless hose to protect against road debris, or can enclose the Nylon hose in split loom.

I am in need of a trans cooler. I am getting a Chris harmon built transmission with a 15/16" chain sooner than later here.. looking for a 1" chain for cheap but everyone wnats like 1500 bucks

make sure it has a fan.

robotennis61 wrote:

make sure it has a fan.

oh yea. I am looking for one, a motorcycle fan might just do the trick.

If you get the Tru-Cool MAX from page 3, it doesn't require a fan. Even when stopped idling hot, it cools right down to the 170ºF range in less than a minute.

I installed this one awhile back

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/60346/10002/-1?parentProductId=1032940

along with one of these

http://www.jegs.com/i/Derale/259/16759/10002/-1

works great! easy install

here are a few pics of the fan installed. it is so much better than a plain cooler that does not much for me in the sweltering heat of Las Vegas.

Hey everyone, I thought I'd throw my installation pics up here for fun. I didn't much different than Jason or Mark did, except for one little thing, which I'll get to.



Alyssa helping me


Mounted it a familiar way. Oh, by the way, this is a B&M cooler. Smaller one, but still effective I'm sure.


Here's what I ended up doing different, just because I felt it would work nicely. I actually cut out a smaller section of the original trans line. I flared both ends with the flaring tool I didn't even know I had (found it while cleaning one day) and attached the trans fluid hoses with fuel injection clamps. Both hoses routed between the radiator and support structure rather easily, and I haven't had any issues with leaks or anything rubbing or touching.



I would not have done it this way if I didn't flare the ends of the lines. It's working great so far! I only had one little leak, and thats because I forgot to tighten a clamp at all.

Nice instal but one thing,I had mine mounted similar to yours the first time round and my trans got no airflow at all tucked behind the impact bar.I mounted it as close to the bottom of the condensor rad and mounted a fan too.now it's ok.