Transmission cooler Qs

[davepl]

Even though I'm otherwise doing a very stock restoration, I'd like to add a transmission cooler. I have a few thoughts about it that I'd like to bring up for discussion, sort of to "check my math". There's a couple of questions inline here too...

- I want to use all hard lines, no barbed fittings or rubber hose. I figured I'd custom bend lines from the transmission to the aux cooler to the radiator and back to the transmission.

- Does anyone know authoritatively how I tell which of the two fittings on a transmission (TH400 or possibly 200-4R) is the -output- and which is the input? I've always assumed the low one is output, but can't find proof.

- I've found a few B&M stacked plate coolers that have 1/2 NPT fittings. Is this the same size as the stock transmission cooler line connections?

- I plan to run the coolant through the aux cooler first and THEN through the factory rad.

My rationale for this last point is that I grew up in a very cold region, and while that's not as true here, I figure that having the factory in-radiator cooler last will serve to -heat- the fluid up a little (on purpose) on cold days. With a 180F thermostat I was not able to find any proof that colder trans temps than that provide any real benefit.

The oxidation rate of a hydrocarbon fluid doubles every 20F over 175F, but I have to figure that running cold fluid isn't great for it either.

And lastly, other than making custom bracketry, is there a clever way to mount a transmission cooler in front of the AC condensor or rad OTHER than the plastic "pull them through the core fins and cut em off" approach?

Thanks!
Dave