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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 11
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Transmission cooler or new rad?
Not sure if this is the right section to post, but here goes. In the process of swapping out my 3-speed Saginaw for a 700r4. Going in a '70 C10. Transmission shop is doing the swap for me but I need to address the transmission cooler situation. Truck originally had the I-6 but now has a SB350 out of a 1980 Vette which has a mild cam in it. Original rad, re-cored probably. If anyone has similar experience is it worth it to go with the existing rad and ad a trans cooler or pop for a nice after-market aluminum one that can handle both. At this time I don't have any plans to build the motor beyond where it is. Thanks for any advice!!
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Catskill Mountains,NY
Posts: 8,497
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
The trans cooler in the radiator does more than cool your trans. It also warms the fluid in winter before the friction in the transmission takes over. If your not driving in the cold an external cooler works well
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Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 11
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
Thanks for the reply. Will be driving in the cooler weather so perhaps a new rad is the way to go.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Sedalia Mo.
Posts: 1,131
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
I would bet that the I6 radiator is less effective than a stock v8 radiator (less cores if not smaller dimensions). That, right there, is enough to warrant a new radiator. Unless you plan to put the truck through some heavy trailer pulling or racing, you don't need an external tranny cooler. I personally don't think a cooler can hurt, but it needs to be in conjunction with a radiator, not alone.
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He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20 |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,720
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
Another vote for a new radiator. This would be a good time to upgrade to a 4 core as well. You will need new upper and lower brackets to fit the larger tanks BTW.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#6 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,154
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
Voting for a new radiator here too! Be sure to check as to what configuration the transmission cooler is. A plate style is best, but some are larger than others. Avoid the cheap radiators that only have a piece of tubing looped inside the tank.
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Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. ![]() RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Wyoming USA
Posts: 2,445
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
It would be wise to run an xtra trans cooler along with the rad. cooler ,700 do not like heat.
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2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327 |
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#8 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
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My 305 TPI with 700 R4 had 280,000 miles on it when I swapped it for the LS combo. Put the new 3 row aluminum radiator in it and a external cooler and run it through both coolers you will find the transmission will last longer.
GM recommends them to stay under 200*. ![]()
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 ![]() Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 11
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
Thanks for all the reply’s.
Lots of options with aluminum rads. Looking at the Summit house brand, price wise is attractive but what is the consensus? Other brands? Posted via Mobile Device |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,720
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
How much do you want to spend?
I have a DeWitts I bought for the big block swap into my '64 'vette. With fans it cost almost $1200. It is absolutely awesome. For my 240Z I bought a Champion and it dropped right in for less than $200. I was quite impressed with the Champion for the money and would buy from them again. Whatever you get, make sure it is for a 67-72 as the lower hose is turned up and not straight like a 73 and up truck.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#11 |
Go Pack Go!
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Green Bay
Posts: 2,669
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
You will be happy with a new 4 core radiator. I see no need for a cooler unless you're towing a lot.
Not sure why a factory 4 core won't work, but if you want to spend money, it's yours to spend. |
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