I'd like opinions on transmission coolers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

49studebaker · 06-26-2006, 02:15 PM

I plan on buying a 700r4 for my 1971 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd. It will never tow or carry much weight. It will be powered by a Ram Jet 350. Question is this...An external transmission oil cooler is more efficient then the ones that are in the radiator, but with the 71 GMC grills, the external cooler sticks out like a sore thumb. What is yor experience with tranny coolers? I guess I just want a cleaner look from the front of the truck without compromising a new RV transmission. THANKS.

ChevyDude · 06-26-2006, 03:01 PM

I have a 700R4 and mounted the 18" cylinder cooler in front. It will dissapear behind the 71" Chevy grill. You could also mount one of these on the frame rail beneath the cab...lots of air there too. Simple install!!!

cdowns · 06-26-2006, 03:08 PM

frame rail mounted dual-pass heat sink type of tranny cooler it's more than you'll ever need

PanelDeland · 06-26-2006, 03:53 PM

Another option is the old style finned radiator style.They come with built in fans and can be mounted anywhere there's airflow avail.

TugOwar · 06-26-2006, 08:01 PM

Do you guys completely bypass the radiator with an external unit or use both? Is the external better alone because it can get a breath of that country air?

cdowns · 06-26-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TugOwar

Do you guys completely bypass the radiator with an external unit or use both? Is the external better alone because it can get a breath of that country air?

when i lived up north i used to still run thru the rad to have some heat in the tranny during the winter but southern climates take care of the minimum heat requirements

*1972C10* · 06-26-2006, 09:11 PM

Im in Texas I prefer to have them not hooked to the radiator cooler sometimes i have had to put them in because of the radiator not having the provision for one

I have installed TCI and PermaCool In the past I just Ordered A B&M Supercooler for a 73 Vette Ive Been Restoring.

Ill let you know how it works out Reason for me getting it was because of the new radiator not having it.

ChevyDude · 06-27-2006, 02:14 AM

Monster Motorsports, www.Eatmyshift.com reccomends by passing the "hot" radiator completely and going direct to the auxilary cooler.

68C15 · 06-27-2006, 06:27 AM

I would stay away from the tube-fin type and get a stacked plate style like B&M. I have one I got from a step van parts supplier for about 1/2 the price of B&M.

gator2511 · 06-27-2006, 07:12 AM

I used a Monster Motorsports TH400 with a finned oil cooler mounted in front of the radiator. It does not pass through the radiator cause its always hot around here.

mrein3 · 06-27-2006, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TugOwar

Do you guys completely bypass the radiator with an external unit or use both? Is the external better alone because it can get a breath of that country air?

NO!

Your transmission needs some heat. Up here (actually I'm typing this in Atlanta but home is Minnesota) you need to run the external cooler to the radiator then back to the transmission. I understand down here folks run them "backwards". First the radiator, then the external cooler. I know one guy up north who actually changes his summer to winter.

The best thing to do is install a temperature gauge and monitor the situation. Last week pulling my boat up north my transmission got up to 195. Still an ok temp.

My understanding is you want to run your trans between 100 and 200 F. Any higher OR LOWER isn't good for it.

1-PU70 · 06-27-2006, 09:38 AM

I run a B&M cooler, the largest one they make. I bypased the rad and just run through in the the cooler. I have a 402 with a 700R behind it. Put about 50000 miles with sometimes towing a car trailer and car. Never had a heat problem. I have lived in Indiana, Florida, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, and now New York and have never had a problem with it to cold or to hot. Plus this is a used trans I put in there. Heres a pic of the front of the truck, not a GMC but it has the AC dryer and the cooler out front and cant see them.

rodstored-72 · 06-27-2006, 10:32 AM

hey guys,
i am putting in a b&m finned "streetrod" style cooler on my '72 with a 383 stroker motor. i am wondering where some of you guys have mounted your tranny coolers??? if possible could you guys also tell specifically how you mounted them??

thanks!!! rodstored-72

49studebaker · 06-27-2006, 11:39 AM

This is what it previously looked like before my build started. Lower left hand corner is the cooler. I hope to have a smoother look. So far I've gotten some really good ideas from you guys.

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BobbyK · 06-27-2006, 01:04 PM

Mine is a stacked plate cooler,28,000 GVM

Here's a link to the install of it.
http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blaze...ission_cooler/

68 short step · 06-28-2006, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

frame rail mounted dual-pass heat sink type of tranny cooler it's more than you'll ever need

where do ya get one like that?

06-26-2006, 02:15 PM	#1
49studebaker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victor, Montana Posts: 386	I'd like opinions on transmission coolers I plan on buying a 700r4 for my 1971 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd. It will never tow or carry much weight. It will be powered by a Ram Jet 350. Question is this...An external transmission oil cooler is more efficient then the ones that are in the radiator, but with the 71 GMC grills, the external cooler sticks out like a sore thumb. What is yor experience with tranny coolers? I guess I just want a cleaner look from the front of the truck without compromising a new RV transmission. THANKS. __________________ 04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup

06-26-2006, 03:01 PM	#2
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers I have a 700R4 and mounted the 18" cylinder cooler in front. It will dissapear behind the 71" Chevy grill. You could also mount one of these on the frame rail beneath the cab...lots of air there too. Simple install!!! Attached Images

06-26-2006, 03:08 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers frame rail mounted dual-pass heat sink type of tranny cooler it's more than you'll ever need Attached Images __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-26-2006, 03:53 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers Another option is the old style finned radiator style.They come with built in fans and can be mounted anywhere there's airflow avail. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-26-2006, 08:01 PM	#5
TugOwar Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pleasanton, TX Posts: 1,723	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers Do you guys completely bypass the radiator with an external unit or use both? Is the external better alone because it can get a breath of that country air? Last edited by TugOwar; 06-26-2006 at 08:03 PM.

06-26-2006, 09:11 PM	#7
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers Im in Texas I prefer to have them not hooked to the radiator cooler sometimes i have had to put them in because of the radiator not having the provision for one I have installed TCI and PermaCool In the past I just Ordered A B&M Supercooler for a 73 Vette Ive Been Restoring. Ill let you know how it works out Reason for me getting it was because of the new radiator not having it.

06-27-2006, 02:14 AM	#8
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers Monster Motorsports, www.Eatmyshift.com reccomends by passing the "hot" radiator completely and going direct to the auxilary cooler. Last edited by ChevyDude; 06-27-2006 at 02:14 AM.

06-27-2006, 06:27 AM	#9
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers I would stay away from the tube-fin type and get a stacked plate style like B&M. I have one I got from a step van parts supplier for about 1/2 the price of B&M.

06-27-2006, 07:12 AM	#10
gator2511 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: tampa florida Posts: 776	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers I used a Monster Motorsports TH400 with a finned oil cooler mounted in front of the radiator. It does not pass through the radiator cause its always hot around here. Last edited by gator2511; 06-27-2006 at 07:12 AM.

06-27-2006, 09:38 AM	#12
1-PU70 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,036	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers I run a B&M cooler, the largest one they make. I bypased the rad and just run through in the the cooler. I have a 402 with a 700R behind it. Put about 50000 miles with sometimes towing a car trailer and car. Never had a heat problem. I have lived in Indiana, Florida, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, and now New York and have never had a problem with it to cold or to hot. Plus this is a used trans I put in there. Heres a pic of the front of the truck, not a GMC but it has the AC dryer and the cooler out front and cant see them. Attached Images __________________ 1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters

06-27-2006, 10:32 AM	#13
rodstored-72 chevy truck fan Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gilbert, arizona 85298 Posts: 1,990	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers hey guys, i am putting in a b&m finned "streetrod" style cooler on my '72 with a 383 stroker motor. i am wondering where some of you guys have mounted your tranny coolers??? if possible could you guys also tell specifically how you mounted them?? thanks!!! rodstored-72

06-27-2006, 11:39 AM	#14
49studebaker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victor, Montana Posts: 386	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers This is what it previously looked like before my build started. Lower left hand corner is the cooler. I hope to have a smoother look. So far I've gotten some really good ideas from you guys. __________________ 04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup

06-27-2006, 01:04 PM	#15
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,771	Re: I'd like opinions on transmission coolers Mine is a stacked plate cooler,28,000 GVM Here's a link to the install of it. http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blaze...ission_cooler/ __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE



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