I'm in the process of finishing up my restoration/modification project on my '79. I have upgraded the L-48 to a 465HP 450TQ 383 and I installed a shift kit and a 2000 RPM stall converter in my TH350.

I would rather not install the cooler in front of my radiator so I'm thinking about mounting a transmission cooler here (Just under the radiator overflow tank and in front of the passenger side air vent)


I have measured out the area and it appears that I can easily fit a 8"x11" B&M supercooler (28,000 lbs).

Can anyone tell me if air actually flows through these side vents? If so, is there enough air movement for the transmission cooler to actually function?

Does anyone have any other ideas as to where I should install a transmission cooler instead?

Thanks for any opinions I can get

 

Your project looks great! I'm sure you're looking forward to finishing. I recently installed a tranny cooler, (4x17), in front of the radiator, down low, figuring this is where it will work best. A narrow finned heat exchanger of this type needs a good air flow. I think you would have fairly good air flow in the location you are considering, however, I think it will be hot air drawn out of the shroud by the fan, and only when the fan is pulling.(clutch engaged) Most Mfg. place all their coolers up front for best results.

Will you be installing a gauge to monitor trans. temp? If so, how will you plumb it ?

 

Hey, Thanks also for the picture. I'm just getting around to making up some rubber splash skirts for my inner fenders. This photo will be of great help!

 

I hate to tell you this, but I purchased those rubber splash skirts from Zip, complete with mounting pins for $12 for the pair. I know its a lot more rewarding to make your own parts, but I just don't have the patience to make my own. Anyways, glad the picture can help you.


I wasn't intending on installing a transmission temp gauge as I really want to maintain the stock look as much as possible in the interior of the car. I'm not planning on racing the car or really running too hard all that often. I wasn't too sure about mounting in front of the radiator as I assumed that the additional heat from the trans cooler might affect the overall cooling of the engine. However, if it really isn't a problem, then I think I'll consider that route.

And thanks for the comments!

 

go ahead and mount it in the nose, look at bankok deans pics he has his up there. The tranny will not put off enough heat to interfere with engine cooling. You definately need it somewhere there is airflow. There are some models that you can even mount under the car and use that airflow to cool and work very well, they look like a long aluminum heat sink,