Transmission Cooler Advice
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Transmission Cooler Advice
The search function doesn't return as much as it used to.
I want to add a tranny cooler to my summit order. Is there any difference in cooling between the finned heat sink type and the radiator type? The finned type seems like it would be easier to mount and more sturdy. If you mount the radiator type to the condenser, does it stress the condenser tubes? Do you have to pull the radiator to get at the back of the condenser? Do any of the kits supply line?
Who recommends what and why? Thanks
I want to add a tranny cooler to my summit order. Is there any difference in cooling between the finned heat sink type and the radiator type? The finned type seems like it would be easier to mount and more sturdy. If you mount the radiator type to the condenser, does it stress the condenser tubes? Do you have to pull the radiator to get at the back of the condenser? Do any of the kits supply line?
Who recommends what and why? Thanks
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
I have a B&M mounted to the front of my condensor.
Don't mind the mess under my car in these pics.
Don't mind the mess under my car in these pics.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
On Mojo's recommendation, I bought the same B&M that he has from Summit Racing (model # 70268). It was under $50... but it gets better. Summit Fed-Exed it to my the the next day! No additional shipping charges! It was quite possibly the easiest transaction I have ever had in my life.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 0
From: OH
I highly recommend the B&M plate style unit. I've been thru a couple different units and mountings so far unit I've got it right. The only way to get good cooling is up in front of the radiator. My past two were tube & fin style mounted in front of the power steering cooler, neither (one had a 400cfm fan) provided enought cooling.
I just took a drive today, after 25 miles on the freeway at about 75mph with spurs a bit higher
when I got home temp was 120F. Before the cooler would be seeing close to 200F.
Of course it was 33F outside, but it works.
I removed my A/C condensor at the same time of install (went with the larger race unit) so was plenty of space.
I'd figure the easist way is to at least pull the condensor and mount with a bit more space, plus gives you a chance to clean out around your radiator.
I just took a drive today, after 25 miles on the freeway at about 75mph with spurs a bit higher
when I got home temp was 120F. Before the cooler would be seeing close to 200F. Of course it was 33F outside, but it works.
I removed my A/C condensor at the same time of install (went with the larger race unit) so was plenty of space.
I'd figure the easist way is to at least pull the condensor and mount with a bit more space, plus gives you a chance to clean out around your radiator.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 0
From: Olathe, KS USA
I used a Hayden #514, 3/4”x 7.5”x 12” tube and fin design, AutoZone $40 the kit comes with cooler hose clamps and fittings.
I placed the cooler on the AC condenser up in front of the primary fan and plumbed into the transmission return line. This is the most efficient place for cooling the fluid as-per the instructions. I pulled the upper radiator shroud to make the install easier.
Pic,
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...anscooler5.JPG
I ran the hoses out the right side of the upper radiator shroud thinking the return line was the top one, NOT… it’s the bottom, at least on my 92'.
So after thinking about it I finally ran the plumbing. Used a 20” stick of pre-flared and fitted 5/16th tubing, ran it up from the lower radiator cooler outlet and connected it to the cooler hose.
Purchased a tubing bender for the job (always looking to new buy tools). Took some time and used coat hanger wire to get the bends just right.
Pic,
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/phot...er_lines_3.JPG
Luckily, I was able to bend the transmission return tube up and attach the hose from the cooler. The main objective was to not have the tubing and hose rub on anything, but where it did I installed some black plastic wire loom.
Pic,
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/phot...er_lines_2.JPG
Pic,
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/phot...ler_line_1.JPG
This job was a little more work than I had anticipated but it’s finished and looks good.
Good Luck with your install.
I placed the cooler on the AC condenser up in front of the primary fan and plumbed into the transmission return line. This is the most efficient place for cooling the fluid as-per the instructions. I pulled the upper radiator shroud to make the install easier.
Pic,
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...anscooler5.JPG
I ran the hoses out the right side of the upper radiator shroud thinking the return line was the top one, NOT… it’s the bottom, at least on my 92'.
So after thinking about it I finally ran the plumbing. Used a 20” stick of pre-flared and fitted 5/16th tubing, ran it up from the lower radiator cooler outlet and connected it to the cooler hose.
Purchased a tubing bender for the job (always looking to new buy tools). Took some time and used coat hanger wire to get the bends just right.
Pic,
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/phot...er_lines_3.JPG
Luckily, I was able to bend the transmission return tube up and attach the hose from the cooler. The main objective was to not have the tubing and hose rub on anything, but where it did I installed some black plastic wire loom.
Pic,
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/phot...er_lines_2.JPG
Pic,
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/phot...ler_line_1.JPG
This job was a little more work than I had anticipated but it’s finished and looks good.
Good Luck with your install.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,488
Likes: 4
From: Frostburg MD
Installed a B&M 70268 on mine L98 also, ran the lines through holes I drilled in the radiator shroud, used rubber grommets on them to keep lines from chaffing. Radiator didn't need to be pulled, just lifted up condensor and mounted to it. Pics are here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...n=2&whenterm=y , hope the picture names explain themselves.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
The coil & fin cool better. The 'heat sink' is more durable and easier to mount.
For either it's essential where you put it. I'd recommend in front of the condensor.
For either it's essential where you put it. I'd recommend in front of the condensor.
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