Trans coolers ... how much do they drop temps?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,063
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by HotLaperC5
What kind of drop in temp can you expect from a good trans cooler..... 10... 20 degrees or more? What's your experience?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 10
From: Monticello MN
Originally Posted by HotLaperC5
What kind of drop in temp can you expect from a good trans cooler..... 10... 20 degrees or more? What's your experience?
Mine, with a cooler, runs between about 158 to 185 degrees, dependent on outside air temp, and whether i'm on the freeway or in town. In the nineties, I run toward the upper end of the range I stated. It takes a long time to get there however. In the 80's, I run toward the lower end of the range on the freeway. As there's no transmission fluid thermostat to control this, I assume others are somewhat similar in their variances. However, a lower coolant thermostat may lower the temps as the fluid still passes through the radiator core cooler. I'm running a stock thermostat, but am planning on changing. It's hard to pin down a specific number as there are so many variables that can affect the transmission fluid temperature. What I can say is, whenever I've checked with someone I'm cruising with, under identical conditions, I'm ALWAYS running quite a bit cooler. I'm using a Hayden cooler.
Ed
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
I've heard good things about B&M 24,000 cooler as well. I bought it from a member here, and am still waiting for him to send it to me. Will probably get it in a few days....
Anyone knows what's the most effective way to put on a Tranny cooler ? Some say, just by pass the tranny radiator for it to work the best and keep temps really down. Others say, put it in a series, before the radiator...
So whats the best way to achieve the lower temps ?
Thanks in advance... Its all good info and education on this forum..
Anyone knows what's the most effective way to put on a Tranny cooler ? Some say, just by pass the tranny radiator for it to work the best and keep temps really down. Others say, put it in a series, before the radiator...
So whats the best way to achieve the lower temps ?Thanks in advance... Its all good info and education on this forum..
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 0
From: NE PA
Trans coolers ... how much do they drop temps?
In my case, a lot!
I installed the smallest tranny cooler B&M sells and it lowered my tranny temps 20+ degrees.
In the summer, my ATF temps would creep above 200 degrees with my 3500 stall torque converter. Now on the hottest days of the year, they'll run in the 180 degree range.
In my case, a lot!
I installed the smallest tranny cooler B&M sells and it lowered my tranny temps 20+ degrees.
In the summer, my ATF temps would creep above 200 degrees with my 3500 stall torque converter. Now on the hottest days of the year, they'll run in the 180 degree range.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
It really all depends on what size cooler you run.
I have a SY3500 converter that raises temps and with my cooler installed inline after the radiator, I've yet to see temps over 160 on the street even when running hard through the twisties in 2nd or 3rd gear in 90+ temps. On a road course in 90+ temps the trans temp will go higher but still well under 200.
I have a SY3500 converter that raises temps and with my cooler installed inline after the radiator, I've yet to see temps over 160 on the street even when running hard through the twisties in 2nd or 3rd gear in 90+ temps. On a road course in 90+ temps the trans temp will go higher but still well under 200.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 232
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by SFVetteman
It really all depends on what size cooler you run.
I have a SY3500 converter that raises temps and with my cooler installed inline after the radiator, I've yet to see temps over 160 on the street even when running hard through the twisties in 2nd or 3rd gear in 90+ temps. On a road course in 90+ temps the trans temp will go higher but still well under 200.
I have a SY3500 converter that raises temps and with my cooler installed inline after the radiator, I've yet to see temps over 160 on the street even when running hard through the twisties in 2nd or 3rd gear in 90+ temps. On a road course in 90+ temps the trans temp will go higher but still well under 200.
Please tell me again exactly which model and where it is placed. Maybe the type, size of the lines make a difference too. And do you have it in series with the upper or lower radiator returns.
Thanks very much...
DH
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 46,765
Likes: 5
From: Boynton Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '07-'12, '20
Originally Posted by b98
20+ drop. By-pass rad. Rad. will just heat it back up. B&M get one thats wide & short, place at bottom of rad.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Howard, I use the B&M 70297: http://www.bmracing.com/index.php?id...bcat=28&pid=75 In normal driving temps never reach 140, which is probably overkill for the street but running on a road course generates tremendous heat. My first cooler, a B&M 70264, would get to 235 in 75 degree temps after only 3 laps at Buttonwillow. That’s at least 40 degrees more than the highest temp I ever saw on the street regardless of the temp or driving conditions.
I have it mounted vertically on the drivers side of the A/C condenser using the Summit SUM-G4990 mounting kit: http://store.summitracing.com/defaul....asp&x=37&y=11
I use –6 AN (3/8”) fittings & stainless braided lines because I don’t like the looks and the potential for leaks when using rubber hose and clamps. The cooler is plumbed between the top radiator fitting and the return line (upper) of the trans. If you choose to go with AN fittings, here’s a post of what you’ll need: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...602&forum_id=1 Since you have an ’04, you’ll need to find out the type of fittings it uses on the transmission lines unless you choose to cut the return line and use the hose and clamp method. I know there is a post about it somewhere in the CF archives or it should be stated in a more recent parts book then I have.
BTW, I believe I met you at Andy’s BBQ…I was the one hobbling around like Walter Brennon used to do in his movies.
Bill
I have it mounted vertically on the drivers side of the A/C condenser using the Summit SUM-G4990 mounting kit: http://store.summitracing.com/defaul....asp&x=37&y=11
I use –6 AN (3/8”) fittings & stainless braided lines because I don’t like the looks and the potential for leaks when using rubber hose and clamps. The cooler is plumbed between the top radiator fitting and the return line (upper) of the trans. If you choose to go with AN fittings, here’s a post of what you’ll need: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...602&forum_id=1 Since you have an ’04, you’ll need to find out the type of fittings it uses on the transmission lines unless you choose to cut the return line and use the hose and clamp method. I know there is a post about it somewhere in the CF archives or it should be stated in a more recent parts book then I have.
BTW, I believe I met you at Andy’s BBQ…I was the one hobbling around like Walter Brennon used to do in his movies.
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by HotLaperC5
What kind of drop in temp can you expect from a good trans cooler..... 10... 20 degrees or more?
It's not the usual B&M that everyone recommends, but some Swedish brand that A&A carries. I am now a believer.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Peoria AZ
My cooler is rated at 18,000 GVW and measures 7.25"x11"x.75". I bought it from Oregon Performance and my transmission temps were in the 212-216 (As high as 223) range with 110 degree air temp and now temps have stayed under 187 degrees. Installed my cooler in series of the radiator and works great. It cost me around $54.00 shipped to my door.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 232
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by SFVetteman
Howard, I use the B&M 70297: http://www.bmracing.com/index.php?id...bcat=28&pid=75 In normal driving temps never reach 140, which is probably overkill for the street but running on a road course generates tremendous heat. My first cooler, a B&M 70264, would get to 235 in 75 degree temps after only 3 laps at Buttonwillow. That’s at least 40 degrees more than the highest temp I ever saw on the street regardless of the temp or driving conditions.
I have it mounted vertically on the drivers side of the A/C condenser using the Summit SUM-G4990 mounting kit: http://store.summitracing.com/defaul....asp&x=37&y=11
I use –6 AN (3/8”) fittings & stainless braided lines because I don’t like the looks and the potential for leaks when using rubber hose and clamps. The cooler is plumbed between the top radiator fitting and the return line (upper) of the trans. If you choose to go with AN fittings, here’s a post of what you’ll need: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...602&forum_id=1 Since you have an ’04, you’ll need to find out the type of fittings it uses on the transmission lines unless you choose to cut the return line and use the hose and clamp method. I know there is a post about it somewhere in the CF archives or it should be stated in a more recent parts book then I have.
BTW, I believe I met you at Andy’s BBQ…I was the one hobbling around like Walter Brennon used to do in his movies.
Bill
I have it mounted vertically on the drivers side of the A/C condenser using the Summit SUM-G4990 mounting kit: http://store.summitracing.com/defaul....asp&x=37&y=11
I use –6 AN (3/8”) fittings & stainless braided lines because I don’t like the looks and the potential for leaks when using rubber hose and clamps. The cooler is plumbed between the top radiator fitting and the return line (upper) of the trans. If you choose to go with AN fittings, here’s a post of what you’ll need: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...602&forum_id=1 Since you have an ’04, you’ll need to find out the type of fittings it uses on the transmission lines unless you choose to cut the return line and use the hose and clamp method. I know there is a post about it somewhere in the CF archives or it should be stated in a more recent parts book then I have.
BTW, I believe I met you at Andy’s BBQ…I was the one hobbling around like Walter Brennon used to do in his movies.
Bill
Thanks for the links and indepth post.
I had Andy install mine. I believe its a Setrang or some such thing that he recommended becuase they are used on the SC setups I beleve.
Anyways, I have a feeling it may be connected to the lower line, hoses may be restricting flow, or its just not as efficient as the one you have. It is mounted up against the front of the condenser.
DH
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 232
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by BW1
Coincidentally, I just did this change yesterday (along with an FLP L4 and a Vig 2400), and had my maiden voyage today. The tc undoubtedly produces more heat, but I believe the FLP inherently runs a bit cooler, so I think frictional heat in my drivetrain is a wash. In the 2hr drive back from A&A today, which included some (ahem) "spirited" runs and lots of LA bumper-to-bumper traffic, I saw an average 30-32º drop (and today was hot).
It's not the usual B&M that everyone recommends, but some Swedish brand that A&A carries. I am now a believer.
It's not the usual B&M that everyone recommends, but some Swedish brand that A&A carries. I am now a believer.
I'm glad you got the "glitch" worked out. So what were your actual tranny temps today. Mine were180-185 once it gets warmed up which does take awile by the way. I'm sure you got the same cooler as me (lots more money than the B&M right). Did they use braided lines. Do you know if they installed inline with radiator (top or bottom line) or stand alone.
And call me about how it DRIVES......
DH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Dirty Howie
So what were your actual tranny temps today. Mine were180-185 once it gets warmed up which does take awile by the way.
. . .
And call me about how it DRIVES......
. . .
And call me about how it DRIVES......
I left you a message on your cell phone hours ago, but I'm gg to bed now, so try me tomorrow.
BTW, you only know a small part of my misadventure.
I'm thinking of changing my screen name to Mr. Lucky or Lucky Bob. Waddya think?
-Bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Duh, I just remembered... the name of the company that makes the cooler was on my invoice - Setrab. A Google search for setrab transmission cooler will turn up tons of hits.