A8 Cooler Installation
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Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
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From: Penticton BC
A8 Cooler Installation
We just wrapped up a front mounted transmission cooler installation at the shop today on a 2015 model. In a nutshell, here are some of the details...
Parts Used...
Derale 13740 cooler/fan combo
6AN lines to rear
6AN 90* hose end
6AN straight hose end
6AN 180* hose end
6AN 130* hose end
6AN thermal switch (mounted between cooler and hose), PermaCool 18899
2 - 6AN male to 3/8 hard line adapters
Heat shielding sleeve for lines
1 quart of trans fluid (Dexron HP or equivalent)
How We Did It...
1. Removed the front facia. This can be intimidating, but it is actually quite easy if you have a helper. Once all the screws are removed, give the facia a firm tug where it snaps into the retaining clips adjacent to the headlight assemblies. This is a good test of nerves to be sure.
2. Mounted the cooler in front of AC condenser on a leaned back (back at top) angle. The plastic enclosure between the AC condenser and grill was cut to allow the cooler to sit in place. The bottom flange on the cooler was bent and mounted to the plastic, while a simple bracket was made to mount the top to the bumper support. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I will try to post a pic soon.
3. Spliced into the cooler return line at rear. This is relatively easy to access. Cut the line and install the 2 - 6AN to 3/8 line adapters.
4. We removed the exhaust and heat shield below the torque tube and ran the lines in the torque tube tunnel. Lots of heat shield/sleeve was used on the lines. Be sure to budget for this.
5. The whole system (lines and cooler) required approximately 1 additional quart of oil to bring the fluid level back up to full. We used the AC Delco Dexron HP fluid.
How We Will Test It...
This is a car that sees frequent track days and Solo 1 style racing. Tomorrow we are off to the track to see if the transmission will stay cool enough to run a full session. In the past it has always entered limp mode (due to trans heat) before the session was complete. Stay tuned!
Parts Used...
Derale 13740 cooler/fan combo
6AN lines to rear
6AN 90* hose end
6AN straight hose end
6AN 180* hose end
6AN 130* hose end
6AN thermal switch (mounted between cooler and hose), PermaCool 18899
2 - 6AN male to 3/8 hard line adapters
Heat shielding sleeve for lines
1 quart of trans fluid (Dexron HP or equivalent)
How We Did It...
1. Removed the front facia. This can be intimidating, but it is actually quite easy if you have a helper. Once all the screws are removed, give the facia a firm tug where it snaps into the retaining clips adjacent to the headlight assemblies. This is a good test of nerves to be sure.
2. Mounted the cooler in front of AC condenser on a leaned back (back at top) angle. The plastic enclosure between the AC condenser and grill was cut to allow the cooler to sit in place. The bottom flange on the cooler was bent and mounted to the plastic, while a simple bracket was made to mount the top to the bumper support. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I will try to post a pic soon.
3. Spliced into the cooler return line at rear. This is relatively easy to access. Cut the line and install the 2 - 6AN to 3/8 line adapters.
4. We removed the exhaust and heat shield below the torque tube and ran the lines in the torque tube tunnel. Lots of heat shield/sleeve was used on the lines. Be sure to budget for this.
5. The whole system (lines and cooler) required approximately 1 additional quart of oil to bring the fluid level back up to full. We used the AC Delco Dexron HP fluid.
How We Will Test It...
This is a car that sees frequent track days and Solo 1 style racing. Tomorrow we are off to the track to see if the transmission will stay cool enough to run a full session. In the past it has always entered limp mode (due to trans heat) before the session was complete. Stay tuned!
Last edited by SRS_Chris; Sep 15, 2018 at 12:37 AM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
We just wrapped up a front mounted transmission cooler installation at the shop today on a 2015 model. In a nutshell, here are some of the details...
Parts Used...
Derale 13740 cooler/fan combo
6AN lines to rear
6AN 90* hose end
6AN straight hose end
6AN 180* hose end
6AN 130* hose end
6AN thermal switch (mounted between cooler and hose)
2 - 6AN male to 3/8 hard line adapters
Heat shielding sleeve for lines
1 quart of trans fluid (Dexron HP or equivalent)
How We Did It...
1. Removed the front facia. This can be intimidating, but it is actually quite easy if you have a helper. Once all the screws are removed, give the facia a firm tug where it snaps into the retaining clips adjacent to the headlight assemblies. This is a good test of nerves to be sure.
2. Mounted the cooler in front of AC condenser on a leaned back (back at top) angle. The plastic enclosure between the AC condenser and grill was cut to allow the cooler to sit in place. The bottom flange on the cooler was bent and mounted to the plastic, while a simple bracket was made to mount the top to the bumper support. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I will try to post a pic soon.
3. Spliced into the cooler return line at rear. This is relatively easy to access. Cut the line and install the 2 - 6AN to 3/8 line adapters.
4. We removed the exhaust and heat shield below the torque tube and ran the lines in the torque tube tunnel. Lots of heat shield/sleeve was used on the lines. Be sure to budget for this.
5. The whole system (lines and cooler) required approximately 1 additional quart of oil to bring the fluid level back up to full. We used the AC Delco Dexron HP fluid.
How We Will Test It...
This is a car that sees frequent track days and Solo 1 style racing. Tomorrow we are off to the track to see if the transmission will stay cool enough to run a full session. In the past it has always entered limp mode (due to trans heat) before the session was complete. Stay tuned!
Parts Used...
Derale 13740 cooler/fan combo
6AN lines to rear
6AN 90* hose end
6AN straight hose end
6AN 180* hose end
6AN 130* hose end
6AN thermal switch (mounted between cooler and hose)
2 - 6AN male to 3/8 hard line adapters
Heat shielding sleeve for lines
1 quart of trans fluid (Dexron HP or equivalent)
How We Did It...
1. Removed the front facia. This can be intimidating, but it is actually quite easy if you have a helper. Once all the screws are removed, give the facia a firm tug where it snaps into the retaining clips adjacent to the headlight assemblies. This is a good test of nerves to be sure.
2. Mounted the cooler in front of AC condenser on a leaned back (back at top) angle. The plastic enclosure between the AC condenser and grill was cut to allow the cooler to sit in place. The bottom flange on the cooler was bent and mounted to the plastic, while a simple bracket was made to mount the top to the bumper support. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I will try to post a pic soon.
3. Spliced into the cooler return line at rear. This is relatively easy to access. Cut the line and install the 2 - 6AN to 3/8 line adapters.
4. We removed the exhaust and heat shield below the torque tube and ran the lines in the torque tube tunnel. Lots of heat shield/sleeve was used on the lines. Be sure to budget for this.
5. The whole system (lines and cooler) required approximately 1 additional quart of oil to bring the fluid level back up to full. We used the AC Delco Dexron HP fluid.
How We Will Test It...
This is a car that sees frequent track days and Solo 1 style racing. Tomorrow we are off to the track to see if the transmission will stay cool enough to run a full session. In the past it has always entered limp mode (due to trans heat) before the session was complete. Stay tuned!
C7 transmission cooler
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 1,451
Yeesh. Now it's going to overheat on Coolant/oil temps. Why not have it horizontal position. That's a known good setup. I don't see another cooler there.
Last edited by BrunoTheMellow; Sep 15, 2018 at 05:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
The cooler was a success! For the first time ever, the owner of this Z51 equipped Corvette was able to complete full sessions at the local track (Area 27 in Oliver, BC). No warning lights for trans temp, engine temp, or oil temp whatsoever. He stated that the trans temp "never got past half" on the gauge. I trust that he was pushing the car hard because this experienced driver was bragging about being able to stay in front of a GT3 Porsche for an entire session. I have requested maximum fluid temps during the session(s) for the transmission, coolant, and engine oil. I should have that information shortly.
Last edited by SRS_Chris; Sep 18, 2018 at 01:36 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 1,451
The cooler was a success! For the first time ever, the owner of this Z51 equipped Corvette was able to complete full sessions at the local track (Area 27 in Oliver, BC). No warning lights for trans temp, engine temp, or oil temp whatsoever. He stated that the trans temp "never got past half" on the gauge. I trust that he was pushing the car hard because this experienced driver was bragging about being able to stay in front of a GT3 Porsche for an entire session. I have requested maximum fluid temps during the session(s) for the transmission, coolant, and engine oil. I should have that information shortly.
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