Anybody use an external automatic trans fluid cooler? If so which is the best route:
1)  Still running through the radiator then out to the external cooler back to the trans?
2)  To the external cooler first, then through the radiator, back to the trans?
3) By pass the radiator and only run through the external cooler?
4) External cooler with or without an electric fan attached to the cooler?

  I live in Mesa, Arizona (daily driver 82)and am fighting the hot runing already. So far I have installed a hi-flow pump/hi-flow t-state (180 degree), new stock radiator and an aftermarket electric fan replacement that is manually switched on. (1500 cfm) and Water Wetter with 50/50 water/glyco. Still running 200 - 230 in idle traffic WITH the a/c on. No a/c - no heat up problems.
  Now, the outside air temps are only 105, but this is just the beginning for us lizards here -  110 - 115 is the norm in summer time and my 82 being a daily driver has me worried. Of course I can always turn off the a/c when it heats up, but then I would also have to carry a complete change of cloths - SWEAT!
  I have been thinking about the external cooler for the trans as another way to help cool down the running temp - cooler trans fluid running through the radiator should help, right? This would also be a plus for the trans to run a little cooler also.
  I of course have the option to invest in an aluminum radiator w/ duel fans, but was really hoping to wait as I have other high priority repairs and upgrades to do.
  Sorry this is so long...
Thanks!

Run the largest cooler you can fit in front...do NOT run it thru the radiator. Place it as low as you can, so it will get the best chance of airflow thru it.
Get a "stacked plate" design, not one of the cheaper, "tube & fin" types. While either design will work, the stacked fin types will cool better, and take up less space.
Getting the trans fluid out of the engine cooling system will help some, both for the engine and the trans. The trans will normally run about 40deg cooler by not running the fluid thru the radiator.

               Get one like THIS ONE(Stacked plate)

                         Not one like THIS ONE(Tube & fin) Adams' Apple2007-05-15 19:00:30

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I have a car being rebuilt right now (not a Vette) and the speed shop that installed the crate engine and 700R4 transmission bypassed the radiator cooler and installed a transmission cooler in front of the radiator and a/c condensor. From what they say it's actually better than the stock set up and will keep the transmission fluid cooler.

The trick is to not to install a lightweight auxiliary cooler but a tranny cooler designed for the purpose as the primary cooler. They're heavier duty and better made.

I'm not using electric fans, but in Arizona it might be a good thing to do.

I also bypassed my radiator and went into an external tranny cooler for my 700R4.  Maybe another thing to add to reduce other fluid temperatures would be a new oil pan that holds more oil and a new tranny pan with the cooling fins and deeper to hold a little more oil.  It will definitely help when you get an aluminum radiator with the dual e-fans!!

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1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

(click to see a bigger version)

I will do some measuring and see exactly what size of cooler I can fit in front. I will also get the stacked plate design cooler and bypass the radiator.
Thanks for the advice all!

Joel whats wrong with the tube and fin?  I believe thats what they installed on my Pacer when I had the trans rebuilt.  I guess its better then the one I had before that .... NADA !!!

cilrah2007-05-16 21:18:36

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MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

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"Keep up the Pace"

Nothing inherently wrong with them, just not nearly as efficient, or durable. If you were to open one up, you would see just a round tube, with a twisted sheet metal(alum) stick in the center of the tube. This is all that slows the fluid going thru the cooler, and the only thing that keeps the fluid in contact with the walls of the tube.
Same as your radiator, if the fluid goes thru the cooler/rad. too fast, it won't get cooled.
The stacked plate design regulates the fluid flow much better. They also have more area for air contact, allowing the fluid to cool mooch better in the time it is circulating thru the cooler. Either design will work, but the stacked plate is just more efficient.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Ordered a B&M 11"x4" stacked plate fluid cooler, I'll update after installation with results.
Thanks!