Pros and cons of running stock and aftermarket cooler?
01-27-2011, 08:26 PM
#22
Also, to speak to the original post, there is also a theory that too much restriction in the trans cooling system (lines, cooler, fittings, etc) will damage the engine and/or transmission. Just a theory I've heard floating around. I have no experience with it, but it might be worth a search.
And come to find out, the 2 coolers didnt do very much more than one if any.
01-27-2011, 08:42 PM
#23
I never worried about running it through the stock cooler. As long as your aftermarket cooler as a good airflow getting to it then it won't get hot.
When I first got my PerformaBuilt transmission back in the day I got a small cooler and mounted it in front of the radiator and it NEVER saw over 195 at the track.
Then I went to a TH400 with a transbrake and a bigger cooler using 3/8 hose and ran it back to the front of the radiator (This way the fans will also pull some heat out) and it never saw over 165 on the street and 195 on the track (Hot lapping it in SuperPro).
There's no reason to run it in-line with the stock cooler.
When I first got my PerformaBuilt transmission back in the day I got a small cooler and mounted it in front of the radiator and it NEVER saw over 195 at the track.
Then I went to a TH400 with a transbrake and a bigger cooler using 3/8 hose and ran it back to the front of the radiator (This way the fans will also pull some heat out) and it never saw over 165 on the street and 195 on the track (Hot lapping it in SuperPro).
There's no reason to run it in-line with the stock cooler.
01-28-2011, 03:27 PM
#25
I never worried about running it through the stock cooler. As long as your aftermarket cooler as a good airflow getting to it then it won't get hot.
When I first got my PerformaBuilt transmission back in the day I got a small cooler and mounted it in front of the radiator and it NEVER saw over 195 at the track.
Then I went to a TH400 with a transbrake and a bigger cooler using 3/8 hose and ran it back to the front of the radiator (This way the fans will also pull some heat out) and it never saw over 165 on the street and 195 on the track (Hot lapping it in SuperPro).
There's no reason to run it in-line with the stock cooler.
When I first got my PerformaBuilt transmission back in the day I got a small cooler and mounted it in front of the radiator and it NEVER saw over 195 at the track.
Then I went to a TH400 with a transbrake and a bigger cooler using 3/8 hose and ran it back to the front of the radiator (This way the fans will also pull some heat out) and it never saw over 165 on the street and 195 on the track (Hot lapping it in SuperPro).
There's no reason to run it in-line with the stock cooler.
Have you done comparison testing to see what the tranny would run at with the stock and aftermarket cooler in series?
01-28-2011, 05:51 PM
#26
That's still a little hot for my taste. Manufacterers say that tranny fluid starts to break down above 175 degrees. With the factory inline cooler in series with my B&M, I have not seen above 180 at the very most at the track in the summer.
Have you done comparison testing to see what the tranny would run at with the stock and aftermarket cooler in series?
Have you done comparison testing to see what the tranny would run at with the stock and aftermarket cooler in series?
IDK how you guys keep your trans so cool. Mine last fall was 180s at times just on the street with just the stock stall.
Cooler is always better but just because the fluid starts to break down at 175 (if its true) dosent mean your trans is gonna be toast. Just means you need to change the fluid. Gm manual says normal operating temp is 190-200 I believe (not saying they are right either) But I would have to say even if your trans were to stay 185 your in decent shape.
Ill be doing a test this spring on the stock cooler in series with external
01-28-2011, 06:45 PM
#29
Also, I think someone else brought it up, but your temp is going to be different depending on where your sending unit is. The fluid is hotter leaving the converter to go to the cooler than it is in the lines after the cooler or sitting in the pan.
01-31-2011, 10:38 AM
#31
I'd put it in the pan - it will give you the best baseline temp of your trans. Putting it in the cooler line between the converter and the cooler will tell you what the trans temp is before the cooler had the chance to do its job. If you put the sender in the cooler line, your trans temps will always read a little warmer, but the principle is still the same: if it gets too hot, you have a problem!
I think a lot of it is personal preference.
I think a lot of it is personal preference.
01-31-2011, 09:01 PM
#33
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Definately in the pan for sender. But if u really want to keep it all cool, ive got a hayden cooler with 1/2in lines to the rear of car with a fan hooked up with a thermostat switch. never gets above 150. Had same setup on my street and drag car with success. went 4 seasons on my 78 camaro street strip racing every weekend and that trans is still going with new owner 2 years later!
02-01-2011, 07:14 AM
#35
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Now when you say the pan, is there any specific spot I should lean towards? If anyone has got any pictures to help me get a better idea, that'd be great.
05-05-2016, 03:55 PM
#39
I'm not convinced that running the stock cooler and aftermarket together is all that more effective. I only run my fluid currently through a hayden 7 1/2"x13"x 3/4" cooler and not the stock radiator cooler. about a month ago while my buddy and i were tuning my car in with i'd say atleast 12-15 hotlaps with very little time in between he said the readout on HP tuners trans temp never got above 195 degrees. This was an 80 degree day also. With that being said give me a reason why i should switch my setup. I will be installing a trans temp gauge once my tranny gets back from being upgraded though to monitor it better
05-05-2016, 08:11 PM
#40
In no way, shape or form is running an aftermarket cooler inline with the factory radiator better than just an aftermarket cooler alone. We tested it. Running both saw a restriction in pressure and flow as well as increase in temp. Just go buy the largest cooler that will fit in front of the radiator and bypass the factory radiator. Install sending unit in side of trans pan and your good to go.