Camaro and Firebird: Transmission Cooler Information
Are you thinking about getting a transmission cooler, but don't know where to start? This article has all the pertinent info you need regarding transmission coolers and what's available for you.
This article applies to the Camaro and Firebird (1990-2002).
Let's face it: transmissions take a lot of abuse, especially the ones that live behind high horsepower engines like the LS1. Keeping your engine's RPM's in a usable range and transmitting all that power to the wheels generates a ton of heat, which under normal circumstances is controlled by transmission fluid. But if temps get too high, fluid can burn, which can cause some serious damage inside your transmission. The answer is a transmission cooler, a unit designed specifically to keep temperatures within a safe operating range. They are cheap (often $50 or less) insurance that will protect and prolong the life of your expensive transmission parts, no matter what the application.
Do You Need a Transmission Cooler?
In a word, yes. There are a ton of great transmission coolers out there for less than $100, which is incredibly cheap insurance, considering the cost of transmission parts. Most modern transmissions run in the 150 to 250 degree range, but the optimal operating temperature for transmission fluid is 175 degrees or less. If you have installed an aftermarket torque converter or stall kit, a cooler can help prevent damage over time. They are also easy to install, meaning that you can probably do it yourself even if you're just a shadetree mechanic.
Types of Transmission Coolers
There are two basic types of transmission coolers to choose from: tube and fin style, and stacked plate style. The tube and fin style transmission coolers are cheaper, but not quite as efficient as the stacked plate style. Outside of those two choices, there are a ton of options available. It's a good idea to pick the biggest cooler you can fit on your car, especially if you plan on adding horsepower in the future, as you won't have to worry about buying another one down the road. You can't overdo it in this case, as the more cooling power the better. Some of the most popular models of transmission coolers among LS owners include the B&M 70264 (stacked plate, around $60), the Hayden OC-1404 (around $50), the B&M 24k, and the Flex-a-Lite 18k (around $50), but there are countless other good ones out there.
Figure 2. A tube style transmission cooler. 
Figure 3. A fin style transmission cooler.
Mounting a Transmission Cooler
Most transmission cooler kits are universal, meaning that they come with a variety of pieces and parts that you may or may not need for your vehicle's specific installation. The most popular places to mount a cooler are either in front of the radiator or underneath the front bumper; though, some even mount them behind the rear bumper as shown below. Installation will vary based on the type of kit you buy and where you locate it, but generally involves removal of some components to gain access for mounting the cooler, securing it in place, and running the plumbing to your transmission. Installation time generally run from two to four hours, depending on the location you choose to go with.
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