Hate to post a non LS1 question but I've tried it out on a 4x4 forum with no luck-here goes. I can't hardly believe I'm the only cheapskate who has thought about this.

I have a 83 Blazer with a 700R. It already has a aftermarket tranny cooler {kinda small for what I'm going to do with the vehicle}. I'm going to use that cooler for my power steering. I'm converting my AC compressor to use as on-board air {airing up tires, impact wrench ect.}.

That AC condensor in front of the radiator looks like it would make a great tranny cooler! It's huge, the tube diameter is something like 3/8s of a inch {no pressure loss to the tranny} and it's free! I would run the line from the tranny to the condensor first, then to the radiator. That way if the cooler did "too good" of a job cooling-the radiator would heat it back up a bit. What do ya'll think of this idea???

Second question. Could I use a mechanical water temp guage for a tranny temp guage if I weld a bung to the side of the tranny pan??

Any help would be appreciated greatly. If I could use both ideas, it would save me a bit of money.

 

I don't see why both ideas would't work.

* The condensor> flush it good before use; first with something that will mix with whatever refrigerant was in it, lastly with something (non-petrolium base) that will be compatable with your trany fluid, seals, friction discs exc.

* Water temp gage> leaks can be a bitch. I've welded quite a few fuel and hydralic tanks up and for me my first pass always looks perfect but leaks at the seams. I end up makeing three fillit type passes and that always holds for me. I don't know how you,de presure test the pan for leaks unless you fabbed a test plate.

* AC compresor> pretty low CFM output. Tight internal compresor clearances. Might sieze early in its new mission.

ttt for you ... Ron

 

Thanks feller, I have decided to give it a try. As far as welding the bung, shouldn't be a problem. I built a bumper on a Jeep I had that held air from the on-board compressor. At the worst, I may have to braze it to get rid of leaks. That what I ended up doing with the bumper but it had 125psi in it when it leaked.

The AC compressors work pretty good if you use the old Ford type. Pumped up 35s in no time and it would run a impact well enough to change wheels.

Thanks for the input, I was getting scared that it was a hair brained idea.