LS4 Performance Grand Prix GXP | Monte Carlo SS | Impala SS | LaCrosse Super

External trans filter installed. New pics!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 21, 2012 | 09:42 PM
  #1  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default External trans filter installed. New pics!

I have been wanting to do this for awhile now. X11 Nut's install provoked me to finally do it LOL.. I was going to go to the track, but it rained out and my helment expired



I installed the filter bracket on the frame rail with a screw and JB weld, and ran the hoses under the frame.


Ditch the 180 fittings, and use some 90 degree ones instead


I used foam to protect the hoses from the curved portion of the frame (not pictured)


Install was pretty easy. The feed line was cut and plumbed into the oil filter bracket inlet marked "IN", and the line that goes into the upper portion of the radiator went into the outlet port marked "out".The hardest part of the job was cleaning up the mess.

Last edited by DavidGXP; Oct 24, 2012 at 12:20 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2012 | 10:20 PM
  #2  
BlackImpSS's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Peru, Illinois
Default

Nice install. I will have to add this to my todo list once I get a new trans, which I actually think will be sooner than later.

Not to thread jack, but is a common symptom of a failing trans a noise that's sounds similiar to a rod knock in 3rd at 30 mph with very little throttle applied. I'm thinking something to do with the TC trying to lock/unlock.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 01:37 PM
  #3  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

Originally Posted by BlackImpSS
Nice install. I will have to add this to my todo list once I get a new trans, which I actually think will be sooner than later.

Not to thread jack, but is a common symptom of a failing trans a noise that's sounds similiar to a rod knock in 3rd at 30 mph with very little throttle applied. I'm thinking something to do with the TC trying to lock/unlock.
Is your DOD turned off? I had the rattle when the DOD was active during light throttle.

Last edited by DavidGXP; Oct 24, 2012 at 12:14 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 01:45 PM
  #4  
DuronClocker's Avatar
11 Second Club
15 Year Member
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater, FL
Default

If I end up keeping the car (which it seems I will), I'd like to change the trans fluid/filter in the very near future, and I'd like to add this along with a shift kit. How often should this filter be replaced? Can it be replaced with a filter from a parts store, or is there something special about it that requires it to be the Derale filter?
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 01:56 PM
  #5  
BlackImpSS's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Peru, Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by DavidGXP
Is you DOD turned off? I had the rattle when the DOD was active during light throttle.
DOD is turned on for the time being. I'm hoping when I get my PCM/tcm tuned from keving he will be able to turn it off for me. Guess ill bring it to the stealership to see what they say. I need to talk to them about my oil loss between oil changes as well lol. Might as well use the remainder of warranty before there's a turbo sitting under the hood and they laugh when I bring it in.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 02:15 PM
  #6  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

Originally Posted by DuronClocker
If I end up keeping the car (which it seems I will), I'd like to change the trans fluid/filter in the very near future, and I'd like to add this along with a shift kit. How often should this filter be replaced? Can it be replaced with a filter from a parts store, or is there something special about it that requires it to be the Derale filter?
You will need to use a high PSI filter. Derale kit comes with a filter list.
The instuctions said to change the filter every 30K miles.

The filter will protect the trans from clogging the radaitor and cooler if the trans blows, and it will also reduce front pump, and torque converter debris from going back into the transmission.
Is it really needed? It's hard to say.. I feel that is better safe then sorry.

I will be adding the GM magnets next week.

Last edited by DavidGXP; Oct 22, 2012 at 09:03 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 02:16 PM
  #7  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

Originally Posted by BlackImpSS
DOD is turned on for the time being. I'm hoping when I get my PCM/tcm tuned from keving he will be able to turn it off for me. Guess ill bring it to the stealership to see what they say. I need to talk to them about my oil loss between oil changes as well lol. Might as well use the remainder of warranty before there's a turbo sitting under the hood and they laugh when I bring it in.
It is nothing to worry about, and is normal.
Hahahahaa....
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 06:57 PM
  #8  
nmp0098's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Farmington Hills, MI
Default

You and x11 nut might have motivated me to look into this. I need to change the fluid soon, so I'm looking at the extra magnets too. I'm taking it that you plumbed the filter before the cooler?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 07:05 PM
  #9  
BlackImpSS's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Peru, Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by DavidGXP
It is nothing to worry about, and is normal.
Hahahahaa....
Well good thing you pointed me in the right direction because I was looking through threads about transmission failures/noises. I would have never guessed it was DOD.

Maybe ill bring it in anyway, and hope they start throwing new parts at it to fix the "problem"

Thanks again
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 09:07 PM
  #10  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

After reviewing this thread, and looking at the pics, I have decided to install some 90* fittings and ditch the 180's. I am also going to use different hose clamps.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 09:11 PM
  #11  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

Originally Posted by nmp0098
You and x11 nut might have motivated me to look into this. I need to change the fluid soon, so I'm looking at the extra magnets too. I'm taking it that you plumbed the filter before the cooler?
Do it man. It's only a 60.00 mod after install.
The kit was 46.95 from summit, and I ended up adding a quart of fluid.

In fact; I think you could build a kit for much cheaper!

The fluid goes from the trans into the filter.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2012 | 12:10 AM
  #12  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

I installed some 90* fittings today, and mounted the filter bracket with all three screws.
The filter must add some extra cooling, because I couldn't get the trans hotter then
148* I used blue hose for all return connections now, so the trans cooler was redone as well. I have a snake pit of hose's under my car!





I used PST paste on the 180* fittings and the bastards started leaking. I woke up to a puddle of oil this morning. I used tuff stuff gasket maker on the the new fittings. NOT A DROP NOW. The new clamps are bulky but bite much harder, and the won't rip the hose when torqued.


I can pull this bad boy off in about 10 mins flat now. The lower air dam was all busted up, so I took sections of it out.
No more hitting curbs, or scraping when going up/down inclines.

Last edited by DavidGXP; Oct 24, 2012 at 01:09 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2013 | 08:30 PM
  #13  
99corvette's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

David I see you mounted your trans cooler the exact same way I did. My plastic under carriage piece would not go back on after I did that. Did you put yours on? Is is bad to leave it off?
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2013 | 10:02 PM
  #14  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

I trimmed the plastic panel with a dremel.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2013 | 10:08 PM
  #15  
boneheadzz's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Under Lake Michigan
Default

Three questions for David-

Does the cooler have threaded fittings or are they hose barbs?
Got a part # and brand?
Does the filter housing have to be mounted like you have it or can you turn it say 90 deg? I'm sure its messier at filter change time but I wonder if it would help with the hose routing?

Thanx!
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2013 | 11:27 PM
  #16  
91parkave's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 9
From: Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by boneheadzz
Three questions for David-

Does the cooler have threaded fittings or are they hose barbs?
Got a part # and brand?
Does the filter housing have to be mounted like you have it or can you turn it say 90 deg? I'm sure its messier at filter change time but I wonder if it would help with the hose routing?

Thanx!
Summit racing
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 12:16 AM
  #17  
99corvette's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Yep summit racing is where I got mine and you can mount it any way you want
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 12:18 AM
  #18  
99corvette's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by DavidGXP
I trimmed the plastic panel with a dremel.
Think it will hurt to leave it off?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 10:07 PM
  #19  
DavidGXP's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
Default

I helps the cooling system, and aerodynamics.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 10:10 PM
  #20  
99corvette's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

I don't see how it helps the cooling system because its not like most air dams that pushes air up to the radiator. It's sealed off
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:09 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE