I had to have the transmission rebuilt for my '06 Impala SS at 104K miles. At 153K, the transmission began acting up after a replacement wire harness installation. 20K later, that transmission is without 1st and possibly 2nd gear. I want to know where an external transmission cooler should be installed on an Impala SS? I'm considering a rebuild from Triple Edge and want to protect the transmission and the investment in my second transmission rebuild.

 

The topic of transmission coolers has been beaten to death, lots of info on it found with a search. Start there. Should be the same for all cars, they are usually not vehicle specific unless factory installed. Spawne used a Impala factory cooler, search his threads if you are looking for factory.

 

The cooler I got, came with everything I needed for the install. I should never have bought the extra hose (Hayden 106), as I had plenty left over.


I installed the standalone transmission cooler above. Removing the bumper is easy, but tedious. The trans cooler fits long ways across the condenser and it is a VERY tight fit between the radiator support and the condenser. It is sandwiched in between. Pulling the clip out of the lower radiator trans cooler line is tough, with very little room to maneuver. Don't forget to add transmission fluid (car is fully warmed up and idling).

My results after my first day (after standalone cooler) with my 65-70 minute drive to work.

Before numbers: 195-205 average
After numbers: 155-165 average

A 35-40 degree drop in ~70 degree weather.

That result/install was from last August. The highest I have seen it get since was barely creeping into 180* range (full car, uphill, warm day). I'm sure this summer will test it, but I doubt it will ever crack 200* in the worst conditions.

 

This is one of the stickys at the top of the forum threads:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/ls4-perfo...must-read.html

Seeing that it is your first post, welcome to the forums. I suggest reviewing all of the stickys, as they cover the most frequently asked things here pertaining LS4 W-cars.

Hope this helps you.

 

rottonj, 5.0stang, and El Cid, thank you for your replies. Your suggestions and links are greatly appreciated. I will especially pay attention to reviewing the stickys. Thanks again!