Trans Cooler

[DaRockwilder]

Hey all!

Is anyone running an external transmission cooler without running it through the radiator as well? I'm pretty sure you're supposed to plumb it so that the fluid goes through the external cooler and then into the radiator, so that the fluid still maintains a proper operating temp instead of getting too cold.

However, that was on RWD cars with big TH350's and TH400's. This 4T40E is a whole different animal.

Would running an external cooler only get the fluid too cold to work properly? Id like to run an aftermarket aluminum radiator that isn't as wide, but thicker. Most of the ones I've looked at online don't have the trans cooler in them. So I'd only be able to run an external cooler.

Any insight would be much appreciated!

[QCmustang]

you are not sopposed to run the lines back into the radiator. well ive never seen anyone run them back kinda defeats the purpose. as far as i know the transmission dosent need to be at a certain operating temp just the engine. if you run the fluid into the radiator its going to heat the fluid back up from the heat of the coolent. like i said ive seen coolers on street cars and strip cars and no one runs them back threw.

[Cliff8928]

http://haydenauto.com/pdf/instruction-sheets/P-468-transmission-oil-coolers.pdf

Looks like they recommend the radiator first, then the external cooler.

[jabartram]

i run a tranny cooler, and i bypassed the radiator. during the winter my tranny ould barely reach 100* on some days.

[BlackJack]

optimum trans temp is around 190*.

if your engine coolant reaches 210-220, it's counter-productive.

Personally, I'd run a stand-alone trans cooler w/fan and thermostatic control.

[DaRockwilder]

Personally, I'd run a stand-alone trans cooler w/fan and thermostatic control.

I was thinking the same thing. Can I tap the pan for an oil temp sensor and run the fan off of that, along with a gauge?

Thanks all for the replies!

[mfuller]

When I installed mine, I was instructed by Joe Roggenbeck (he did the running version of the SC'd Grand Am with the 5-speed, along with installing a 4T65-E HD in a SC'd Grand Am) to install the cooler after the fluid passed through the radiator, as Cliff noted.
Oh yes...he also put a Saturn/Opel 3.0L DOHC V6 in an Alero.....he said it was a wiring nightmare and had to learn German to decipher the schematics!

[DaRockwilder]

Okay.. but what I'm really asking is CAN I run an external cooler without using a trans cooler in the radiator, without the transmission fluid temp being too cold. Blackjack pointed out that the optimum temp is 190*. I'm just wondering if with an external cooler, would It constantly run LESS than that.

All the radiators I've looked at on www.summitracing.com in the width I want, don't have trans coolers in them. Here's an example: Click Here! (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=GRI%2D1%2D45202%2DX&N=700+4294924500+4294839040+1005+115&autoview=sku)

Thanks!

[BlackJack]

yes, you CAN run a stand-alone cooler setup. only thing is, it will just take a little longer for the trans to ease up to operating temperature.

The radiator helps bring the trans up to temp along with the engine.

Not necessary though, you can run one all by itself.

[DaRockwilder]

If I had a trans temp gauge I'd defenitley keep an eye on it and not beat on the car with a cold tranny.

Thanks Alot!

[jabartram]

i run my trans cooler as a stand alone, normal driving is aprox 160* when i run it hard it gets to aprox 190*.

[DaRockwilder]

What size is it?