Specific F-body Radiator question, tranny line bends

[Project TNX]

I searched every thread, but didn't see the one question I have addressed.

Can our tranny lines be bent by the home wrench turner to fit into the factory plugs? Because if I have to buy a tranny cooler in addition to an oil cooler, then I am close enough to the TR specific radiator in cost to negate the whole thing.


Thanks.

 

[BlackBandit]

You should be able to hook the tranny lines up without a problem. It doesn't have an oil cooler though. IMO going with something like the f body radiator and an external oil and trans cooler (you can get one that does both) would be a better option than a gn specific radiator because the independent cooler will probably do a better job than the in-radiator cooler. My .02. james

 

[Project TNX]

You should be able to hook the tranny lines up without a problem. It doesn't have an oil cooler though. IMO going with something like the f body radiator and an external oil and trans cooler (you can get one that does both) would be a better option than a gn specific radiator because the independent cooler will probably do a better job than the in-radiator cooler. My .02. james

Thanks.


I'm tapped out on my budget for right now, and I don't like the radiator I have, so I think I may buy an F-body radiator tomorrow, an oil cooler, and then get a trans cooler later, to use with the one in the radiator. While I don't prioritize how something looks to how something performs, it is part of the equation for me. So I want the car to look factory as much as possible.

 

[BlackBandit]

No problem. I picked my radiator (f body) up used for $50. If I were to buy one of these http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+4294924500+4294839034+1004+4294888847+115+4294888764I'd still only have $150 in the setup. Well, probably some misc. hardware as well, but not all that bad. And not only would it work well, but it would be pretty transparent looks wise. Good luck to you. james

 

[Project TNX]

No problem. I picked my radiator (f body) up used for $50. If I were to buy one of these http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+4294924500+4294839034+1004+4294888847+115+4294888764I'd still only have $150 in the setup. Well, probably some misc. hardware as well, but not all that bad. And not only would it work well, but it would be pretty transparent looks wise. Good luck to you. james

Summit Combination Fluid Coolers: SUM-G4978 - summitracing.com


That's not bad at all. So with that and the radiator I would have all the fields covered for ~$180.00.

 

[Nasty]

Derale has a oil & trans fluid combo, 6 pass on oil and 4 pass on trans. You can get it from Summit for about $50. I have one on the way now. Best bet is to use both the radiator and aux trans coolers.

Derale Combination Coolers: DER-15902B - summitracing.com

The pic shows a 4/4 pass, but it is a 6/4 pass

 

[BlackBandit]

That is correct sir!:tongue:

 

[Project TNX]

That is correct sir!:tongue:

Excellent, I think I may just do that tomorrow.

 

[BlackBandit]

Best bet is to use both the radiator and aux trans coolers.

I know this is popular but I've heard concerns about the added pressure put back into the trans trying to pump through all the coolers and piping. I think the idea of using the stocker is to try and regulate the temperature but if you run through both coolers you're going to have less flow due to the added resistance. IMO it's not needed. An aftermarket cooler should be plenty. Just monitor the trans temp and you should be okay. Also, if going with a used radiator I wouldn't use the cooler in it unless I knew it's history just in case it was contaminated.

 

[Project TNX]

. Also, if going with a used radiator I wouldn't use the cooler in it unless I knew it's history just in case it was contaminated.

That's my predicament. I just don't feel comfortable leaving my $7,500.00 engine in the hands of a radiator that has seen better days and looks like a ticking timebomb. I'm sure it's fine mechanically, but $180.00 is worth my peace of mind.

 

[Nasty]

I know this is popular but I've heard concerns about the added pressure put back into the trans trying to pump through all the coolers and piping. I think the idea of using the stocker is to try and regulate the temperature but if you run through both coolers you're going to have less flow due to the added resistance. IMO it's not needed. An aftermarket cooler should be plenty. Just monitor the trans temp and you should be okay. Also, if going with a used radiator I wouldn't use the cooler in it unless I knew it's history just in case it was contaminated.

Back in the day, we would cut the trans lines and just add in the aux cooler on our hi-po cars-even though I seem to remember someone saying to run it after the radiator? After being in the dealer svc dept for 18 years, I have seen unwanted trans characteristics from cold trans temps-especially in colder months. I few weeks ago, a post was mentioning a cooler manufacture saying it may be benificial to run it before the radiator. Cools the hot fluid down, and the radiator will adjust it down further or back up to coolant temp-depending on circumstance at the time. Being we want our cars to run about 160-170, that is also a good temp for the trans also. Temp wise, a aux cooler and then the radiator makes sense. Additionally, seems just about all new automobile manufactures offer a aux cooler that is inline with the radiator, so I doubt restriction is even a issue at all. I have NEVER heard of a failure from someone using a aux cooler and radiator inline from restriction. I would think if the restriction from a aux cooler to the stock system hinders your trans-your trans or stk trans cooler systemalready has a problem that needed correcting.

If you have both, I would use both-I can't see it hurting anything, only improving the system. Just my .02 thats all.

 

[Project TNX]

Summit Combination Fluid Coolers: SUM-G4978 - summitracing.com


That's not bad at all. So with that and the radiator I would have all the fields covered for ~$180.00.

Okay, so I just ordered that combo cooler you referred me too.


Now I just need someone to confirm that AutoZone Part Number 433918 is the one with the tranny cooler and I'm all set on the cooling front.
433918

 

[BlackBandit]

That looks to be correct.

 

[Project TNX]

That looks to be correct.

Woot, Killer brand new cooling system for $189.00, can't beat that. Plus my old radiator is fine, just needs some TLC, the core was clean, so i can still sell it.