What transmission coolers are you swappers using?

[derotoreut]

I'm currently doing a 5.3L, LM7, 4L60E swap into my '70 K10. My radiator does NOT have auto trans cooling provisions. I'm trying to figure out what transmission cooler would be good to use as a primary cooler. I understand the importance of keeping the transmission fluid cool (200 deg or below).

The truck will NOT be a daily driver or used for towing. It will be driven only during the summer months as a fair weather truck only. It's getting Vintage Air and has radiator/condenser combo.

I contacted the people at Derale to ask them for help in sizing the right cooler. They told me that since I don’t have an auto trans cooler in my radiator that sizing of a primary cooler is important. They suggested that I get their PN 13960 for use as a primary cooler. It comes with 6 AN connections, 500 CFM fan and 180 degree in-line thermostat for turning on the fan. They said that this cooler can be mounted anywhere, and in any position. If I bought it I was thinking of installing it either under the bed, or horizontally up front just passed the core support. A good friend of mine said this is overkill and I don't need one with a fan. He says I should simplify and install a plate/fin or stacked plate style upfront in the core support area, just not in front of my radiator & condenser. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Here is info on the Derale cooler that was suggested:
https://derale.com/product-footer/fl...9/13960-detail

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

... install a plate/fin or stacked plate style upfront in the core support area, just not in front of my radiator & condenser. Any thoughts? ...

Must be smarter than OEM engineers I guess.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

The one they suggested is probably the best till you can test with the way you drive, and what you have.

I would recommend getting a radiator for the automatic. It helps keep the guild warm to boil out water contaminants. This is what I have on my Camaro project. I go through the aux cooler forstbthen back into the radiator to help keep it warm.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Must be smarter than OEM engineers I guess.

Actually he is quite smart and a good street rod builder. He has a 69 Camaro, 34 Buick, 55 Chevy, 56 Chevy, 64 Chevelle SS & 63 Falcon. All of them have LS engines, except the Falcon. He has won several awards at Goodguys and other shows. However on this subject I just don't get it. I was planning to install a cooler in front of my condenser, but he doesn't like the idea of stacking coolers with possible air flow restriction. I was surprised to hear that on his 34 Buick his only transmission cooler is a frame rail mounted heat-sink type. Not something I would do. In the meantime if/when you have something more constructive to add in order to help me, I'm all ears.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

I would recommend getting a radiator for the automatic. It helps keep the guild warm to boil out water contaminants. This is what I have on my Camaro project. I go through the aux cooler forstbthen back into the radiator to help keep it warm.

It is too late for this. I already have a LS swap radiator w/o auto trans cooling.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

...
I would recommend getting a radiator for the automatic. It helps keep the guild warm to boil out water contaminants. This is what I have on my Camaro project. I go through the aux cooler forstbthen back into the radiator to help keep it warm.

This is they key your friend doesn't realize (see above).
Putting the trans cooler in front and then running the fluid into the radiator heat exchanger is the best idea.
Many "streetrod" builders build for looks and not longevity. And yes I have won Goodguys awards, been on covers and featured in magazines myself.

[derotoreut]

OK I get it. I explained that it's too late for that. I already have a radiator that does not have auto trans cooling capability. I'm looking to see what others may have done that are in the same situation as me.

[Captainfab]

I would run an external trans cooler with a thermostatic valve to control the flow based on the temp. I believe Derale makes one.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I would run an external trans cooler with a thermostatic valve to control the flow based on the temp. I believe Derale makes one.

Yes Derale sells the thermostats. They also have fan driven with thermostatically controlled switches for turning on the fan. They recommended I buy the one in my 1st post with fan. As far as the thermostat is concerned, I'm not so sure I would need the thermostatic valve. This is a fair weather truck, only driven during summer. If it was an every day driver, in cold weather, then I would say "Yes" for sure.

[LS short box]

I've had good luck with the B&M supper coolers on a number of LS swaps the "stacked plate" type with NPT inlets and outlets so you can run -6 lines. As said above mine is a summer only driver. When I get into stop and go traffic the radiator electric fan pulls air thru it to help keep it cool. No AC on my swaps.

[Ghost's68]

I went with a Derale cooler with built in fan, placed under passenger side, off the frame. My buddy knocked out two brackets. So from trans it goes into a thermostat bypass valve, once open fluid goes through frame via bulk head and into the cooler. Fans are triggered via Derale temp switch. Trans has never been hotter then 190 in 80+ Cali heat and I’m running a 3600 stall converter behind my LS. Derale makes a great product. Not the best pic but you get the idea.

[derotoreut]

Hey Ghost's68, do you recall the part number of that cooler? As I mentioned in my first post, Derale recommended I purchase their PN 13960, which looks similar to yours. Also are you triggering it through a relay?

Here is info on the Derale cooler that was suggested:
https://derale.com/product-footer/fl...9/13960-detail

[LS short box]

Most fans pull enough amps that a relay is a good idea. Also protected with an in-line fuse is a good.

[Ghost's68]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Hey Ghost's68, do you recall the part number of that cooler? As I mentioned in my first post, Derale recommended I purchase their PN 13960, which looks similar to yours. Also are you triggering it through a relay?

Here is info on the Derale cooler that was suggested:
https://derale.com/product-footer/fl...9/13960-detail

I called them up before I purchased it and was recommended this guy.
https://derale.com/product-footer/fl...9/13870-detail

Not currently using a relay, I just followed their simple wiring instructions. No issues to this day. Fan doesn’t turn on as much as I thought it would. Might run a relay in the future though.