Transmission Cooler/Cooler lines

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wkroncke17

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All,
Looking for opinions on what you have experienced with Trans cooler and Trans Cooler lines.
Hoping My Demon will be mid 11's - small block w/904.
50/50 Street-strip.
There seems to be a lot of different ones out there??
Is a fan needed for trans cooler?
Looking at running -6 AN lines. Any Pros-cons to that?
I read a lot on here and learn, don't post too often.
Appreciate all the help!

Wally.
 
Run the fan if you can remote mount it and still get air to it.

The cooler can’t be too big or too efficient.

Don’t run the cooler lines through the radiator.
 
Here’s where I put mine. 69 Dart.
the “bigger the better” is true on coolers

A6B95C4D-2C4E-43E2-89BA-15D2F42BCA12.jpeg
 
I prefer the plate type transmission cooler. Mines mounted near the front lower valance for good air flow. 65'
 
Before Amazon I would go into Oreilly’s and ask: What is the biggest trans cooler you sell? Then I would buy it.
 
So the plate style as opposed to the tube/fin style, correct?
I haven’t bought one in over 30 years.
Any brand or size recommendations for in front of the radiator on a ‘72 Demon?
 
So the plate style as opposed to the tube/fin style, correct?
I haven’t bought one in over 30 years.
Any brand or size recommendations for in front of the radiator on a ‘72 Demon?

Look at Tru-Cool coolers. They're the same at the B&M plate coolers, but a lot less expensive. I run the M7B (8" x 11" x 1-1/2") in my 66 Dart.
 
I’ve read a lot have an fittings. Is there an adapter to put on the trans to an?
I just plumbed the car with 1/2” -8 fuel line, first time I’ve ever used them.
Thanks again all!
 
It was suggested that you do not run the cooler lines through the radiator.

That would be a mistake. The trans is designed to run at a specific temperature range too cold and it will not operate correctly and parts can wear out faster. Too hot and you have similar issues. The radiator warms up the trans and keeps it in the proper range. There are even thermostatic valves for trans coolers that bypass the extra cooler if the trans fluid is too cold. That would be the way to go to keep your trans in the proper temp range
 
I’ve read a lot have an fittings. Is there an adapter to put on the trans to an?
I just plumbed the car with 1/2” -8 fuel line, first time I’ve ever used them.
Thanks again all!

Just search an to npt adapters on google. Summit has them all. I like fragola, myself. They will be an on one end and not on the other.
 
Just search an to npt adapters on google. Summit has them all. I like fragola, myself. They will be an on one end and not on the other.
What is the NPT size on the trans side?
Is -6 the best to use for line size to the cooler?
 
It was suggested that you do not run the cooler lines through the radiator.

That would be a mistake. The trans is designed to run at a specific temperature range too cold and it will not operate correctly and parts can wear out faster. Too hot and you have similar issues. The radiator warms up the trans and keeps it in the proper range. There are even thermostatic valves for trans coolers that bypass the extra cooler if the trans fluid is too cold. That would be the way to go to keep your trans in the proper temp range


Call any transmission or converter shop and tell them that. They will tell you you are nuts.

If you are running a converter that needs more than a cooler in the radiator, running the cooler through the radiator is a giant mistake.

Most good aftermarket converters generate a ton more heat than a OE converter. Heat KILLs transmissions and converters.
 
I run -6 lines and I use a big B&M trans cooler in front of my radiator. I plugged my radiator trans cooler ports because I really don't need help getting the trans hot....with an 8" converter I can make it hot real quick, lol.
 
I use a B&M Super Cooler mounted in front of the radiator . The cooler is mounted horizontially to prevent air pockets with steel braided lines connected to the transmission . the braided lines were made from hydraulic grade materials with adapters to npt . The size is -6 . Done , done and done
 
Having run my race car with both air to air cooler and heat exchanger via the radiator..... I’ve had much better luck managing my trans temps utilizing the heat exchanger method (trans cooler in radiator). I also have the air/air log style mounted under the bumper for some additional cooling on the return side and some added fluid volume.
 
I try not to run the cooler in the radiator, I understand about heat management, but a friend of mine had the radiator cooler go bad. So the atf and antifreeze mixed. I have run the Moroso stick on heat pads on the trans pan before. I run the large plate cooler on everything I can. They make 1/2 pipe to # 6 an fittings, and 1/8 pipe to # 6 an fittings.
 
I run a Derale cooler/fan combo in front of my fuel cell, just behind the rear axle. Bought new on ebay for $40 (they're about $130 normally). At the trans I found NPT to -6 adapters on Summit, and ran ATF rated line to the cooler. Wired the fan to kick on at same time as rad fan. Keeps my 9.5" converter cool!

darttranscooler.jpg
 
Are you running a 5000 rpm convertor? Those cook fluid by design. I agree that the trans should be at a consistent temp especially for a bracket racer.
 
This all great info everyone, definitely very much appreciated.
I will be purchasing a plate cooler, using -6AN lines and obviously fabbing up some mount brackets.
Will post updates.
Thanks again everyone!!
 
Just as a point of interest, Chrysler minivans have had a separate trans cooler that looks like a part of the radiator for a long time. The trans fluid does not go through the coolant. Maybe it really doesn’t matter.

I believe there is a lot of over thinking on this subject. I always put them in using the manufacturer instructions, which tell you to put them in the return side of the radiator cooler.

To the horror of many, I put them in using fuel line when I was young and stupid (now I am not young). Worked just fine before I knew what transmission hose was.

My theory is: buy the biggest most efficient one that fits your space available and your wallet.

This rant was probably not worth your time to read....but I feel much better now. Haha.
 
Maybe this will help...72 Demon.
Mounted Derale cooler in front of driver side of rad. Fan is part of the cooler assy. Made a few brackets and bolted it in.
20201125_231450.jpg
 
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