trans cooler

[njk53]

We have an in-tank trans cooler (water to oil) in our radiator. I like it because it puts heat in the transmission faster than if we were just using an auxiliary cooler under normal operating conditions. The in-tank cooler is more efficient and cools better than an auxilary mounted cooler.

[Dragsinger]

Nelson,

good idea and sounds reasonable

[Tony Corley]

Originally Posted by njk53

We have an in-tank trans cooler (water to oil) in our radiator. I like it because it puts heat in the transmission faster than if we were just using an auxiliary cooler under normal operating conditions. The in-tank cooler is more efficient and cools better than an auxilary mounted cooler.

Out of curiosity, how is this different from a factory trans cooler that's mounted in the radiator? I personally like to run through the factory radiator cooler, then run the return side out of the radiator to an external cooler, then back to the trans.

[Dragsinger]

Tony,

I "think" the radiator only cooler has the "potential" to maintain a consistent trans fluid temp. Not to say that temp would or would not be ideal but it would be consistent.

Some things to consider with the subject of trans coolers:

In my opinion, we as racers, can benefit by planning to be in the final at each race we enter. By having a trans cooler of some type we have the potential to keep trans temps under control in the late, quick rounds.

[HandOverFist]

Question - What would be the wildest number fluctuation one would expect from optimal temps vs very hot?

[FireSale]

Originally Posted by Tony Corley

Out of curiosity, how is this different from a factory trans cooler that's mounted in the radiator? I personally like to run through the factory radiator cooler, then run the return side out of the radiator to an external cooler, then back to the trans.

That's how mine is plumbed. It either works really well or I need to check that sender after my engine fire.

Dale

[Mike Pearson]

A trans cooler only works when the engine s running and the trans pump is moving fluid through the cooler. Our engines run such a short time that the cooler would not make much of a difference. They do nothing when the car is sitting between rounds. I would say you are better off with a large capacity trans pan that has cooling fins. That's what I have on my trans.

[Tony Corley]

My buddy uses an external trans cooler with quick disconnects between rounds on his turbo drag radial car. Just plug it into the lines and it circulates the fluid. Trans temps get crazy when spooling twin turbos. I obviously don't think there is a real need for it in a stocker, (except possibly some of the F/S cars), but it sure makes cooling pretty easy between rounds. He made it himself. Pretty trick and I think his biggest expense was the fittings.

[ss3011]

Drag racing is different than keeping the trans cool on the street. Trying to keep your engine cool for a good run, while trying to keep the transmission up to temp for the run, would lead me to believe you would want the trans cooler separate from the engine radiator. I would recommend a good trans pan mounted temperature gauge, and try to keep the temp between 150 and 200 degs using a synthetic trans fluid. If you really need a cooler, an idea might be to plumb it with some valves, so the fluid is looped, bypassing the cooler, until the later rounds when there isn't much time between runs. then open the valves and run through the cooler.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

A trans cooler only works when the engine s running and the trans pump is moving fluid through the cooler. Our engines run such a short time that the cooler would not make much of a difference. They do nothing when the car is sitting between rounds. I would say you are better off with a large capacity trans pan that has cooling fins. That's what I have on my trans.

That is what most of us have. I will defer to Mr. Rossler and the Smith family about this.