Radiator/ Auto Trans Cooler

[macloft]

Need to buy radiator for Harrison Cobra plus Cooler for Auto Trans.
Am concidering getting the Trans cooler built in the (aluminium) radiator however was advised (by Desert Radiators)this is not good as corrosion issues could fill auto trans with water (comments, is building the trans cooler into radiator a good option )??
Also saw at Brisbane Hot Rod show a Trans cooler made out of finned aluminium tube (similar to heat sink design used in comuters) which looked really robust. Has anyone had one or knows of suitability of this type of trans cooler design ??
Thanks
Bruce

[Aussie Mike]

I don't reckon those log style trans coolers would work that well. Probably OK for a hot rod cruising arround but if you take your car on the track and give it a work out I don't think it would be up to it.

For a cooler to work well it needs lots of surface area and air flowing over it. A proper radiator style oil cooler will have much more surface area to conduct the heat away. Placing it in front of the radiator will guaruntee air flow through it and keep your transmission healthy.

Norm at Aussie Desert coolers knows what he's on about. I'm not too keen on the in radiator design either. Your trans is going to run at 80 degrees minimum as the heat from your engine will be transfered to the trans via the cooler. I like seperate systems as well because if something goes wrong they are usually easier to fix.

Cheers

[Tom Wells]

Bruce,

If you plan to do any road racing, see this thread: http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...391#post738391

BTW I'm beginning to think the torque converter desgn has a lot to do with this but haven't run across anyone who says they know what to do about it

Still don't know the proper way to set this up, but I ain't gonna quit 'til I do

Tom

[400TT]

I assume it's an LS1 & auto.

Have you asked Warwick? He will know exactly what you require to keep your auto cool. I know the stock factory coolers are not good enough for club day track work, just something a little bit better than that I expect. Tony Stark had his LS1 auto Harrison at Cobra Nationals last year. Warwick will know what was required to stop the auto overheating.

[macloft]

Hi Craig Yes talked to Warwick and we talked through a number of things and he was going to see his radiator supplier. However while I was at the Hot Rod show I saw a number of interesting bits that got me thinking and the finned aluminium tube looked promising. I will see Warwick again this week.
Bruce

[PCC]

Bruce,

I have an auto and have a mini rad fitted to the front of the conventional radiator. Ensures cool throughput.

Had it fitted when my gearbox was rebuilt.

Works well!

[Rob. Smith]

If you fit a small radiator for the oil, in front or behind the water radiator make sure the air gap between them is about 1.5 " or 40 mm to allow a proper air flow I built a 72 Mustang with air con, oil cooler and radiator with these recommended gaps and had no cooling problems at all....It looked pretty busy but it worked !
Smithy

[Gav]

I Have Fitted An Earls Trans Cooler To My Car In Place Of The Engine Oil Cooler In The Cars Fish Mouth.

There Are Photo's In My Gallery. I Have Joined 3/8 Flex Lines From The Solid Lines Just Below The Oil Filter And Run Them Through To The Front. Any Enzed Store Will Be Able To Supply Everything You Want

Gav

[Gav]

Maybe there wasn't a pic in my gallery.
Anyway, the pic below will give you an idea of mine.
It is now located further forward and lower purely to get it into the lower opening of the car.

[macloft]

Thanks Gav Looks pretty straight forward.
Is your car running as I am interested in the inlet filter position. Looks really simple where it is, but will it suck to much warm air or should it be more to the side
Bruce

[Gav]

I have mine running with just a pod filter on it, when I am rich and after rego I'll be fitting another intake that will take advantage of the bonnet scoop.

Gav