I would like some input on this. I bought a Pro-built 700R4 from Dana a few months ago and will be installing it soon. With my 406, I am already worried about cooling issues (stock radiator) even though it has been ok for the few hundred miles I have put on it.

Is there any reason to HAVE to use the stock cooler in the radiator? I have had other project cars where I simply ignore the radiator cooler and use an aftermarket cooler alone. I have appeared to have no problems with this.

No one really talks about this though and the responses I have gotten have been from people who think using the external AND the stock one is the way to go.

I think not because I already shelled one trans and would think that even with flushing, it could be a concern for my new trans. I am also going to put in new cooler lines too.

Here is the counterpoint: The tranny in my GF's car died and the trans rebuilder would NOT put on an aftermarket cooler (94 Lumina), saying they would only warranty it if we used the stock setup. The car has 145,000 miles and 8 years on the stock cooler. No other options there...

Someone else please agree that this tranny guy is screwed up. Any other thoughts on this?

 

I am using only a aftermarket cooler with my th350 w/2400 converter. My car was a manual trans so I did this rather than change radiators. I have not had any trouble to date. I am using the large model from B&M I think it is the 24,000 GVW.

 

Yeah Eric, I had a TH350 in another car and that is what I did too.

That is another thing...use the BIGGEST external cooler you can fit under there...someone asked the question the other day on the Trans board about using a 10,000 GVW cooler? WHY? The price is just a bit more for the bigger ones and worth the price of a tranny.

Use the 24,000 GVW, which is made by B&M or Hayden or others.

More opinions please....

 

I think the best way to tell would be to hook up a tranny temp guage and compare. It seems like you would get best cooling running it through radiator first and then through external cooler. But i bypassed my radiator cooler and am using only my 24,000 B&M cooler, and i have noticed a slight difference in firmer shifts all the time. But we haven't hit 100+ temps here yet.

 

[quote]But we haven't hit 100+ temps here yet[/qote]
You just jinxed us.....

 

Sounds like 3 For and 0 against so far.

I have heard that tranny temps should be between 175-220 or so. I can't see why it would be an issue if they were running a bit lower...like maybe 150 or so...on average.

 

I put on a cooler and a Griffin radiator about a day before I left for vaction and I only drove it up the street once so I'm not sure what difference it made but I can guarentee that it helped.

 

I have a Griffen 31x19 and a B&M 24000GVWR cooler and have had no troubles at all. Like everyone says, if you're going to completely bypass the stock cooler, get the biggest external cooler you can find, ESPECIALLY if you're racing the car. And don't attach it to the radiator. mount it in front of the radiator at least an inch. Otherwise you have a "heat sponge" rather than a cooler.