HOW TO: Install Transmission Cooler

[GTfreak]

Can someone post on how they did this again? I remember it was on the last forum before it wiped out. And I thought it was on the main page under mods but it wasnt. So if its not a big deal can someone post it? thanks

[AaronGTR]

It's really pretty easy. I got a flexalite cooler from summit racing for $50 with everything needed in the kit. The only other thing you'll need is (2) 5/16 inch fuel line splicers and some extra hose clamps. You won't be using the screw in adapters they provide because they don't fit our radiators. Use the fuel line splicers instead and splice into the line coming from the bottom of the radiator and going to the bottom of the trans case (this is the return line). Clamp the line off with 2 vise grips, cut it between them, insert your splicers, and clamp them with 2 hose clamps on each end (to insure no leaks). Run your hose were you want it and connect it to the trans cooler. 1 clamp on each barb will do here because they are 3/8 inch and fit tighter (you have to use 5/16 for the splicers because the stock line is smaller than the line they provide). Then just mount your cooler as directed or wherever you have room and your done. I mounted mine away from the radiator a little so more air could get between them. You should add just a few ounces of trans fluid to make up for the cooler capacity and any lost. Of course, you have to remove the air box to get to the trans fluid cap and there's no level check so you have to estimate how much to add. Thanks GM!:rolleyes:

Hope that answers all your ?'s.:)

[GTfreak]

Thanks alot man, did you notice any difference?

[AaronGTR]

Yep. Trans fluid temps dropped from 195-210 into the 180-195 zone. They almost never get over 195 unless it's really hot out and I'm driving really hard.:)

[Dr_Kyle]

I remember a while ago (old board) somebody had pics of the install. I think it was Guru... Well whoever it is, can you post the pics up again? I just got my trans cooler and I want to see how it all fits together.

[mfuller]

Here's a shot of mine from the front, anyway....

http://www.n-body.net/registry/mfuller/P9210038.JPG

[Dr_Kyle]

Do you happen to have any shots that show how it's mounted? I looked under my bumper and I was totally confused as to where I was suppoesed to mount it.

[Jeremy]

due to our lack of fastening areas, I used the supplied radiator pass through brackets. I did cut some aluminum spacers to put some air between the trans cooler and the ac condenser. I'm hoping to come up with a better mounting bracket this winter.

[MIAaron]

I'm going to be putting this on either later this month or in the spring. Either way, My dad has a aluminum brake, drill press and steel lathe so I should be able to fab up something. I havn't seen any of the clearances, but I would imagine whatever kind of bracket it is I could just create something similar just longer. It can't be that complicated of a bracket.

[Jeremy]

the bracket's not the hard part. the hard part is getting something solid to mount it to (non plastic body parts)

[AnderbrA]

2 words, DUCT TAPE!!! haah...j/k..i want to do this as well, do you notice any shift difference, any gains of any sort other than keeping the tranny cool?

[MIAaron]

Originally posted by GrandAmGuru
the bracket's not the hard part. the hard part is getting something solid to mount it to (non plastic body parts)

I'll figure something out. I know I can do it, I do it for a living. You have no idea how hard I've been trying to get the unigraphics file for our heads. I know a lot of people in GM, but only in closures, not drivetrain. If I could get the file I could put it into CadCam to see how much we could really take out of the heads and run flow simulation on it in robcad or deneb. That way when it's done all ya gotta do is plug the program into a cnc machine and hit start. With that all you pay is the hourly rate for cnc, which is pricey, but should be a lot less than a typical machine shop. Not to mention we have CNC machines at my work and the guys have been sitting around for the past few weeks. :D I'm sure I could get a good rate just by talking to the owner.

[BigE22]

Just out of curiousity, do any of you guys know if the 4T60E has 3/8" lines, because I have a 98 GT, and I just installed a Hayden cooler, and I followed your advice, AaronGTR, and used 2 5/16" splices. When I put them in the stock hoses however, it was kind of a loose fit, so I was wondering if I possibly have 3/8" lines.

[GTfreak]

I bought the Hayden one to install as well, where did you get the splicers from? Thanks

[BigE22]

I actually got the cooler and splicers from Pep Boys. They just say 5/16" nylon fuel line splice on them. I also bought a second installation kit because the way I ran the hoses I ended up needing two full lengths. I also used the extra hose clamps anyway where the splicers are.

[Dr_Kyle]

Is the Hayden one you guys bought the #401 model?

[BigE22]

I got either the 667 or 677 something like that....I know it was 6 hundred something......mine if the black one that looks like the B&M one not the silver one with the fittings on the side...

[Dr_Kyle]

Does any body have a pic of the lines and such just so I can make sure I'm doing mine right?

[Dr_Kyle]

Well, I got it installed over the weekend. I will post up some pics later tonight... I have to get a new battery for my digi cam :rolleyes: :D



edit: make that tomorrow night! sorry!!

[iceman]

We just installed a Hayden 401 on Rob (IrateGT's) car.

ALL of the fuel line splicers are 3/8" . I don't know where you guys got 5/16"' from but it is wrong!!

We double clamped every connection. To get one of the mounting things through the radiator it is a good idea to take out the fan and reach around..

[Irate]

Man does that thing work well... my tranny temp just started going over 150 degrees only when I got into heavy traffic in Philly... I'm very pleased... w/ the SC, it keep my tranny just as cool as stock, usually a little cooler...

[AnderbrA]

got pics and instructions?

[iceman]

The instructions were already posted in this thread. Everything else you need to know comes with the trans cooler.

[AnderbrA]

Thanks, pics would be helpful, just because im using a different cooler and i just wanted to know i am hooking it up right.

[Irate]

I will have a plethora of pics of everthing on my car come Dec. 22nd... I'll put some detailed ones up for you then...

[GTfreak]

Good cause I still havent installed mine either.:thumbs:

[ALEROone]

I installed my cooler with little problems, but I am having problems installing my tranny temp. gauge. I don't know where the sending unit screws in. Can someone shed some light for me.
Thanks!:)

[mfuller]

Originally posted by ALEROone
I installed my cooler with little problems, but I am having problems installing my tranny temp. gauge. I don't know where the sending unit screws in. Can someone shed some light for me.
Thanks!:)
Install the temp sender where the line pressure test port is.

http://www.grandamgt.com/mod_images/gauges/transtemp-sml.jpg

More info here (http://www.grandamgt.com/transtemp.html).

[DavidScott77]

Whats the part number through Summit for this Tranny Cooler? Some one PM me with the answer. Thanks!

[Irate]

I went and picked one up at Pep boys... piece of cake... it was model "401"

[Dr_Kyle]

yeah, Hayden model #401. I got mine at autozone. :)

[Jeremy]

I've had my B&M on for a few months now and I've noticed a significant drop in tranny temps. Sometimes when it's below 20 degrees outside, the trans temp gauge doesn't go above 100 by the time I get to work (about 40 minute drive). I made a cover out of celotex incase it gets too cold outside. There is such a thing as having the trans fluid too cold. I just changed my oil this past weekend and double checked all my fittings for leaks and they were all good with no leaks.

[Irate]

Originally posted by GrandAmGuru
...and double checked all my fittings for leaks and they were all good with no leaks.
same here... done right, its a dependable install.

[GTfreak]

So those of you that bought the Hayden what extra did you need for the install, just the splicers?

[Irate]

I bought an extra "tranny cooler install pack" which included things like extra spacers, clamps, hoses, etc... I don't think the "stock" 401 kit has enough hose to reach what you need, besides, we were able to space the cooler 2x as far from the radiator. When I get home, I will take some advance photos and put arrows and explannations stating exactly what is what and who goes to the what now...

[edit] Let me add you'll need two 3/8th inch line splicers and a pack of 4 extra clamps (we double-clamped for security)...

[GTfreak]

Thanks alot, that will be a big help, u didnt notice then engine any warmer since it is blocking some of the radiator do u?

[Irate]

Originally posted by GTfreak
Thanks alot, that will be a big help, u didnt notice then engine any warmer since it is blocking some of the radiator do u? Nope, it only blocks about 15-20% of the radiator, and block isn't even the right word... it still lets air through...

[Jeremy]

my cooler is slightly larger than Robs (but smaller than Matt's) and I haven't noticed any increase in engine temps. Like Rob says, air still moves through the radiator, it just passes through the transcooler first.

[GTfreak]

Thanks for all the info guys, I just dont want a big mess on my hands. Where Can I find the fuel line splicers? Auto parts store?

[iceman]

Originally posted by GTfreak
Thanks for all the info guys, I just dont want a big mess on my hands. Where Can I find the fuel line splicers? Auto parts store?

We found em in pep boys back in the section that has PCV valves and such.

[iceman]

Thread back from the dead...

Finally got my Trans cooler in, hayden 401. Today was hot as hell outside (95 deg F) and my transmission was hitting 210F real real fast. On the way home at 7 PM, it didn't even touch 180F. I'll see how it is during the hot afternoon tomorrow and report back...

I ended up adding about 5oz of Trans fluid to account for the cooler and hoses, and I spilled about 1-2 oz on the ground..

[AaronGAGT]

Call me stupid, but other than keepin the car at a cooler temp, how else does this benefit? gas mileage? hp? I have no clue.

[Pacman]

i'm glad i found this thread. i am looking into getting one but didnt want to go through the hassle of ordering from summit. i didnt know that autozone and pepboys had these. is the return line in the same place on the 2.4's? i think i might drop by there tomorrow and do the install over the weekend :)

[phantom505]

Pacman, I'll be in Albuquerque, I would help/see it if possible. I know with a turbo, I'm going to need one too. BTW, it goes in the shop on Wednesday next week.

[Pacman]

i'm going to talk to a couple friends tomorrow to see if they can help me out. so your car is going in wednesday? i was talking with Sean (my new mechanic) and he is said he's heard of HP Performance. i think you are in good hands from what he's saying

edit: if you could drop by and make sure we don't blow anything up, that would be great! i'll call you tomorrow when i find out for sure :)

[iceman]

Pacman as long as the transmission is the same I wouldn't worry..

Aaron.. Auxilliary trans cooler help extend transmission life by keeping the heat down.. heat is one of the top factors in how long your transmission lasts.

[AaronGAGT]

cool-thanks seth... but no gains correct?

[Jeremy]

Aaron... correct, you won't see any hp gains.. other than your trans lasting a bit longer, thus allowing your engine to continue to put that hp to the ground. :D

[ND4SPDIII]

damn! I bought one of these, the hayden 401 from auto parts and It just took me like 40 mins. I like it alot, my tranny will be running cooler fluid and shift gears more smoothly.

[highwayprowlerz]

Okay, let me ask... I found a Hayden trans cooler but it was model 1401, is that the same or ??? It has a GVW up to 12,000 lbs.

[highwayprowlerz]

Aaron.... did you ever get those bulbs installed in your tails???

[Kyle]

How much fluid did you add affter?

[Aleromi]

How much fluid did you add affter?


When i did mine last yr i add lucus trans fluid about half the bottle..

THe kit i use was 404 with gm trans kit that was 12.00 for the brass end's..

[sc02grandam]

does anyone have any pictures of the install? all the old pictures are gone :(

[Jeremy]

I think I have some at home. I'll check and see about posting them.

[sc02grandam]

I think I have some at home. I'll check and see about posting them.

thanks :thumbs:

[erimar77]

do you think a 14,000 to 16,000 GVW will be enough? i have a spare one laying around

[lastyear4gt]

Bringing this one back up again. I removed my bumper cover and rebar and I cant find 1 damn place that I can mount my tranny cooler. Anyone have a pic and/or suggestions on where to mount it on a GAGT?

[iceman]

you mount it to the radiator w/ supplied hardware as pictured

[iceman]

oops.. the pics are busted

[Aleromi]

i have 2 take a pic of how i installed my cooler..