How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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unrootd
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 9:35 am

How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

Post by unrootd »

I haven't been able to find very good info on how to install a tranny cooler. I found a forum post on the matrix site but none of the pictures actually worked. Has anyone done this yet? I am planning on towing a utility trailer with as much stuff as I can fit (hopefully without ruining my vehicle) from Eastern CA to Denver in mid August, so I think a tranny cooler could definately help. Any suggestions on which one to get? I was looking at the Tru Cool 4452 (http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/categ ... -thin.html). Would that require a lot of modifying of the vehicle? I'm mechanically minded, but I'm not an expert mechanic (I've changed easy things like struts and I do my own fluid changes), is this going to be a job that I shouldn't attempt? From the info I have found it doesn't sound terribly hard, but a little time consuming.
unrootd
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 9:35 am

Re: How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

Post by unrootd »

Does anyone have experience [url]with: http://www.amazon.com/Hayden-Automotive ... rapid+cool" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;[/url]???
djb383
Posts: 1571
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:41 am
Location: The Republic of TEXAS

Re: How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

Post by djb383 »

I installed a B&M #70264.

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=16730&p=441479&hil ... er#p441479" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
'05 Lava Tutone base, Pwr Grp, Moon & Tunes, 16" alloys, Auto.....Yep, it's gotta HEMI
DiveNut
Posts: 382
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 5:53 am

Re: How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

Post by DiveNut »

I installed the Tru Cool piece in my 2004 Vibe, the kit is very complete...piece of cake to install. I mounted the cooler down low in front of the radiator right behind the passenger side lower grill. Use the self tapping screws (requires you to drill 2 pilot holes). I suggest you not use the plastic "T's" that fish through the radiator, while they are easy to install, I am not a big fan of stuff touching the cooling fins etc. Take your time and think through the installation, you'll be fine.

Pat
Bare Bones Base, Abyss 2004 Vibe, Debadged, Auto, ABS, GM Performance Supercharger, Injen CAI, 2.3" URD Pulley, Unichip,Tru-Cool Tranny Cooler SOLD
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1972 Plymouth Duster 340 (Strip/Street Project)
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Beer Belly
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu May 05, 2011 12:14 am
Location: Beeton, Ontario

Re: How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

Post by Beer Belly »

Very easy to install (and I am very un-mechanically inclined haha). Put one in this spring, took an hour or so working at a leisurely pace.
cythraul
Posts: 117
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 7:38 am
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Re: How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

Post by cythraul »

DiveNut wrote:I installed the Tru Cool piece in my 2004 Vib
I'm curious to which one in their line-up you choose? I assume it's the 4452?

http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/categ ... -thin.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I was wondering what other options there was. Looks like the Derale D13501 would do the trick also:

http://www.etrailer.com/question-16541.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks!
cyth
2007 Vibe 1.8L Automatic 185K, B&M 70264 Transmission Cooler, Custom 2" hitch receiver.
cythraul
Posts: 117
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 7:38 am
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Re: How do I install an Auto Transmission Cooler?

Post by cythraul »

Unfortunately I could not locate the BTU rating of the Derale D13501 but it looks like the Tru-Cool LPD 4452 and B&M 70264 are 14.5k and 9.8k respectively.

While the Tru-Cool and Derale units are 3/4" deep, the B&M is twice that much at 1" 1/2. All three are 11" wide. The Derale and Tru-Cool are 5" 3/4 tall. The B&M is 6" tall.

So aside from depth, all units are about the same physical dimensions.

I wrote to etraler and Derale themselves to obtain the BTU rating of the D13501.

Beside physical dimensions and BTU rating, what should I check? Beside the etrailer specs on the Derale unit, I could not locate warranty statements.

B&M 70264: http://bmracing.com/?wpsc-product=autom ... -11x6x1-12" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
B&M 70255: http://bmracing.com/?wpsc-product=autom ... 11x5-34x34" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Derale D13501: http://www.etrailer.com/Transmission-Co ... 13501.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Tru-Cool LPD 4452: http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/categ ... -thin.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks!

EDIT: Forgot to check the Hayden Automotive 676. Apparently, same dimensions as the Derale and Tru-Cool units. No BTU specs. However, I notice that some units mention also a GVW(R) which, I asume is Gross Vehicule Weight (Rating). The Hayden is 18k pounds. Derale 15.5k, Tru-Cool 14.5k. B&M does not seems to provide that specification.

From Hayden web site, I could not locate the 676 and from their catalog, the model numbers are five digits long. They do have a lot of options: http://www.haydenauto.com/upload/Hayden ... oolers.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, while browsing I found from B&M product #70255 which have the same physical dimensions and BTU rating as the Derale and Tru-Cool units.
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