32 deluxe grill - transmission cooler - where to mount

[Higgi56]

It appears the 32 Deluxe Grill Radiator does NOT come with a built in transmission cooler.

Anyone running an automatic with this grill?

Looking to see where its best to mount a trans cooler.

I was debating on putting it in front of the condenser coil, or behind the radiator in front of the fan, or getting a remote mount cooler to mount on the firewall.

Thanks in advance.

[Furrman]

the standard grill doesn't have one either. I put a Derale performance cooler with built in fans next to the battery.

[sethmark]

Speaking for myself, I do not like built-in trans coolers. I really don’t want my transmission fluid in automatic to be 200° plus. A separate cooler with fan will be more efficient without radiant spill over.

[cob427sc]

I installed a seperate cooler from Summit (about $30 with all the hoses) mounted in front of the radiator behind the grill. Doesn't look obtrusive. Since I haven't driven the car in any hot weather yet, I can't testify that it works but based on the sizing info for the cooler I expect it will work fine.

[Higgi56]

I installed a seperate cooler from Summit (about $30 with all the hoses) mounted in front of the radiator behind the grill. Doesn't look obtrusive. Since I haven't driven the car in any hot weather yet, I can't testify that it works but based on the sizing info for the cooler I expect it will work fine.

Thanks for the feedback. What model / size cooler did you go with?

Were there any clearance issues? Sounds like you mounted in from of the radiator and A/C Condensor?

[Higgi56]

the standard grill doesn't have one either. I put a Derale performance cooler with built in fans next to the battery.

Thanks for the feedback.

When you say next to the battery, is that in the rear under the trunk?

[Furrman]

Thanks for the feedback.

When you say next to the battery, is that in the rear under the trunk?

I'm sorry, when I first read this I thought you were talking about the truck, my bad. The DERALE unit is 14"x6"x4.5" with fan's and thermo switch. It came from summit.

[cob427sc]

I used the Hayden cooler part#HDA-403 from Summit. It's 12-1/2" x 7-1/2" x3/4" thick. Supposed to be good for a vehicle towing up to 2500#. Comes with hoses and brackets all for $27.99.

[JimLev]

I used the cooler (heater?) in the bottom of the radiator as well as an external one with a fan.
The radiator does have some benefit, it warms up the tranny fluid quicker which does have some benefits.

[rapidray]

This is where I mounted mine and have experienced no fluid overheat problems so far. I will check the temperature again when the summer heat gets here and if necessary add a shroud and fan. Ray

[NAZ]

Trans Heat Exchanger.jpg
This is a Derale Stacked Plate heat exchanger, Summit Racing part # DER-51608, 32,000 BTU/hr and good enough to support 6000 RPM converter powered by 1,100 HP. I run motorcycle front fenders so there is lots of air flowing around the trans cooler. The photo shows a spoiler to add some negative pressure on the OB side of the cooler but I have since fabricated an air scoop. Worked great with the spoiler on the track but got a bit warm on the street with the loose converter. The air scoop dropped the temps down to 180-deg. A 4000 RPM converter with moderate power would likely run closer to 160 with this size heat exchanger. Also, be advised that the plate style heat exchangers are more efficient than the tube and fin style.

UPDATE: now that the JUNE heat is here this heat exchanger is not providing enough delta T even with the air scoop. At least not with my loose converter and the big HP driving it. So I just ordered a 125K BTU/Hr Derale high-flow heat exchanger with a fan and think I'll mount that 12lb monster below the fuel cell in the rear. Seems it's always something on that car crying for some attention. Anyone want to buy a slightly used badAZ hot rod?

[RBBJ 32 HOTROD]

I installed mine from Jegs on the front of the radiator behind the grill20200328_161501.jpg

[Higgi56]

I installed mine from Jegs on the front of the radiator behind the grill20200328_161501.jpg

How are you running your water hoses. The lower water hose seems to come out under the cross bar and points right at the shocks 279CBA83-1094-4405-B068-392F9BB9167B.jpg66C9BFA7-C51F-404A-A9CE-3A526EB13011.jpg

[RBBJ 32 HOTROD]

I put 90* elbow coming out of the bottom connection then to the ribbed aluminum hose under the frame and the to another 90 up to the water pump.

[NAZ]

For the bottom hose I used one single piece (I really don't like splices or the corrugated hose) of this hose: https://www.mcmaster.com/5591K23

It runs under the shock attachment x-member favoring the right side and then immediately up through the chassis to the water pump. I use t-style hose clamps and hose hangers keep it tucked up tight against the chassis. I don't find it to be a road clearance issue in that area. But if clearance is an issue you might consider using -12AN hose.