Thread: Roadster Pickup gets tranny cooler

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The attached picture shows how I mounted my auxiliary transmission oil cooler for the turbo 350 in my roadster pickup. It is a small unit, measuring only 4" x 1" thick x 11" long, and will run in series with the cooling loop in the bottom of my radiator. I made up a pair of brackets from some 2" x 1" channel scrap that I had and welded them to the underside of the frame, projecting out into the space below the passenger runningboard splash apron. I believe that there will be sufficient airflow in that area, as the front fender itself acts like a giant air scoop which will funnel air thru that area when I am driving. It is tucked up high enough that nothing can hit it without first tearing off the running board and bracket (God forbid). and still leaves sufficient room between the inside of the passenger frame rail and the tranny to run my exhaust pipe for the passenger side cylinder bank. Also in that picture you can see the extra channel supports that I welded on to strengthen the rather flimsy aftermarket running board supports.

Originally posted by brianrupnow
The attached picture shows how I mounted my auxiliary transmission oil cooler for the turbo 350 in my roadster pickup. It is a small unit, measuring only 4" x 1" thick x 11" long, and will run in series with the cooling loop in the bottom of my radiator. I made up a pair of brackets from some 2" x 1" channel scrap that I had and welded them to the underside of the frame, projecting out into the space below the passenger runningboard splash apron. I believe that there will be sufficient airflow in that area, as the front fender itself acts like a giant air scoop which will funnel air thru that area when I am driving. It is tucked up high enough that nothing can hit it without first tearing off the running board and bracket (God forbid). and still leaves sufficient room between the inside of the passenger frame rail and the tranny to run my exhaust pipe for the passenger side cylinder bank. Also in that picture you can see the extra channel supports that I welded on to strengthen the rather flimsy aftermarket running board supports.

looks good brianrupnow, but dont get it to close the the exhaust or you'll be heating the oil instead of cooling it.

Thanks Brian, your pictures are really helpful to me!

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder

Looks like a good place to mount it.

Looking from here it looks like it would be hard for a tire tossed rock to hit it as well.

Fwiw - here's an alternative way to cool the trans.
120 square inches of skin effects radiator.

This, in conjunction with a Derale trans pan - the one with the air flow tubes running through it - keeps the T-400 plenty cool.
Only time the trans ever got warm was running the twisties up the hill to Sequoia Park.
That due to the 32's converter is a 2400 rpm stall and the converters slippage at low speeds generates heat.

High stall converters aren't all they're cracked up to be on the street.
Next time, about 1800 rpm stall.