Another Transmission Cooler Installation

JIMSVX · #1 07-14-2007, 09:19 PM

I wanted to install a transmission cooler in front of the AC Compressor on my '92 LS-L so I did a search on the Forum. I found several references and a couple of pictures but none specified a cooler part number that would fit in this location, nor were there any details on mounting the cooler. I searched the B&M catalog and picked the smallest SuperCooler they listed. It's a 70255 and it's shown as 11" x 5.75" x .75". I cut a piece of 3/4" plywood that size and verified that it would fit in front of the AC radiator. The good news is that it will fit on either the right or left side. Since this cooler is only 9,800 BTU some people might want to install 2 in order to double the cooling capacity. Two will fit and the routing of the lines should be no problem. At the same time I was doing this installation I also replaced the external add-on filter since it had never been replaced. It comes from the dealer in a $10 kit with hoses and hardware, some of which I used in the cooler installation. I purchased the cooler kit from Atlantic Speed Warehouse for about $56 including shipping.

My installation is a series circuit that routes the oil from the external filter through the new cooler, then to the OEM cooler in the radiator, then back to the transmission. My first SVX originally didn't have the OEM cooler in the circuit. As a result during winter driving it took a long time for the oil to reach operating temperature and enable Torque Converter lockup. After including the OEM radiator the oil warmed up much faster.

Here's a couple of pictures that show my installation.

This is the front view of the installation with the waterfall grill removed. That's the only thing that needs to be removed for the installation (except for the bottom pan.)

Here's a close-up that shows how I used the supplied hardware to mount it to the bumper frame. I used 1/4-20 bolts with locknuts to attach to the cooler, and self-tapping screws to attach to the bumper frame.

This picture shows the cooler before installation. The output of the cooler (on the right of the picture) I used the long hose supplied with the cooler kit. The input hose came with the filter kit. Also note at the bottom of the cooler (on the R/H side of the picture) I attached the 4 foam pads supplied with the cooler. This back side of the cooler sits very close to the AC radiator and might even touch it. I couldn't see if it was or not. So just in case it did I used these pads to isolate the 2 coolers.

In the center of this picture you can see the input hose to the new cooler where it comes up from the output of the filter. It rides very close to the edge of the radiator so I am feeding it through the protective sleeve supplied with the filter kit. It is a very loose fit over the hose, but when it is routed up along the radiator, then the wires, the other hoses, and the structure all help hold it in place.

This is the underside view of the driver's side showing the hose routing around the filter. In the lower L/H corner you can see the 2 hoses from the new cooler coming out from the side of the radiator. The cooler input line comes from the center (output) of the filter. The cooler output line routes through the original rubber protective sleeve and over to the OEM radiator/cooler input.

Finally, this is another view from underneath. The view is looking across the bottom of the
radiator showing the output line from the new cooler where it terminates at the OEM radiator/cooler input.

ensteele · #2 07-15-2007, 12:13 AM

I will try to write this up in the format used for the How-To Docs, and post it when I get back home. Thanks

bwb3 · #3 07-15-2007, 10:11 AM

Thanks for taking the time to document it so well with photos. I am sure it will make some of our lives easier. That is the approach I wanted to take.
Gene

longassname · #4 07-15-2007, 12:01 PM

That's the smaller version of the cooler I used on my ebony. It's a good plate and fin cooler. The larger square one I used fits on the radiator but i by far prefer it in the fender since I like to tax the engine cooling system with lots of hp. I think for a normal SVX I would prefer the way you did it. That's nice being able to install it and get at it through the center grill and not have it coupled to your radiator. I like it.

processengr · #5 07-15-2007, 07:04 PM

Hi All,
I mounted the "Hayden TransSaverPlus Code: OC-1678" in our '92 Black over Silver,
GVW 24,000 lbs. Core 7 3/4 x 11 x 3/4, Overall size 9 1/2 x 11 x 3/4"
in my fender, per the SVX WorldNet How-to. It looks identical to the unit used in the How-to. Should I add a fan? If so, any recommendations?

In our '97, we have the Hayden 11.75x11" 36000GVW sandwiched between radiator and condenser...

JIMSVX · #6 07-15-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ensteele

I will try to write this up in the format used for the How-To Docs, and post it when I get back home. Thanks

I can give it a go if you wish Earl. Is there a format you would like it to follow? Or is there an existing How-To that I can mirror?

nonSTOP_service · #7 07-15-2007, 11:25 PM

lol, I stole one from uhaul, it was actually equipped on a 14' ford uhaul.

I was thinking about mounting it externally, right where my license plate holder used to be. You know, for that old school flavor.

Hocrest · #8 07-16-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMSVX

...I found several references and a couple of pictures but none specified a cooler part number that would fit in this location...

I did...

I didn't document it as well as you did though. I have been thinking of getting a second one for the other side.

dmnknightomega6 · #9 07-17-2007, 11:54 AM

Wow!

Thanks for the info post here. This is a real Weekend DIY. I have been speculating on this for a while.

just a request if it becomes a DIY locker item:

Arrows and circles.

SOme of us are just morons without it.

JIMSVX · #10 07-17-2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmnknightomega6

Arrows and circles.

SOme of us are just morons without it.

Yes, I agree...... Arrows and circles are good things. I thought about that when I edited the pictures. Some of them are really "busy". I will do that when I put them in the How-To.

Thanks for the comment.

kwren · #11 08-08-2007, 03:33 PM

Thanks for taking the time to help so many of us!!

Kelvin · #12 08-08-2007, 04:39 PM

Huh, I thought that $10 kit with the external filter was discontinued????!?!

ensteele · #13 08-08-2007, 05:14 PM

No, it is used for the Outback and other Subarus. Should be the same Part number.

svx_commuter · #14 08-09-2007, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longassname

............. but i by far prefer it in the fender since I like to tax the engine cooling system with lots of hp. ...................... I like it.

With this Hx mounted in the fender well how do you get air flow thru the cooler?

immortal_suby · #15 08-09-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svx_commuter

With this Hx mounted in the fender well how do you get air flow thru the cooler?

If you remove the fender well liner and mount it almost horizontal in front of the wheel it will get decent airflow. I get a good temperature drop with mine even without the fan running. It might not be the ideal setup but it does a good job.