Installing a trans cooler, what's the best way to run the lines?

[87Regal3.8SFI]

I am wondering if it would be better to run both of the cooler lines to the trans cooler and not use the radiator's built in cooler....or use the radiator in conjunction with the trans cooler....???

Has anyone tested either of these methods to see if either makes a difference?

[SSedan64]

Always run them through the radiator first then to external cooler.

[87Regal3.8SFI]

Thanks.

I was curious if there's any reason not to run them straight to the cooler....?

[SSedan64]

1# reason is water warms/cools 100 times better than air. 2# Trans fluid needs to get to operating temp as fast as possible to lubricate & flow properly. 3# In cold weather if just using an air external type cooler the fluid may never get hot enough to cook off the water that condensates inside the trans housing from temp changes.

[87Regal3.8SFI]

Thanks, now one last question about the cooler lines on the tranny on the 200-4R, bottom line is the inlet (cooled fluid) and the top is the outlet (awaiting to be cooled) correct?

[zues1]

the top line is were fliud comes out of trans cooler in radiator. my thoughts on running trans cooler is same but i felt like in stop and go traffic you needed the rad cooler. and most people mount ect cooler to rad anyway so your pulling heat out of rad anyway

[SSedan64]

Originally Posted by 87Regal3.8SFI

Thanks, now one last question about the cooler lines on the tranny on the 200-4R, bottom line is the inlet (cooled fluid) and the top is the outlet (awaiting to be cooled) correct?

That's correct. Top trans fitting is fluid out, bottom is fluid in.

[Boost231]

great post.