Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

Not sure if this is the right section to post, but here goes. In the process of swapping out my 3-speed Saginaw for a 700r4. Going in a '70 C10. Transmission shop is doing the swap for me but I need to address the transmission cooler situation. Truck originally had the I-6 but now has a SB350 out of a 1980 Vette which has a mild cam in it. Original rad, re-cored probably. If anyone has similar experience is it worth it to go with the existing rad and ad a trans cooler or pop for a nice after-market aluminum one that can handle both. At this time I don't have any plans to build the motor beyond where it is. Thanks for any advice!!

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

The trans cooler in the radiator does more than cool your trans. It also warms the fluid in winter before the friction in the transmission takes over. If your not driving in the cold an external cooler works well

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

Thanks for the reply. Will be driving in the cooler weather so perhaps a new rad is the way to go.

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

I would bet that the I6 radiator is less effective than a stock v8 radiator (less cores if not smaller dimensions). That, right there, is enough to warrant a new radiator. Unless you plan to put the truck through some heavy trailer pulling or racing, you don't need an external tranny cooler. I personally don't think a cooler can hurt, but it needs to be in conjunction with a radiator, not alone.

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

Another vote for a new radiator. This would be a good time to upgrade to a 4 core as well. You will need new upper and lower brackets to fit the larger tanks BTW.

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

Voting for a new radiator here too! Be sure to check as to what configuration the transmission cooler is. A plate style is best, but some are larger than others. Avoid the cheap radiators that only have a piece of tubing looped inside the tank.

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

It would be wise to run an xtra trans cooler along with the rad. cooler ,700 do not like heat.

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

My 305 TPI with 700 R4 had 280,000 miles on it when I swapped it for the LS combo. Put the new 3 row aluminum radiator in it and a external cooler and run it through both coolers you will find the transmission will last longer.
GM recommends them to stay under 200*.:chevy:

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

Thanks for all the reply’s.
Lots of options with aluminum rads. Looking at the Summit house brand, price wise is attractive but what is the consensus? Other brands?
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Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

How much do you want to spend?

I have a DeWitts I bought for the big block swap into my '64 'vette. With fans it cost almost $1200. It is absolutely awesome.

For my 240Z I bought a Champion and it dropped right in for less than $200. I was quite impressed with the Champion for the money and would buy from them again.

Whatever you get, make sure it is for a 67-72 as the lower hose is turned up and not straight like a 73 and up truck.

Re: Transmission cooler or new rad?
 

You will be happy with a new 4 core radiator. I see no need for a cooler unless you're towing a lot.

Not sure why a factory 4 core won't work, but if you want to spend money, it's yours to spend.