Author Topic: Auto Trans Radiator Engine Oil Cooler?  (Read 1972 times)

MalteseFalcon

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Auto Trans Radiator Engine Oil Cooler?
« on: February 10, 2021, 12:20:16 PM »
This may be a dumb question, but has anyone ever used an automatic transmission radiator with an integral transmission oil cooler as an engine oil cooler in a manual transmission car? It seems to me that it might be more efficient than a separate engine oil cooler, and would free up space in front of the radiator that may be occupied by power steering cooler, A/C condenser, etc. Or is there a reason that it wouldn't work? Sorry if there is an obvious answer; I've had 4 Trans Ams and none of them have been automatics.
Steve

1978 WS6 - W72 4 Speed, Martinique Blue on Light Blue - Fire Am Restification Project
1972 Trans Am 455 HO 4 Speed (one of 458)

2000 WS6 6-Speed Trans Am, Black on Ebony (sold)
1976 455 4-Speed Trans Am, Goldenrod Yellow on Saddle (sold)
1976 455 4-Speed Trans Am, Firethorn Red on Firethorn Red (sold)

nas t eh

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Re: Auto Trans Radiator Engine Oil Cooler?
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2021, 04:41:32 PM »
The only efficiency gain would be space saving. Everything else is a loss. It is too short to do any real cooling and since it is in the cool water side of the rad not very cold either. The tubing size is too small as well.
1973 T/A 455, 4 speed.

firebirdparts

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Re: Auto Trans Radiator Engine Oil Cooler?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2021, 12:44:33 AM »
I've got some cars that came that way from the factory, FWIW.  I'm not sure how the flow is divided up.  I think the supply is tied in right at the filter bypass so that the pressure drop on the filter is also the pressure drop on the cooler.
I want to be like Paul Kenny when I grow up
Joe Bays
1977 Y82 4-speed (red interior)
1978 Skybird 350
1978 Redbird 305
1979 Redbird 301 4-speed
1992 Lincoln Mark VII LSC/SE (red)
1970 Datsun Pickup
1953 Chevy pickup (converted 4x4)
1988 T-bird Turbo Coupe

Re: Auto Trans Radiator Engine Oil Cooler?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2021, 12:44:33 AM »
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