I am just starting on a single turbo on a 2006 Silverado 4.8 (Huron Speed complete kit).
I will be installing a built 4L65E (Level 6 FLT) and was wondering where you guys installed an aftermarket trans cooler. I will be removing the stock cooler and by-passing the radiator.
I doesn't seem like a good idea, to me, to install in the stock location, sandwiched between an intercooler and a/c condenser...flow and hot as Hades!.
TIA for your input (don't flame the newb please)!

 

If you haven’t already spent the money on the 4L60 just stop and go straight to a 4l80e. But if you have on all of the trans coolers i have ever installed I leave the stock cooler in the loop and then get an adapter that snaps into the radiator to a hose barb. Then run the hose barb line to the auxiliary cooler and then on to the trans. I mount the aux cooler back behind the trans.

 

Thanks but...I already have the trans (pulled from my Camaro) and will be fine for my power level. I will have to install the truck linkage but then it will bolt/plug right in.
I considered leaving the stock cooler in the loop but it is hot as hell here in S. Florida (why preheat the trans fluid to 200* as soon as truck warms up?). I have it bypassed on my race car and trans stays between 150*- 170*

 

These words will come back to haunt you and we will be here to tell you we told you so.

 

Well, I've been trying... but currently making 650 to the wheels on my 4L60 car w/ a 200 shot spraying through the shifts (for 3 years). 1.30 60'.
This is just my fun little shop/street truck (~500rwhp I'm guessing).

Where do you have your cooler mounted?

 

While Chuck builds a damn good transmission at best I'd consider a refresh if 3yrs old with the punishment you've been giving it and opinion on if any parts have improved to give ya chance if you are dead set. Just remember you are going from a lighter aerodynamic car to trying to make a heavy brick go fast.

I've seen a few members mount a cooler w/fan under the bed which is what I will do as well as I would like the space up in front of the condenser for an A2A intercooler.

 

Actually the FLT has been out of the street/strip car for over a year and probably has less than 1,000 miles and dozen passes on it. I was going to drop the pan to do new filter (and I have to for the linkage change).
The 4L60 I've been punishing is "another" brand....I know there are a lot of '60 haters. Most of my friends are too! However, they continue to shake their head in disbelief every time I bring the time-slips back to the pits, haha. Having a good tune and keeping them cool is what makes them live IMHO.

Thanks for the bed location suggestion. I have considered that. I wonder if anyone has fit a plate cooler behind the bumper hole/slots...

 

It was 116F here in BFE NM on Tuesday of last week. Florida doesn't get hotter than that. I have a 185 T stat and a Ford cooler mounted in the bumper. It goes thru the rad cooler, thru the Ford cooler and back to the trans. Trans was a frosty 155 after doing ~20mi of errands

Pulled a dump trailer, crossed the scales at 13500, so 7000lbs of trailer and aggregate, 99 outside: trans peaked at 180

to each their own. I prefer the factory cooler inline as it also gets ***** *** cold in NM

I used 6AN lines and flared the factory tubes for tube nuts and sleeves. Been working mint over 2yrs now, and the cooler isn't in direct airflow, it's mounted at an angle in the bumper

 

Good testimony...I may have to try that route. Thanks,

 

The small stock cooler is not a bad piece and it's easy to fit off to the side or above the inter cooler (because it's small). With the stock cooler my 1500HD trans temp got upto 210 once on an 8 or 9% grade for over a mile with a speed limit of 40mph (little airflow) while pulling a 6k lb trailer. 210 is really not bad, however if you don't have a stock cooler, then I would go a little bigger.

When I redid my transmission lines, one of the stock fittings was corroded into the stock cooler. A little muscle and the cooler broke. I then upgraded to a Tru-cool 4711, which is basically the stock cooler with twice the height. Still easy to fit off to the side if you have the room. I don't think I've ever seen the trans temp over ~165.

Also, I would run it through the radiator. It helps heat the trans fluid in the winter and during warm up, you will want the trans warmed up it you are going to beat on it. Running through the radiator does provide some cooling in the summer. The in radiator coolers are usually on the cooler side of the radiator, which is the coldest coolant temp in the entire system. I would expect the coolant in that area to be around 30 to 50 degrees lower than engine temp.