ALUMINUM RADIATOR with built in trans cooler

[cdoggy81]

I'm putting a LS1 with a 4L60E tranny into my 70 TA & wanted to know if I could use a aluminum radiator with a built in trans cooler instead of buying a unit. I will have a 3200 stall in the tranny. Here is the radiator I was looking at. LMK what you think or if I should get a stand alone cooler like a B&M.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/70-81-PONTIAC-FIREBIRD-TRANS-AM-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-AUTO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713Q2em153Q2el126 2QQcategoryZ33602QQihZ019QQitemZ290217331509QQtcZp hoto

[WS6]

I'd suggest an external one with that stall converter or run both.

[70bird]

Most aftermarket external trans. coolers are designed to be used in series with the factory cooler, and not used as a stand alone cooler.
They are just too small to effectively cool by themselves.

BTW, that radiator seems like a good price. With all TIG construction and no epoxy, it seems comparable to the much higher priced name brand units. With the stepped 1 1/4/ -1 1/2 upper hose port, it is just what you need for that LS1.

So, I guess that the GTO radiator won't fit in the T/A????

[cdoggy81]

Hey Mark, I should have just emailed you... ;)
The GTO radiator I just found out has a small hole in it. So.......

I can get another used one from a yard for $50-$100 & mod it to fit the TA then add a separate trans cooler.
-or-
Get the Alum one on eBay (cheaper than Rodney Red for $475) & add the aftermarket external trans. cooler.

[70bird]

Hi Chris,
If you are going to have to buy a new radiator anyway, you may as well get one that fits the car without mods.
Hard to say what kind of quality you will get with the aluminum ebay unit, but from the sellers description, it seems to have the good stuff, and again, the 1 1/4 upper hose port will make finding a hose to fit much simpler.
Watch out for aluminum radiators with epoxied core to tank connections as they are difficult to repair if you ever get a leak there. I used a BE-Cool radiator. Great quality but more expensive, and probably overkill for my application, but is rated to support 700 hp. So, I'll be able to grow into it as I plan for future engine mods.

As WS6 said, with that 3200 stall converter you will want all the trans. cooler you can get, so using an auxiliary cooler plumbed in series with the in-tank cooler would be a good idea.

How's that T/A coming along? Is the motor in yet?

[ProdigyCustoms]

For a LS1 you need a double pass with both inlet and outlet on the passenger side. You also need a steam fitting in the tank.

I have a line of radiators and can build one for you complete with fans, shrouds, etc to fit your application.

[cdoggy81]

Hi Mark,
Nothing new. Been buying a lot of parts from Frank though... ;) Sold my 70 TA so now I have some $ to put toward my other 70 TA. How about yours?

Frank, LMK prices.

[70bird]

Hi Mark,
Nothing new. Been buying a lot of parts from Frank though... ;) Sold my 70 TA so now I have some $ to put toward my other 70 TA. How about yours?

To sum it up in a word: SLOW!
I have the roof skin and upper sail panels cut out right now to take care of some rust that showed up when I stripped the paint. Aaargh!

Between long hours at work, and family obligations........well.
Hope to have it in primer for summer.

Anyone know where I can find a pass. side 70-73 upper 1/4 sail panel?
These seem to be as rare as hens teeth.

[cdoggy81]

Slow... I hear that! 1 more car to sell then I am good to go. Anyone want a #'s matching 70 Formula 400???

Good luck Mark finding metal for our cars. 70-73 are the BEST looking by far but the WORST trying to find parts for.