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what up guys i want to put an oil cooler for my tranny before the summer starts here in phoenix az. i was looking at a hayden rapid cool. is it worth it. is there a topic showing how to install it. and what do they mean bypass the radiator. should i do that.

Make sure you use a stacked plate cooler, not a finned cooler. The install on the 2k and newer is too exposed to road debris.

Here's a recent topic for you:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3374

Make sure you pick your spot and measure before selecting one. Your install will be dramatically different than the 99 and older. This topic shows a great install on a 2k:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=19647&hilit=cooler&start=160

What do you mean by stacked and finned cooler

Finned is like your radiator. If it's exposed and it takes a rock or piece of rubber, it'll bend the aluminum fins. Now find a stacked plate cooler like the ones linked in that first topic, and you'll see the difference.

this is the one i got for $15.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detai ... &ppt=C0331
so i should srll it and get the stacked one?

Your link is exactly what Bill is saying to use. This is what you do not want: http://findnsave.charlotteobserver.com/Product/1613024

so the one i have is the correct one? im a lil confused.

Good
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detai ... &ppt=C0331

Bad
http://findnsave.charlotteobserver.com/Product/1613024

The first one Matt has linked is what's on my shelf at home waiting for me to install it, lol.

so i have the correct one right???

Yes, the one you have is the right one.

Is the stacked cooler mounted in front of radiator? It looks solid.

I just added a a junkyard cooler from a 95, bolted right up to the 97. $10.00 with all the hardware.

The problem with what you did is that you don't know if that cooler was installed when the transmission puked it's guts and clogged all the passages. Until you flow-check it, I'd suggest removing it for safety. If some of the passages are clogged, you'll reduce fluid flow, and starve your transmission, causing more damage than good. This is why the stock loop through the radiator should always be bypassed after the first transmission failure.

A larger stacked-plate cooler will be better in any situation. I replaced the stock trans cooler on my 93, and plan to on the 95.

Will, Good point. I think I'm ok. Donor car was hit in the rear. I did blow air through the cooler before install. Seemed to flow well. Can I pull a line to check flow when running?

Without some knowledge of the proper flow rate, it would only tell you IF it was flowing.

Considering the car you got it from, I'd say you have a low risk. Any time any car has a transmission failure, the trans cooler (if equipped) should be replaced, and the core in the radiator bypassed. Those passages are TINY. One of these days I'll cross-section one to show you guys why the risk is so high.

As a general rule of thumb, it's typically the 2nd or 3rd transmission failure that sends 3800's to the wrecker. If you don't see obvious body damage, you should suspect that first.

Will, You have me paranoid about it. Hate to mess up a trans trying to help it. Could be expensive mistake. Donor car was hit from behind but had a clean Good Wrench engine, probably second transmission. . Probably best to remove cooler. Any way to test flow by a shade tree mechanic. I really like the look of the factory cooler.

You won't even see an aftermarket cooler with the hood closed. Peace of mind comes for about $60.