83 V8 swap cooling issues

[Frostbyt3]

It has a 351w w/ C6 transmission and a radiator from a torino. I'm wondering if I can run a smaller radiator in the core support, bypass the radiator with a separate trans cooler and not run into any issues in the winter months with the fluid being too cold. Id like to put a fan in there as well but there is no room.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Well you will need a fan...

I don't think I'd worry to much about just running an external trans cooler.

Usually people have issues keeping things cool. Like said... you're gonna need a fan... proper shrouding of said fan will also help with keeping it cool.

 

[Frostbyt3]

That's why I want to run a radiator that fits in the core support so I can run a fan on the backside. Just curious if bypassing the radiator and using just the external trans cooler will work for the trans in the winter months. That's my only concern, is the fluid being too cold.

 

[Uncle Gump]

When I did my V-8 swap years ago... i used an Explorer radiator. No room for a clutch fan... so I went an electric fan. First try was as a pusher... later switched to a puller fan. Worked way better pulling air through the radiator the pushing.

 

[Frostbyt3]

That's the end game for me, pusher fan didn't do hardly anything for me. But I just want to make sure I can bypass the radiator with an external cooler and not have fluid issues when it gets cold.

 

[Sharky]

get the best transmission cooler available & you wont have any issues.

Best Transmission Coolers - Complete 2025 Buyer's Guide

Our 2025 transmission cooler buyer's guide provides the most in depth information on transmission cooler brands, types, and more to help you make the most informed decision for your vehicle.

transmissioncoolerguide.com

 

[Frostbyt3]

get the best transmission cooler available & you wont have any issues.

Best Transmission Coolers - Complete 2025 Buyer's Guide

Our 2025 transmission cooler buyer's guide provides the most in depth information on transmission cooler brands, types, and more to help you make the most informed decision for your vehicle.

transmissioncoolerguide.com

I have a derale one just curious about the heating of the trans fluid in winter if will still heat up and run properly

 

[pentode]

The thing is, once you remove the temperature-regulating effect of running the trans fluid through the coolant, the temp of your trans fluid is going to vary with the ambient temps. I think the most anyone's going to be able to say is that it'll probably be fine but if you're going to run it that way, the best thing would be to install a trans fluid temperature gauge and then you'll know for sure and can block off airflow to the cooler in the winter if it's too cold. I would think 160-180F would be ideal and 130-200F would be a range you wouldn't want to operate outside of for very long.

Edit: and obviously you lose the engine helping to get the trans fluid up to temp in the first place.

 

[Frostbyt3]

The thing is, once you remove the temperature-regulating effect of running the trans fluid through the coolant, the temp of your trans fluid is going to vary with the ambient temps. I think the most anyone's going to be able to say is that it'll probably be fine but if you're going to run it that way, the best thing would be to install a trans fluid temperature gauge and then you'll know for sure and can block off airflow to the cooler in the winter if it's too cold. I would think 160-180F would be ideal and 130-200F would be a range you wouldn't want to operate outside of for very long.

Edit: and obviously you lose the engine helping to get the trans fluid up to temp in the first place.

That's what I was thinking, I could just keep it covered in the winter and not in the summer. I was thinking about adding a gauge just to make sure I have proper temps. Thank you just wanted to get a bit more clarification because it says all different things on multiple sites.

 

[pentode]

Gauges take the guesswork out. Once you run it for a while and keep track of the temps you'll know what tweaks you have to make. Good luck!

 

[19Walt93]

That's the end game for me, pusher fan didn't do hardly anything for me. But I just want to make sure I can bypass the radiator with an external cooler and not have fluid issues when it gets cold.

If you're going to drive it in the winter, I'd leave the internal cooler on it.

 

[rubydist]

You also can get a thermostatically controlled bypass valve so the trans fluid bypasses the cooler when the oil is cold, and once it warms up the bypass closes so it forces the oil through the cooler. That way it doesn't stay too cold.

 

[19Walt93]

That's why I want to run a radiator that fits in the core support so I can run a fan on the backside. Just curious if bypassing the radiator and using just the external trans cooler will work for the trans in the winter months. That's my only concern, is the fluid being too cold.

When I put the 95 351 in my Ranger I had to hollow out the core support and mount the radiator inside it because the fox body accesory drive didn't leave enough room to mount one on the face of the core support. I don't drive it in the winter so it has only an external cooler.