?Trans Cooler: in-line or stand-alone?

[Jack]

I have a mid-size aftermarket auto trans auxilliary cooler awaiting install. Debating whether to install it as SOLE trans cooler ... OR ... use IN CONJUNCTION WITH radiator's built-in trans cooler. New aluminum radiator in very near future ... trans cooler decision will determine if new rad will have built-in trans cooler or not ... alum rads are much cheaper without built-in trans cooler.

Car is 71 C3, mild sb 388, stock convertor, stock TH400 trans, 3.08 rear gear. Car weighs about 3200 lbs; has spirited daily driver (city & hwy), NO towing ever, NO drag strip, southeastern US climate.

What are the pros & cons of using the auxilliary cooler as stand-alone ... and why or why not?

Has anyone done this? ... Your thoughts & impressions appreciated!
JACK:gap

 

[76L82]

I have an almost identical package in a 70 Camaro.

I went with a replacement aluminum radiator without a trans cooler and installed a stand alone heavy duty trans cooler. I have had very good luck with the package.

Someone had advised me to experience with a larger flex fan and to make sure that the fan shroud is designed properly to pull an adequate amount of air through both cooling units. Before I did this my engine temp usually ran quite high..above the 200 mark pretty consistently. With the new package, the engine temp usually operates 170-180 and I suspect that the transmission is well within safe temperatures as well.

 

[cruzer99]

When given the choice I have always run the remote cooler and bypass the radiator. I have never felt that the radiator did as much cooling as a remote.