Can a Supplemental Transmission Cooler be Used to Bypass Factory Cooler on 1996 Chevy K1500

Updated 06/10/2016 | Published 06/09/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient

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Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for GM

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$17.16

Derale 19-Row Stacked-Plate Transmission Cooler Kit, -6 AN Inlets - Class V

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$252.85

Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class V - Extra Efficient

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Derale 16-Pass Electra-Cool Remote Transmission Cooler Kit w/ Fan, 8 AN Inlets - Class V

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Question:

I am wondering if I would encounter problems if I do not use the in radiator cooler and only use an external? The truck is a 1996 k1500 with 4L60

asked by: Travis

Expert Reply:

A lot of people want to bypass the factory transmission coolers located inside the radiator. It is permissible to do so provided that the cooler is efficient enough. For this we recommend either going with the largest cooler that will fit in the engine compartment or the most efficient design.

The most efficient design is a stacked plate such as # D13403. If you want to go with a plate fin design you can use # D13614. These are both rated as Class V which is the highest available.

Another option is a remote cooler that will have its own fan, # D15900. Since it has its own fan it will get the optimum amount of air flow.

For any of these cooler options I also recommend adding fitting # D13018 to avoid having to cut and flare lines for installation. Remember to plug up the inlet/outlet ports to the old cooler on the radiator.