Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

As the '55 400 nears completion I wonder if I must plug the original transmission cooler and still use it to route water through block & radiator?

I've always liked what CraigH did with a standing cooler mounted on the dust pan just infront of the radiator. But I wonder is there any mods one could do to drop the original cooler and just run standard hose from the block to radiator, therby relying on a standup cooler only?

You could make some new oil lines and run them to the new cooler location. Eliminate the factory cooler by using the hose only setup as if it had a standard transmission.

KevinAZ,
FWIW I just eliminated my factory cooler on my '56, replacing it with an all aluminum unit with internal and external fins running full length of cooler and dual pass lines. These units run from 15" to 30" long, I chose the 24" one which was $59 plus shipping. I mounted it along outside of frame below passenger front door behind rocker panel out of site. I have used these before on a street rod with performance motor and GM 700R tranny with good results. As soon as I find my misplaced radiator hose I will remove the factory cooler as HH56 stated.
Bill

ps:Also replaced fluid with the B&M fluid, with first test run had improved shifting from low to drive.

Found-the elusive hose, Gates #20610 which I believe is for standard shift car.

Rowdy,

I sent you a PM.

KevinAZ

Thanks for the info Rowdy. This hose (crosses to NAPA 7371) looks like it will work just fine and over-come the issue of not putting on the leaky Packard transmission cooler. Further the angles are such that the belts can operate with sufficient clearance.

(The Packard coolers I have both leak. Also on my parts Patrician the previous owner took the darn thing off completely! I don't recommend not cooling the TU trans however from what all the fellas here have said about it. See attached pics of that mess too.)

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Quote:It's still got a few feet of air cooling. Probably about as effective as the original.

Like the hose though. Would you add it to the x-ref.

my trans started getting too hot so i disconnected the trans lines from the stock cooler and put a huge trans cooler in front of the radiator. The cooler is rated for something like 24,000lbs campers and the like and let me tell you that cooled things down well.

I left the stock cooler in place for the engine coolant flow.