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High temperatures can ruin your gearbox and entire car (even cause transmission cooling lines leaking) – yet factory-made coolers sometimes can’t handle the job. In such cases, opting for the best transmission cooler to keep your gearbox from overheating is the wisest choice.
However, how can we distinguish overhyped products from ones that work? If you’re looking for some references, Driverevolve will go into detail about the 4 best transmission coolers and 6 factors that define a high-quality product.
| Product | Specs | Best For |
| B&M SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler | Brand: B&M Product Dimensions: 7 x 8 x 11 inches Item Weight: 1 pound | Best Overall |
| Hayden Automotive 679 Rapid-Cool Transmission Cooler | Brand: Hayden Automotive Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 11 x 11.6 inches Item Weight: 2.75 pounds | Best Value |
| Mishimoto MMTC F2D-99SL Transmission Cooler | Brand: Mishimoto Product Dimensions: 36 x 7 x 25 inches Item Weight: 19 pounds | Best For Large Pickups |
| Hayden Automotive 402 Ultra-Cool Transmission Cooler | Brand: Hayden Automotive Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 3 x 2.1 inches Item Weight: 1.6 pounds | Best For Import Cars |
4 Best Transmission Cooler In 2023
B&M SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler – Best Overall
As a leader in transmission-related aftermarket items, B&M has established a strong reputation in the automotive parts industry. One product that helped the firm earn its reputable name is the SuperCooler transmission cooler.
The 70268 is B&M’s middle-tier SuperCooler option. You may expect the highest possible cooling efficiency with its layered plate structure.
The stacked-plate design also protects from road hazards like stones and other particles that may be kicked up by passing traffic. As a result, you won’t have to fret as much that transmission cooling line leaking would ruin your family vacation.
This product promises durability and can ward off corrosion thanks to its aluminum alloy material. The transmission coolers can take up to 200 PSI pressures and have a BTU rating of 13,000.
Another of the selling points of B&M’s SuperCooler automatic transmission cooler is how simple it is to mount in either the front or rear of the car, depending on your preference.
It does what it says it’s going to do, which is to markedly lower the temperature of your gearbox, even under extreme heat. It has been tested and found to be compatible with many different vehicle models, both domestically and overseas.
The SuperCooler, according to the manufacturer, has 15% less flow constraint than a conventional tube-and-fin model. As a result, we have a transmission cooler that is suitable for vehicles up to 18,000 pounds.
While this transmission cooler assembly generally works as advertised, there have been reports of problems, including missing components and faulty plates. In detail, a few buyers claimed that bubbles formed in the gearbox due to misaligned or damaged plates during the delivery.
Pros:
- Features an all-inclusive set of tools for a fast setup.
- Made of corrosion-proof metal.
- High durability to avoid transmission fluid leaking.
- Is reversible and can be installed in any position.
- Long-lasting and effective layered-plate structure.
Cons:
- Deformation of the plates during shipment.
- Problems assembling due to missing parts in the package.
Hayden Automotive 679 Rapid-Cool Transmission Cooler – Best Value
This list features several reasonably priced transmission coolers, but this Hayden Automotive Rapid-Cool Plate and Fin transmission cooler stands out as both the most cost-effective and well-praised.
Its plate and fin layout ensures good cooling performance, making it a viable choice for those who regularly tow heavier items. In addition, it meets the standards for usage with RVs of various sizes (motor, travel, and 5th wheel).
The 679 Rapid-Cool, according to Hayden, is developed to offer sufficient cooling to allow you to drag up to 10,000 pounds and have a total car load rating of up to 30,000 pounds. Such dimensions indicate that this aluminum transmission cooler is suitable for Class A vehicles and large fifth-wheel mobile homes.
Many people opt for this Hayden offering since it is simple to set up and arrives with everything you need in one convenient package. This is definitely among the best options for maintaining your gearbox at a favorable working temperature in the hottest weather.
Considering the product’s compact size, its efficacy is quite a feat for a transmission cooler. Hayden accomplishes this by introducing 30 rows of cooling lines, allowing your transmission coolant to dissipate heat faster.
Remember that this transmission cooler is compatible with some older vehicle makes and models; check the specifications to ensure it will work with your automobile.
Missing pieces in the assembly package during delivery are a problem with this Hayden option, although it’s pretty rare. Furthermore, there have been complaints regarding damaged hoses, which might put your gearbox and cooling network at risk.
Pros:
- Very little investment for a lot of beneficial effects.
- The design is adaptable to many vehicles, including many older ones.
- Faster cooling efficiency.
- Easy to install.
Cons:
- Defective hoses.
- Missing parts in the setup package.
Mishimoto MMTC F2D-99SL Transmission Cooler – Best For Large Pickups
Next, we’ll discuss the transmission cooler you should get if you operate large pickups. Tailored for Ford Super Duty pickups equipped with a 7.3L Powerstroke diesel motor is the Mishimoto MMTC F2D-99SL.
This transmission cooler is a drop-in replacement for the original equipment unit on your pickup, making it a direct-fit component. Its manufacturer Mishimoto claims that by installing this cooler, you can lower the heat of your transmission coolant by 10℉.
The F2D-99SL delivers on this promise, as asserted by the company, thanks to its 37-row layered plate layout that provides more cooling contact region than the vehicle’s basic 9-row cooler. Additionally, this cooler’s larger core increases your transmission coolant capacity by 1 quart, improving its efficiency by 265%.
Its cooling system, 2 different high-pressure transmission fluid pipes (that effectively prevent transmission cooling lines leaking), 4 worm-gear fasteners, and installing brackets are all part of Mishimoto’s package.
Specifically designed to work with your Ford Powerstroke, this unit features 37 rows of layered plates. Connect it, and it will work without needing guides, conversion tools, or adjustments.
Mishimoto is confident in this item 100%. How self-assured could they be? There is a lifelong guarantee on this cooler, so you can always issue the company if there are any problems.
Pros:
- A lifelong warranty.
- Improved cooling capacity.
- Enhanced performance.
- Simple to set up.
Cons:
- Higher-than-average cost.
- A few reports of hoses deteriorating within a few years of use.
- The hose fasteners could be superior value for the money.
Hayden Automotive 402 Ultra-Cool Transmission Cooler – Best For Import Cars
Hayden Automotive’s 402 Ultra-Cool is another low-priced, functional solution to keep your automatic gearbox cooled in your import vehicles.
The dimensions of this basic tube-and-fin cooler are just under 16 inches in length, 5 inches in height, and 0.75 inches in thickness, making it simple to fit in a small or medium vehicle.
According to Hayden, its 402 Ultra-Cool is suitable for a wide variety of foreign automobiles, including Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota, in addition to numerous household models.
Basic in appearance and small in dimensions, this 402 Ultra-Cool is said to be capable of cooling vehicles with a total car load rating of up to 16,000 pounds and a hauling power of up to 2,500 pounds.
High-efficiency turbulators inside the pipes allow this cooler to dissipate hot air more effectively. Pressure testing at 150 PSI ensures the durability of this device, and ultrasonic welding is used throughout the manufacturing process to ensure the highest standards of quality. A set of hoses and clamps for transmitting fluid are available within this aluminum cooler’s package.
Pros:
- A low-cost approach to gearbox cooling that still achieves excellent results.
- Extremely reduced coolant temperatures.
- High durability.
- Compact size.
Cons:
- Does not include mounting brackets
- The supplied hose clamps might slip off after installation.
- The cooler might arrive with bent fins due to delivery.
6 Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Transmission Cooler
Compatibility
It’s crucial to investigate the compatibility before choosing a transmission cooler, as the 3 different types each provide distinct traits depending on your requirements, application, and vehicle models.
Layered plate coolers aren’t always functional on older vehicles, while tube and fin coolers aren’t the best choices if you often tow a lot of weight.
It’s also worth noting that many manufacturers produce transmission coolers designed for a particular automaker. It’s common for them to say whether or not a cooler is universal (designs for all vehicles) or brand-specific.
Easy To Set Up
If you’re not a mechanic or automotive expert but still want to accommodate a gearbox cooler at home, you should seek a simple device to set up.
Regarding assembly, not all products are designed the same. Invest some time in research before buying a product to ensure that the task at hand is within your capabilities.
Efficiency
This means how fast your transmission cooling system might cool your transmission coolant. The deterioration of your vehicle and the ratings of the product you want to purchase will also affect how well it works.
You must know the specifications of your vehicle and the product you want to purchase to avoid purchasing an item that is not up to par with your requirements.
Materials and Design
The purpose of all transmission coolers is to lower the coolant temperature inside the gearbox as soon as possible; thus, it’s essential that your cooler is well-made and has a well-thought-out design. Both factors will help provide optimization.
Size
Though it’s natural to think that a larger device will perform the task better, this is not always the situation. A cooler’s ability to fit in your automobile and meet your requirements is more noteworthy than the cooler’s body dimensions.
GVWR
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) measures how much weight your car can safely manage. This involves the passengers, their belongings’ load, and the car’s weight.
Knowing the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating is essential if you need to tow heavy items frequently. The GVWR can be anywhere from 10,000 to over 30,000 pounds; a greater GVWR means your vehicle consumes more coolant and requires a more powerful cooling system.
FAQs
Is Installing Transmission Cooler Hard?
Not at all.
The installation time for a transmission cooler is minimal, taking approximately 1-2 hours at most. But if you’re unsure, you can always ask a nearby transmission service to set up the cooler.
How Does Transmission Cooler Work?
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) functions similarly to motor oil in dissipating heat generated by the gearbox’s moving components. Your transmission coolant flows through a cooling compartment at the bottom of your cooler, dissipating the warm air that has built up. This would typically be enough to temper all ATF before it is recycled into the gearbox.
However, if you increase the load on your gearbox, the parts will have to put more effort, generating more hot air than your standard transmission cooler can withstand.
Because of this, the transmission liquid deteriorates and no longer allows seamless shifting between gears. Not only does this cause overheating, but it may also result in transmission cooling lines leaking (aka the red fluid leaking from your car)
Luckily, adding a secondary transmission cooler is all it takes to stop this from happening. To some extent, it resembles a little radiator in that it cools the ATF before it is recycled back into the gearbox.
It won’t improve your hauling ability or efficiency or make your transmission unbreakable, but it will help keep it running longer by protecting it from the wear and tear of heavy use.
Do I Need A Transmission Cooler?
Yes.
First and foremost, transmissions are especially vulnerable to damage from overheating. If your gearbox can maintain its optimal condition, it will function better. And the only way to achieve that is to have a cooler to cool everything.
A transmission cooler can also help you save money. Indirect cost savings result from the cooler’s increased efficiency, which ensures your transmission will serve you well for a long time without breaking down or showing signs of deterioration.
Better gas mileage is another benefit of installing a transmission cooler. The cooler will minimize the workload on the gearbox and your engine, which is why it is so helpful. As a result, your vehicle will use less gas while moving.
Moreover, if you intend to use your truck for hauling, having a cooler should help a lot. This is especially true if the vehicle you pull is bulky or hefty. A transmission cooler is among the most effective ways to alleviate this pressure.
Wrapping Up
The best transmission cooler will be a significant update or replacement in case of poor performance, transmission cooling lines leaking, or degradation.
All of our 4 products above ensure your gearbox stays in its optimal working condition, prevents overheating, saves gas consumption, and even increases your vehicle’s towing ability.
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