Jagalag

So I'm thinking of installing a transmission cooler on one of my cars. There are the more efficient "plate and fin" designed coolers, but these are all painted, versus the "tube and fin" design, which a bare aluminum. Doesn't the powder coating or regular paint they use make heat dissipation less efficient, than if it was the bare metal surface in contact with passing airflow? Thanks.

chrome91

iTrader: (1)

what kind of environment are you in? if youre bypassing the OEM cooler in the radiator and going purely external aftermarket, you risk overcooling the trans fluid in colder temps/winter. if youre in the desert/putting it inline with the radiator cooler, should be okay

Jagalag

Central Texas. Not much worry about the cold winters, and yes, plumbing it inline AFTER the factory trans cooler inside the radiator. How about the powder coating or paint though? Is it mainly for aesthetic purposes? If so, then I think it might reduce cooling efficiency...what you do think?

MadMax07SL

It's just a thin layer, it's not insulating much. Especially when you consider that it's trying to displace heat in a hot engine compartment. It's nominal.

chrome91

iTrader: (1)

you should be fine then especially if its inline after the rad cooler. powder coating/painting as said has limited if no difference in heat