Question: Radiator and Trans Cooler

[Schmieder]

A few questions actually. 1996 Grand Prix SE 3100

UPDATE: I found an old 3/8" bolt and it started to thread fine, so that is one answer.

Now, which line feeds the transmission from the radiator? Upper or Lower?

I would think lower since heat rises, cool sinks. But Advance Auto Parts sells the line opposing that theory.


Thanks

[robertisaar]

this should help. it's refering to the lines at the tranny itself, so i'm not sure which side of the radiator is the hot side and which is cold....

[Schmieder]

this should help. it's refering to the lines at the tranny itself, so i'm not sure which side of the radiator is the hot side and which is cold....

Yes, that helps out A LOT! Thanks

This info will solve the feed/return issue.

My engine bay is starting to look really nice. The intercooler is bolted in really tight and sturdy. All the pipes are secured very well.

You know where the bottom of the front end there are stiff plastic guides to guide intake air over the radiator. The intercooler is positioned perfectly at that spot. It will receive the coldest air possibly at great flow rates. Running the pipe was a big PITA!!! But it is done. The pipes aren't connected to the turbo yet but they terminate at that spot where it will be mounted.

The trans cooler and oil cooler are bolted to the frame just behind the intercooler. Again, nice and sturdy. With foam inserts between the cooler and the frame to reduce vibration. The trans cooler gauge is wired in as well.

I cleaned up the engine bay of few rust patches and primed with rust killer primer.

The batt is in the trunk and the cables are secured under the frame. The batt relocation kit was great. I got a real quality item. Included everything needed plus some. It even had self tapping screws for the cable clamps. The box for the batt is secured very well to the trunk frame.

The car could roll over and all that stuff wouldn't budge.

All in all, the project is coming along nicely so far. It's nice when I have the time to be patient and do everything right. I measure twice, cut once.



Again, thanks Rob. You have been a big help so far. I hope one day I could return the favor.

[robertisaar]

no problem.

something to consider: keeping the intercooler in a spot that recieves a LOT of airflow is also potentially a spot that recieves a lot of unintended "airflow" such as rocks, birds, frogs, rabbits(it happened, believe it or not) and could potentially damage the IC. you may want something to protect it.

[Schmieder]

no problem.

something to consider: keeping the intercooler in a spot that recieves a LOT of airflow is also potentially a spot that recieves a lot of unintended "airflow" such as rocks, birds, frogs, rabbits(it happened, believe it or not) and could potentially damage the IC. you may want something to protect it.

I had actually thought of that. I was considering a black grill like peice, cut to shape and bolt down. Similar to the grill above it on stock. But if I can't find anything like that, what would you think about simple screen material, for windows?

Ain't the strongest but I bet it would at least stop pebbles and small sticks.

Hit a rabbit, lol. Did you keep the Rabbits Foot to hang on the review mirror?

BTW, would you happen to know the thread size for the fuel filter? I need to get an adapter to -6 AN braided steel line. The proximity of fuel lines to exhaust is troublsome. And I just may relocate the fuel lines.

The intercooler I bought was from CXRacing.com. It is surprisingly thick and sturdy for a china-turbo dealer. Though, I have read a good number of people satisfied well with the intercoolers from CXRacing.

I had to remove the A/C piping. And because of that, I also removed the radiator thing for A/C that reduces airflow to the water radiator. The compressor is resting in place to provide serpentine belt functionality.

Good side is I can run the WBO2 through the A/C pressure switch. link nice DIY file with pics.

Still waiting on my 36# injectors, cylinder heads and pneumatic rotary tool (for carving exhaust into shape). I have plenty of carbide bits and other bits from an old Dremel kit. Buddy of mine is loaning me there compressor. it will make carving/grinding the pipe to shape a breeze.

I have the entire exhaust network mapped out well. All the unknowns in the project have been resolved. Nothing but labor now. And I am very excited because it is now getting down. Nothing compared to a project on paper.

[robertisaar]

that rabbit also punctured a tire...

i have a new fuel filter a few feet away, but i don't have any guages to check the threads.

as far as the material: i've seen some with about 1/8" thick "strings" making a diamond pattern. seems like it would be strong enough, though it may reduce airflow. removing the condensor will help with airflow, but i would rather have cold air, IMO.

running the WB through the PCM like that is actually very similar to what can be done with most OBD1 ECMs, it usually works out pretty well.

i'm sure i've said it before, but be sure to take LOTS of pics

[Weatheralls Auto]

[pocket-rocket]

I had to remove the A/C piping. And because of that, I also removed the radiator thing for A/C that reduces airflow to the water radiator. The compressor is resting in place to provide serpentine belt functionality.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1382509,parttype,10329

A/C delete pulley