TAREK

Trying to make sense of what is advertised out there. am I correct to assume that the engine oil coolers are header style (but can also be used for transmission fluid cooling), while transmission oil coolers are the trombone style, but not recommended for engine oil cooling?

If anyone could confirm or shed light on preferred or most efficient style heat exchangers for either application, it would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance
Tarek

Normy

When I had my radiator fiasco a few years ago, I was told that the coolers in the end tanks were identical. The oil cooler and the transmission cooler are the same and as such are interchangeable. Least that's what I was told.

N!

WallyP

If you are talking about aftermarket coolers, there are several types available - tube and fin, plate and fin, etc.

One major difference - coolant (radiator) and transmission coolers only have to stand 25 psi, whild oil coolers have to be good for 125 psi.

Jim_H

Incorrect, per Wally... see post #3

SharkSkin

I think the ones on the 928 are the same part(for those cars that have both in the radiator). It seems Wally was making a point about choosing aftermarket coolers.

TopDownL79

I would certainly recommend going with a plate and fin type cooler. From my experience they hold up much better and are less susceptible to damage than a tube and fin unit. BTW, most plate and fin coolers are also rated for higher pressures, eliminating confusion between trans fluid / oil applications.

TAREK

Thanks for the clarification everyone. Yes Wally, I was referring to aftermarket coolers. As far as pressure ratings are concerned, the aftermarket manufacturers don't seem to advertise them much. Some claim both applications and others offer separate products for the different applications.

But as TopDownL79 is pointing out, it may be safe to stick with the plate and fin type.

I am however, still confused about header style versus continuous, trombone style