Oil cooler advice

[dkerr79]

I have an ‘81 Cherokee with a sbc 350 and an oil cooler in front of the radiator. I’m considering some grill mods, but can’t figure out whether to ditch the cooler or replace it. Does anybody have any thoughts or experience on the cooler situation?

[will e]

oil provides a lot of the cooling to the engine. If you can make it work, keep it. Someone added it for a reason, perhaps the radiator wasn't able to keep up with the engines cooling needs.

You might try bypassing it first and see if it impacts the overall cooling before you decide or start on any of your planned mods.

[candymancan]

Transmission cooler or engine oil ?

[dkerr79]

Transmission

[dkerr79]

It has a 350 bolted up to a 727

[will e]

My bad, I thought it was an engine oil cooler. I would keep the transmission cooler for sure.

[candymancan]

Keep the trans cooler gives the tranny longer life

[derf]

There are all shapes and sizes of coolers available on the market. It shouldn't be too hard to find one that works with your grill mods.

[dkerr79]

Thanks guys. I’ve been away from home and haven’t been able to do anything about it yet, but I appreciate the insights.

[candymancan]

a standard 2 or 3 loop cooler should be more then enough for the trans. The stock oil cooler from what ive seen on mine is kinda far foward and not against the radiator itself. you can buy a new 2-3 loop cooler and install it flush against your radiator with the included clips in the kit you buy