Just thinking out loud here. I have an 84GSL with the goofy firewall mounted water/oil cooler. I see many others taking air/oil coolers from earlier first gens or from 2nd gens in order to upgrade.

Is there any reason why an aftermarket transmission cooler (like those for cars hauling trailers) mounted up front and connected in series with the existing cooler isn't a viable option? ... or should I just stick to the tried and true?

 

I don't think there's any reason ,why one should'nt
upgrade there oil cooling systems.

 

I do not know if the trans cooler will work adequately. I do know that a 2nd gen/GSL-SE/pre-83 oil cooler will, and it will eliminate the oil/water cooler. Making your 7 more reliable by removing a potential, and common, area for leaks, both oil and water.

 

Yes it would work but do you want to do it? Traney coolers are not made for the high oil presures that you are going to be pushing. It it were me I would get a FC oil cooler and get the RB adapters and have the oil lines made. (should bearound $30-50). The FC oil coolers do not crack as offen and are newer! I did this on my GSL and it works great. Oil temps in to the cooler are about 160' in and out are about 120' @75psi.

 

Not to mention that FB/SA parts are coming harder and harder to come by.. I remember going to the junkyard and seeing a bunch of FB and even a ton of SA's, now I hardly see any. I do however see some FC's and evn 1 or 2 FD's ...

 

tranny coolers have different capacities for its cooling ability. Not to mention a different pressure range, etc, etc. Sticking with a proven cooler from a 1st gen or a 2nd gen for safety. Thats what I decided was the best option for my engine setup anyway.