Transmission Cooler, 24 Plate, 7500 BTU, 10800 GVW

OVERVIEW

Heat is the silent killer of any transmission, especially when you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen or custom off-road rig to its limits. The EMPI 24-Plate Transmission Cooler is engineered to combat thermal breakdown by providing a state-of-the-art cooling solution that increases efficiency by up to 30% over traditional tube-and-fin designs. Whether you are navigating steep dunes in a heavy rail or cruising the highway in a late-model Type 2 Bus with an automatic transaxle, this cooler ensures your fluid temperatures stay within the optimal range. Its stacked plate design maximizes surface area while maintaining a slim 1-1/2 inch profile, allowing it to fit into tight spaces where airflow is available but clearance is limited.

Constructed with durability and performance in mind, this unit is rated at 7,500 BTU and supports a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of up to 10,800 lbs. The heavy-duty aluminum construction is designed to withstand the rigors of high-pressure environments and the constant vibration common in Volkswagen applications. Featuring 1/2-inch female pipe thread (NPT) fittings, it offers a secure and leak-free connection point for your fluid lines. While it is a universal component suited for any automatic transmission, its compact 3-3/4 inch by 11 inch footprint makes it a favorite among VW enthusiasts who need to mount external cooling systems without compromising ground clearance or aesthetic appeal.

FITMENT

This transmission cooler is a universal performance component designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, including but not limited to:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years equipped with Automatic Stickshift or custom automatic transaxles.
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1968-1979 models with automatic transmissions requiring supplemental cooling.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback/Fastback): Automatic models.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Custom applications and Automatic Stickshift models.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Ideal for any off-road vehicle using an automatic transmission or high-performance oil system.
• Universal Applications: Rated for any vehicle up to 10,800 GVW requiring a 7,500 BTU cooling capacity.

SPECS

• Cooler Style: Stacked Plate High-Efficiency Design.
• Plate Quantity: 24 Individual Cooling Plates.
• BTU Rating: 7,500 BTU.
• GVW Rating: 10,800 lbs.
• Width: 11 Inches.
• Height: 3-3/4 Inches.
• Thickness: 1-1/2 Inches.
• Inlet/Outlet Size: 1/2 Inch Female Pipe Thread (NPT).
• Material: High-Grade Lightweight Aluminum.
• Finish: Natural Aluminum.

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize Airflow and Mounting Location

For maximum efficiency, always mount your EMPI 24-plate cooler in a location where it can receive direct, unobstructed airflow. On a Volkswagen Beetle or Bus, this often means mounting it under the luggage tray or near the rear torsion housing. If you are using this in a low-airflow environment, consider adding an auxiliary electric fan to pull air through the plates. Ensure the cooler is not mounted directly against a solid surface; leaving a small gap behind the cooler allows the air to pass through the plates entirely, which is essential for achieving that 30% efficiency boost mentioned in the specs.

2. Use Vibration Isolation Mounts

Air-cooled VW engines and off-road environments are notorious for high-frequency vibrations that can eventually fatigue aluminum cooling fins and welds. We strongly recommend using a set of rubber mounting dampers (Appletree Part # AC117130) when installing this cooler. These dampers act as shock absorbers, preventing the chassis vibration from transferring directly into the cooler body. This simple addition can significantly extend the life of your cooling system and prevent hairline cracks that lead to messy and dangerous fluid leaks on the trail or road.

3. Proper Plumbing and Fluid Levels

When installing your lines, always use high-quality transmission cooler hose and ensure your 1/2-inch NPT fittings are sealed with a thread sealant compatible with transmission fluid (avoid using excessive Teflon tape which can break off and enter the system). After the installation is complete, it is vital to restart the vehicle, let it reach operating temperature, and then re-check your transmission fluid level. External coolers increase the total fluid capacity of your system, and failing to top off the fluid can lead to cavitation or poor shifting performance. Always double-check your connections for leaks after the first 50 miles of driving.