Transmission Cooler, 72 Plate, 21800 BTU, 24000 GVW

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the longevity of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s drivetrain, heat is the ultimate enemy. The EMPI 72-Plate Transmission Cooler is the gold standard for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on performance and reliability. Engineered with state-of-the-art stacked plate technology, this unit provides a massive 30% increase in cooling efficiency compared to traditional tube-and-fin designs. Whether you are running a heavy-duty automatic Type 2 Bus through mountain passes or pushing a high-performance Beetle on the strip, this cooler ensures your transmission fluid or engine oil stays within the optimal temperature range, preventing premature wear and catastrophic component failure. The compact 1-1/2 inch thickness allows for versatile mounting in tight spaces, making it an essential upgrade for any serious VW build.

This heavy-duty cooler is rated for a 24,000 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) and can dissipate up to 21,800 BTUs, making it one of the most powerful cooling solutions in the EMPI catalog. While specifically designed for automatic transmissions, its robust aluminum construction and high-flow 1/2-inch female pipe thread fittings make it a favorite among off-roaders and racers for use as an external engine oil cooler as well. The 72-plate configuration maximizes surface area contact, forcing fluid through a series of internal baffles that strip away heat much faster than inferior models. At Appletree Auto, we know that "cool" means "reliable," and this EMPI cooler is the insurance policy your high-value drivetrain deserves. Don''t let high operating temperatures sideline your weekend cruise or off-road adventureupgrade to the best in the business.

FITMENT

This is a universal high-performance component. While it is designed to fit any vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, it is most commonly used on the following Volkswagen models when equipped with external cooling lines:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (All Models)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1979 (Including Kombi and Transporter)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1975
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, Manx Clones, and Trikes.
• Universal: Compatible with any automatic transmission system requiring external cooling.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 85-4004-0
• Plate Quantity: 72 Stacked Plates
• BTU Rating: 21,800 BTU
• GVW Rating: 24,000 lbs
• Length: 9-1/4 Inches
• Width: 11 Inches
• Thickness: 1-1/2 Inches
• Fitting Size: 1/2 Inch Female Pipe Thread (NPT)
• Material: High-Grade Aerospace Aluminum
• Efficiency: 30% Higher than standard coolers

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Isolation is Key to Longevity

Air-cooled VWs are notorious for vibration, especially in off-road or high-RPM street applications. Never bolt this cooler directly to the chassis or a rigid bracket without vibration dampening. We highly recommend using a set of rubber mounting dampers (Appletree Part # AC117130). These dampers absorb the harmonic vibrations from the engine and road, preventing the aluminum plates from fatigue-cracking over time. A "soft-mounted" cooler will outlast a rigid-mounted one by years, ensuring you don''t end up with a fluid leak in the middle of a trip.

2. Optimize Airflow for Maximum BTU Drop

While the 72-plate design is incredibly efficient, it still requires moving air to function at its peak. For the best results, mount the cooler in a location that receives "clean" airflow, such as under the floorboards with a slight angle or behind a dedicated air scoop. If you are mounting this in a "dead air" zone (like the engine compartment of a Bus), we strongly recommend adding a dedicated electric puller fan. Remember, the BTU rating is a measurement of potential; without airflow, that heat has nowhere to go. Always ensure the "in" line is at the bottom and the "out" line is at the top to prevent air pockets within the plates.

3. Use the Right Thread Sealant

The 1/2-inch female pipe threads on this cooler are NPT (National Pipe Thread), which means they are tapered to create a seal. However, you should always use a high-quality, oil-resistant thread sealant or Teflon tape specifically rated for automotive fluids. When installing your fittings, be careful not to over-torque them into the aluminum housing. Snug them down firmly, but remember that excessive force can crack the manifold of the cooler. Always double-check your line clearances to ensure that no moving suspension parts or hot exhaust pipes will come into contact with your fluid lines.