Upgrading trans cooler - Do I need a low-temp bypass?

[Mossyoakglock]

Trying to figure out if I need a cooler with an internal low-temp bypass .

 

I’m looking to install a little bit bigger trans cooler on my ’08 Silverado (mine came with the OE cooler). In the summer we are in the mid/upper 90’s and even into the 105* range. Normal driving in these temps I’m in the 180-185* range but when I tow, I am in the 190-195* range. I’d like to drop my temps by about 10-15* during normal driving and towing. But since we can get down to the single digits and low teen’s here in the winter, I’m worried that it will cool the fluid too much. I do keep the truck in a garage year-round with the exception of hunting season and it will spend a few nights outside.

 

Since the trans fluid flows through the radiator before going to the aux cooler, will that help the fluid warm up quicker in the winter to where I don’t need a bypass valve? Then once it goes into the aux cooler it cools the fluid down before going back to the trans.

 

Also, does anybody know the ratings on the stock AUX trans cooler on the GMT-900’s? I found in another forum it’s anywhere from 9,800 to 12,000 BTU. Depending on the size of the stock cooler, what size should I upgrade to so I can drop the temps a few degrees without overcooling?

 

Last two questions. Which is better or more efficient at cooling? Stacked Plate or Plate & Fin. The B&M’s that I’m looking at are Stacked Plate and the Hayden and Derale’s are Plate and Fin. Also, is a thicker cooler better? Say, comparing a ¾” thick vs a 1 ½” thick?

[Chris]

Stacked plate is better, i have a massive Fluidyne cooler. 2 or more inches thick. Extra quart of fluid capacity. Not sure on BTU. It is a 2 pass racing oil cooler. It is made for abuse.

[Mossyoakglock]

I saw your cooler when I was searching through Google.

 

Something in that size would be major overkill for me, especially in the winter. I'm also trying to keep size in mind so I don't have to fab up much and mount it in the existing location.

[Chris]

The mount is only a 1" aluminum bar cut with a die grinder