Turbo 400 cooler line PSI behind the 502 crate mtr. in my 72 Vette

[Rey S.]

72 I am in the process of plumbing the radiator transmission cooler for the Turbo 400 in my Vette. Does any one know the line PSI to and from the cooler. I plan(?) to use braided stainless with AN fittings. I am leaning towards a short length of hard line and then adapt to AN after a short length. What about a fitting to fit the radiator bung then go directly to a braided stainless adapter?
Thanks for any and advice on this.
Rey S.

[Douglas L.]

Re: Turbo 400 cooler line PSI behind the 502 crate mtr. in my 72 Vette

Its been a long time but I seem to remember 40 psi as the normal cooler line pressure on th400s. Ive used AN hoses and fitting to run trans cooler lines, youll need 3/8" inverted flare to -6AN fittings for the trans and radiator fittings, easy to source. You'll also need to flare the hardlines to 37 degrees and use tube nuts to adapt to the hose to the hardline.

Good Luck, Doug

[Jim T.]

Re: Turbo 400 cooler line PSI behind the 502 crate mtr. in my 72 Vette

I do not know what the line pressure is. I did experience driving my original owner 1970 Corvette several years ago with the original turbo 400 bursted one of the transmission transmission lines going to the radiator. Was very glad it occurred in the city and engine was not highway driving hot, was only 1 1/2 miles from my house, the smoke from the fluid hitting the exhaust alerted me. New line replacement before any more driving.

[Mark E.]

Re: Turbo 400 cooler line PSI behind the 502 crate mtr. in my 72 Vette

It would be great to see photos of a 502 crate in a '72. Is it a ZZ502?

What mods/surprises did you run across with this swap? Did you use the original intake/carb to maintain hood clearance?

[Rey S.]

Re: Turbo 400 cooler line PSI behind the 502 crate mtr. in my 72 Vette

Hi Mark --- The mods I encountered were for the most part a fabrication of my ancient brain and some things I have learned about after all these many years of trial and error but fun. The "original" carb/intake is what comes with the 502 (crate mtr.) which is a Holley on a GM hi-rise. It will require at least an L-88 style hood and a lower style flat top air cleaner for hood clearance. I have lots of pictures and would be happy to share with you or any other members should they be interested. If you would send me some contact info via private message I will gladly contact you and share. I don't care to send a bunch of pics via tech discussion board as they will take up a lot of valuable space ---- OK!
Thanks for your interest.