Beeker, nice install!

Noticed your fan shroud looks quite different than mine. Are you using the stock fan shroud?

 

I'm using the stock fan shroud, it is not present in any of the photos, was removed to do the installation. The one pic that looks like a shroud is actually a downward shot of the space between the AC condenser and the radiator where I mounted the cooler.

 

Got the check valve removed and the new in-line filter installed.

The filter is Magnefine brand, made in Australia. I like that it takes up very little space and it has a magnet inside to catch any metal particles. (I have one in the trans pan also) Used some brass fittings from Lowes to replace the check valve. LFA-294 and LFA-176, both fittings are required because the standard 3/8ths threads do not fit the 3/8ths line fitting from the trans supply line.

I have not noticed any delay when putting in drive from check valve removal but I do have the Sonnax kit installed which allows the TC to fill in park.

So far the temps have been too cool here for the trans to use the cooler at all. The hot supply line has been around 145* and the return at about 135*. The trans cooler has remained at 80* which shows the hot oil is not flowing through the cooler, it is being returned to the trans because the thermostat does not reroute until around 180*. I will have to check temps again on some longer trips and when towing.

3/8ths Magnefine filter from Ebay $14
LFA-294 and LFA-176 from Lowes $3.94ea

 

Sonnax kit allows for T/C fill in park. Which also means you can check your fluid level in park..... Why it wasn't that way from the factory is a mystery to me.

Install looks good. Is the filter rebuildable? Or do you just replace the whole thing? Does it have a built-in check valve??

 

Filter is not rebuildable, replace it with trans service. I couldn't find any info saying it has a check valve, but it does have a bypass valve in case of filter blockage. Is that the same thing?

 

Nope, the bypass is for when the filter starts getting too plugged up, if there is like 8 pounds of difference in pressure between inlet, and outlet, the bypass valve will open up. (exact pressure varies.) Check valve prevents flow backwards....

 

Beeker, It looks like I can see the shroud in this picture below, and it looks different than my shroud. You using the stock shroud? I'm wondering if they changes shrouds during the life of the 2nd gen.

 

Well here's a better picture of my fan shroud. Is it different from yours?

 

Looks great beeket!
Can't wait to hear about your results with some healthy miles run over.

 

Lot different from mine...... it's cleaner.