CANADIAN R’EVOLUTION
March 19, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
MEN AT WORK
Is it us, or does it seem that Jim Bell and his crew at Kenne Bell turn out hot trucks at truly astounding rates? In the past, they have built such a wide variety of trucks and SUVs that it’s hard to count them all. But when you consider all their other projects, such as their ’05 Mustang, the ’04 Focus and the ’04 Escape, it seems they have been busier than a one-armed paper hanger (whatever that means). One of their latest projects is this ’04 Ford F-150. As with most all of the other Kenne Bell projects, it started out as a new vehicle and was destined to be displayed in its SEMA booth.
WHERE’S THE POWER?
Bob Gruitch just thought his car was not performing up to his expectations. A ’55 Chevy equipped with a 502 big block, square port heads and a Crane H296-2 camshaft should be more than enough power. But it lacked power and didn’t idle all that well, especially in gear. This shouldn’t be happening with an engine built by John Gianoli at Reggie Jackson’s High Performance Engine Shop, so Gruitch figured he had something wrong and brought the car to John Bishop’s Hot Rod Tuning Service to have it checked. He’s lucky that he did.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Dynamat ProXTM Sound Deadening Mat
Let’s be honest—most sound-deadening upgrades feel like a small step forward. ProX™ isn’t that. This is Dynamat taking everything they already did right with Xtreme and pushing it way harder.
Same proven butyl formula? Yep.
But now it’s twice as heavy, backed by a thicker 5 mil aluminum skin, and built to flat-out dominate noise and vibration instead of just managing it.
Spotlighter
Product Spotlight: DIESELSITE 17-Row COOLERMAX Transmission Cooler
Top-of-Market Cooling Power: The Last Transmission Cooler You’ll Ever Need
Rated at a monster 59,000 BTUs, this cooler doesn’t just compete—it sets the bar. Standard factory units limp along at 15k–30k BTU. Even most “heavy-duty” aftermarket coolers top out well below the COOLERMAX’s rating. That extra capacity can mean the difference between cruising safely at 180° or cooking at 240°. In the real world, that translates into drops of 50–60°, longer fluid life, and transmissions that simply last.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Ford Motor Co. & Dieselsite
Why Transmission Cooling Matters
Heat kills transmissions. Plain and simple. Every year, trucks get sidelined—not because the engine gave up, but because the transmission cooked itself alive. You tow, you haul, you sit in traffic, and all the while your fluid is breaking down, seals are hardening, and clutches are begging for mercy.
At 200° your ATF starts to degrade. At 240° varnish is forming. Push to 260° and rubber internals are toast. Hit 295°? Game over. Slipping, burning, and the kind of repair bill that makes your wallet hurt worse than your truck.
The DIESELSITE Solution
Enter the DIESELSITE 17-Row COOLERMAX.
Rated at a monster 59,000 BTUs, this cooler doesn’t just compete—it sets the bar. Standard factory units limp along at 15k–30k BTU. Even most “heavy-duty” aftermarket coolers top out well below the COOLERMAX’s rating. That extra capacity can mean the difference between cruising safely at 180° or cooking at 240°. In the real world, that translates into drops of 50–60°, longer fluid life, and transmissions that simply last.
Built for Performance and Durability
The COOLERMAX isn’t just bigger—it’s engineered smarter. With a 17-row stacked-plate core for maximum surface area, -8AN inlets, 316 stainless adapters, and universal mounting brackets, this unit is made to take abuse and keep delivering.
Compared to anything else on the market, the COOLERMAX provides a massive margin of cooling reserve, so you’re not just “good enough”—you’re bulletproof.
Standard and Powerstroke-Specific Options
The DIESELSITE 17-Row COOLERMAX is built to fit your truck and your preferences. Buyers can choose cooler fittings only for a simple upgrade or opt for a complete installation kit that includes hoses, clamps, and hardware for a hassle-free setup. Both options are available with 3/8″ or 1/2″ fittings to match your truck’s lines. For enthusiasts running the popular 1994–2003 Ford Powerstroke, there’s a dedicated kit designed for a direct-fit, bolt-on installation, providing heavy-duty cooling for these legendary 7.3L and early 6.0L trucks right out of the box.
Versatility in Installation
Mount it up, down, or sideways. Run it standalone or in series with your OEM cooler. The COOLERMAX plays well with just about any setup, giving you unmatched flexibility.
Your cost? A fraction of what a transmission rebuild will run you.
Specs at a Glance
Cooling Capacity: 59,000 BTU with 17-row stacked-plate core for maximum heat dissipation
Pressure Rating: 150 PSI working / 750 PSI burst pressure
Mounting Flexibility: Can be installed up, down, or sideways to fit any setup
Kit Options: Standard option or 1994–2003 Ford Powerstroke direct-fit kit
Fittings: Available with 3/8″ or 1/2″ fittings, cooler fittings only or complete installation kit
Kit Options: Standard option or 1994–2003 Ford Powerstroke direct-fit kit
Fittings: Available with 3/8″ or 1/2″ fittings, cooler fittings only or complete installation kit
Final Word: Stop Playing with Fire
Bottom line: If you’re working your truck without this cooler, you’re gambling with your transmission’s life.
Don’t wait until heat claims another victim. The DIESELSITE 17-Row COOLERMAX is the heavyweight champ of transmission cooling—bigger, tougher, and built to keep you running when everything else falls short.
👉 Click here to get yours today and put an end to transmission-killing heat.
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