THE AUTO BUILDER
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THE INTRUDER
From the first time you see this beautiful ’57 Ford Ranch Wagon, you know it’s special, both in its concept and its execution. You might also know this is the latest creation from one of the Midwest’s elite rod builders, Troy Trepanier, a guy who has been doing it his own way since he first started shaping specialized vehicles back in the late 1980s. Since that time, Troy and his crew have been stopping people in their tracks with fresh, leading-edge designs, and their latest innovation certainly carries that tradition into a new era. After taking possession of another Trepanier creation, the ’54 Plymouth known as the Sniper, George Poteet decided he wanted Rad Rides By Troy to rework another car that he had been thinking about for some time. As with all such projects, it began simply enough, but soon a well-worn Ford station wagon was well on its way to an entirely new life.
GOODGUYS COLUMBUS 2008
We are continually challenged by what has previously been accomplished within a hobby that has captured the hearts of enthusiastic Americans; and just when it seems automotive imagination has reached its pinnacle, we are once again reminded of an endless flow of accomplishment and creativity that stretches the limits of the cars we build.
Shoot ‘Em Up
For many years, multiple-carburetor setups have been a popular choice for rodders who want to add some extra power and visual appeal to their engines. However, these setups have traditionally been difficult to tune and keep in sync. The Barry Grant Six-Shooter solves these problems by using three 250cfm two-barrel carbs that are linked together with a well-designed throttle linkage system. The result is a system that looks great and performs even better.
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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