ATX Rad-to plug or not to plug?

[Claude]

ok so I am putting an auto rad in my festy to get ready for the BP and was just wondering if I do need to plug the two lines on the bottom or not, as I have searched and found people who say both

[lessersivad]

I'm gonna say "no". There is nothing that goes in/out of the transmission cooler except transmission fluid from the lines that connect to the radiator. However I think that I would plug them in case for some silly reason the cooler lets go and then the coolant would leak. Also if they are plugged it would help keeping road crud from entering the trans cooler which could increase the possibility of it leaking. Just my 2 ¢.

[hotfordcat]

I put an ATX rad in my 93 5spd. and I cut the lines off flush with nut. DO NOT loosen that nut or the rad will leak. I also epoxied the holes shut. I cut them because they were in the way. Made removal of the rad much easier.

[eurotiva]

At least cover them with rubber caps.

[Claude]

ye i just used some jb weld to plug them up after bending the piping off so it has better clearance. the rad is a lot wider and looks like ittl be a nice upgrade. cnt wait to get this fr#$$$n engin in..