Derale Performance Automatic Transmission Filter Kit
Derale Performance: Automatic Transmission Filter Kits Built for Serious Protection
When it comes to protecting an automatic transmission from the microscopic debris and chemical byproducts that silently degrade it, few names carry more authority than Derale Performance. With roots stretching back to 1963 — when the company became a charter member of what is now SEMA — Derale has spent decades engineering thermal and filtration solutions trusted by everyone from weekend enthusiasts to professional racers. Their Automatic Transmission Filter Kits are a natural extension of that expertise, combining remote-mount convenience with filtration performance that goes well beyond what factory screen-type filters can deliver.
What Sets Derale's Transmission Filter Kits Apart
The OEM transmission filter found in most automatic gearboxes is a coarse screen designed to catch only the largest particles. Derale's remote transmission filter kits take a fundamentally different approach. Engineered to work in conjunction with the OEM filter rather than replacing it, these kits add a secondary line of defense that catches the fine contaminants that slip through stock filtration. The result is a system that prevents foreign particles from entering the valve body or other internal components while simultaneously removing varnish, sludge, and fluid-degrading contaminants that accumulate over time.
The flagship kit — the Derale 13090 Standard Remote Transmission Filter Kit — illustrates exactly what this brand brings to the category. It carries a nominal micron rating of 21, a bypass valve setting of 8–11 PSI, an anti-drain-back valve, a burst pressure rating of 340 PSI, and a maximum flow rate of 7–9 GPM. The filter itself threads onto a 3/4"-16 thread and the inlet uses standard 3/8" NPT barb fittings — hardware choices that simplify installation and ensure long-term serviceability.
Everything Included for a Clean Install
One of the most practical aspects of Derale's approach is the completeness of their kits. Rather than requiring a trip to the hardware store, a standard Derale Automatic Transmission Filter Kit ships with everything needed to get the job done:
- Aluminum filter mount — durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant
- Derale spin-on transmission filter — easy to swap at each service interval
- OEM-spec oil hose (4 ft.) — rated for transmission fluid temperatures and pressures
- Brass fittings — for reliable, leak-free connections
- Stainless steel hose clamps — for lasting security
- All necessary mounting hardware — no guesswork required
Beyond filtration, the added fluid volume from the remote filter housing provides a modest but meaningful reduction in operating temperatures — a dual benefit that supports transmission longevity, particularly under towing, hauling, or high-performance conditions.
Universal Fitment Across Virtually All Automatic Transmissions
Derale's remote transmission filter kits are designed as universal-fit solutions, compatible with the full range of automatic transmissions — domestic or import, light truck or passenger car. Multiple adapter options are included to accommodate different transmission line configurations, making the same kit work across a broad spectrum of vehicle applications. The filter installs inline on the supply line between the radiator and transmission, a straightforward placement that keeps the filter accessible for future changes.
For enthusiasts who want a complete picture of Derale's thermal management ecosystem — including transmission coolers, electric fans, and fluid coolers — the full Derale Performance brand page offers a comprehensive look at the lineup. And to compare Derale against other options in the segment, the full Automatic Transmission Filter Kit category page covers the complete range of available products.