Transmission Cooler and Engine Oil Cooler Recommendations for a 2008 Chevy Express Van, 4.8 Liter V8
Question:
Hello - I have a 2008 chevy express van that I tow about 3000lbs with. It has a 4.8 V8. I am looking for a transmission cooler but did not see one listed for that engine. Is one available and could you quote me a complete kit price? I really like the idea of the filter,temp kit also but would that be too restrictive for the oil flow? Thank you and I look forward to your reply.
asked by: Gary D
Expert Reply:
Transmission coolers are not vehicle specific, but there are ones that are recommended for certain engine sizes. What I did was look up the recommended coolers for the 4.8 liter engine for the 2008 Silverado to get an idea of what we recommend for that engine size.
The most popular cooler for the 4.8 is the Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13502, and GM fitting, # D13035. The cooler is listed for a load of up to 3,500 pounds. Before deciding on a cooler though it will be a good idea to look at the dimensions, listed on the product page below the description, to determine the best place to mount the cooler in the engine compartment.
I have included a link to a video showing a typical installation and a link to our FAQ article on transmission coolers for you to view.
Engine oil coolers would also be beneficial to extend the life of oil lubricated parts. The kits work well and from the information that I have received from Derale in the past, any restricted flow is so minute that it may not even be able to be detected.
I recommend the Derale Tube-Fin Engine Oil Cooler Kit, # D15501. The adapter has a 2-3/4 inch o-ring diameter which is used on the vast majority of GM applications. It also has multiple threads to ensure proper thread size. Again, you will want to check the dimensions of the cooler and compare that to the space under the hood of your 2008 Chevy Express Van ahead of time.
Both the transmission cooler and oil cooler come with all the necessary hardware and parts for installation. Current pricing information is available on each of the product pages.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Transmission Coolers
- Radiator Adapters
- Derale
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 7-1/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Derale Tube-Fin Engine Oil Cooler Kit w/ Sandwich Adapter (Multiple Threads) - Class II
- Engine Oil Coolers
- Tube-Fin Cooler
- W/ Sandwich Adapter
- Class II
- 12-3/4W x 7-5/8T x 3/4D Inch
- With - 6 AN Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Small SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 5-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Transmission Cooler Recommendation for 2017 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: What do the Class Ratings Mean on the Transmission Cooler Pages
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Article: Engine Oil Coolers
- Article: Anti-Rattle Devices
- Q&A: Choosing a Transmission Cooler for a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Q&A: Does Flex-a-lite Transmission Cooler # FLX400117 Come with All Components Needed to Install
- Q&A: Best Transmission Cooler for Off-Roading in a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser in Year-Round Warm Climate
- Q&A: Weight Capacity of the Yakima HD Crossbars
- Q&A: Weight Distribution for a 2500 Pound Trailer with 320 Pounds Dry Tongue Weight
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers