[blacksilverado14]

I have an 08 silverado with the 5.3, I just bought a 4000 pound trailer I now tow with this up some good hauls from phoenix to escape the heat, problem is it is so hot here in phoenix, and with the big hills i get the motor up around 235 or 240. I know thats not devistating, however I would like to keep it cooler. any idea where i can find a nice oversized radiator that would fit without modification? Also strongly considering a nice larger transmission cooler. Thanks for the tips and everything!

 

[silveradotrailblazer]

I would first try changing the motor,transmission and axle fluids to synthetics. They run cooler and can take the heat better. '99Heartbeat just did a great post about transmission coolers.

 

[stephan]

If you go with a bigger radiator, be sure & get one with aluminum tanks, & not that plastic crap. The plastic tanks don't dissipate the heat. This will give you approx. 450-500 extra square inches of aluminum to aid in heat dissipation.

 

[silveradotrailblazer]

I would also try to find someone with a scanner, not a code reader but a real scanner and scan your trucks temp while driving. I have found that just about every trucks coolant temp. is about 15-20 degrees cooler than the trucks factory gauge reads. My own trucks gauge reads 210 degrees and the scanner says 185-190 degrees.

 

[stephan]

I would also try to find someone with a scanner, not a code reader but a real scanner and scan your trucks temp while driving. I have found that just about every trucks coolant temp. is about 15-20 degrees cooler than the trucks factory gauge reads. My own trucks gauge reads 210 degrees and the scanner says 185-190 degrees.

Gotta agree with that. I bought a Stewart Warner manual temp guage. It reads 180 F while the GM factory elect p.o.s. guage reads, 195-200F lol

 

[blacksilverado14]

any good places to find a better cooling all aluminum aftermarket radiator? I just ordered a transmission cooler that isn't as big as 99'heartbeat's but it is more than double the size. I'm wanting to flush the radiator/block also and put in new coolant. Advise for doing this at home? recomendations on coolant? Thanks for all the input guys! nice rides also!

 

[silveradotrailblazer]

BeCool and Griffin both make nice radiators.

 

[stephan]

Be Cool Radiators are pretty much the big dogs as far as good cooling results & they also have a "direct fit" series of rads. They also guarantee a 20 degree drop in temp or your money back. However, they are also the most expensive & there are other suppliers out there. Some require extra work to make them fit. It's a do at home job if you have reasonable mech skills, but if not, then I'd go with a direct replacement series rad. rather than go oversized where you might have to make some modifications.
For coolant BCs radiators claim they are compatable with any coolant. Where aluminum is concerned, whether rads or manifolds or heads, the bigger issue is the water you use & distilled is best as it does not corrode the aluminum parts like tap or well water that has all the minerals & chemicals in it.
Here's a link to their "direct fit" line to get you started on seeing what's out there.
http://www.becool.com/products/radiators/direct-fit

**edit, forgot to tell you DON'T buy the 50%-50% coolant at the store because you are paying for half a gallon of water. You're paying for the mixing, botteling & shipping of it whether they claim the water's free or not Just buy straight AF & mix it 50-50 yourself.

 

[blacksilverado14]

I have pretty good mechanical skills, I do everything myself. My grandpa was a mechanic and taught me a most of the tricks, like the 50/50 being a rip off. I just also like to be very sure on stuff before I go spend hard earned money on stuff to put on my trucks, and also don't want to mod too much more than I have to for that kind of stuff, I just want it to be efficient! Thanks for all the advise and input!