Ive started my 408 build amongst other things and I have some questions about oil coolers. From what Ive read the 4.8,5.3 and 6.0 blocks all have a spot for the connection but the 4.8 and 5.3's come with a block off plate. Am I close? Im going to upgrade to the bigger radiator and the one Im getting has a oil cooler. What is it gonna take for me to make this work?

 

This is just a copy-paste from my reply to your PM.....

Yep, it's easy. Right above the oil filter there are holes in the block for the oil cooler lines. On trucks that don't have the cooler, there is a blockoff plate there with an elongated-hole gasket that allows oil to flow between the two holes in the block. To install the oil cooler, you need to get the set of lines from the dealer or wherever (I think you need longer bolts too, can't remember for sure) and a gasket. This gasket has two circular holes that only allows fluid to flow into the pipes, it doesn't allow fluid to flow between the holes on the block like the other one does. The lines are 1-piece, it's got the fitting that attaches to the block and the two lines that run to the radiator. You will also need the two C-clips or E-clips or whatever they are called to secure the lines into the radiator, they are just like the tranny cooler clips but bigger. Hopefully your radiator came with some.

 

A little off subject but any help much needed I have a 95 chevy 454 where the lines come directly out of the block then go back into the block can i plug these off or do I have to make it ciculate no one seems to know?

 

This is a direct factory bolt on part this is used only on the 6.0, but you can buy one and install it on a 4.8 or 5.3. They're not cheap. I have one I bought from the dealership for a 5.3 that was only use for a short while(wife made an illegal turn in front a an 08 Avalanche) sitting up on the shelf in the garage. One end bolts directly on(where block off plate is located) and the other end clips into the radiator(hardware included). It even has a bracket that bolts to the block which holds the tubing in place. If you use it on a 4.8 or 5.3 you have to supply your own oil cooler. I might consider selling mine. I'm doing a cam install for a guy who has a 08 Silverado as soon as the 08 income tax checks come in. I'm trying to talk him into buying it, but if you come up with the $$$ first it's yours. I believe in keeping the oil cool so I always buy one if the truck doesn't have it. I even have one on my 09 4.8, but I have everything on that motor including a $500.00 electric water pump.

 

Jake, the oil needs to flow through the holes. Aftermarket companies might make a piece to bolt on to accomplish this. Or just buy the factory hoses and cut/splice them together. I did a Google and found a guy who did this and said his engine ran hot 220-250 after bypassing the cooler, so you might want to use it if possible.