CMoore711
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My vehicle is a 2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD. That being said I believe this process and part list should apply to all GMT900 SUV’s looking to make this conversion. I'm creating this post because I searched high and low on the forum for a parts list of the lines and fittings needed to get this done and came up empty handed. I figured I’d make this post for any other GMT900 SUV owners looking to make this conversion and upgrade the factory engine oil and transmission oil cooler lines.
The engine oil cooler lines on my '13 Escalade ESV started to fail and leak right at the connection points, then they started to leak bad enough to begin to leave a puddle in my driveway and in my parking spot at work from remote starting the vehicle and sitting still idling.
It is well known that the factory oil cooler lines are junk and even when new or shortly after new replacement OEM lines are installed it seems the connections start to seep within 6-8 months. I did not want to replace the factory engine oil cooler lines with OEM lines/parts, and instead wanted to upgrade and convert them all to stainless steel braided lines and AN fittings.
I also took this time to upgrade the factory transmission cooler. From some rough measurements with a measuring tape I estimate that the factory transmission cooler is about 10- ½” W x 5- ½” H.
This picture is a bit deceiving with the OEM trans cooler and measuring tape cause I'm in front of the grill.
Based on my measurements I was coming up with a MAX vertical height of 8.125” from the bottom of the stock transmission cooler mounting location to the bottom of where the hood latch is located.
Measurement taken from behind my front grill.
I worked with my mechanic to develop a parts list and here is what we used:
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE PARTS:
EVIL ENERGY 6AN 20 FT Nylon Braided Line Kit:
ICT Billet Transmission 6l80e Oil Cooler Line Plate Adapter:
Extra EVIL ENERGY 6AN Hose Clamps:
I went with a Setrab Transmission cooler
Setrab Series 9 Proline 50-920-7612 Tansmission Cooler:
www.pegasusautoracing.com
Setrab's website:
The Setrab Transmission cooler I chose required (2) of these adapters:
I purchased a Setrab Series 9 Cooler Mounting Bracket Kit:
(2) EVIL ENERGY 6AN Low Profile 90's (These were needed where the outlet is on the transmission there's not a lot of room around there as the front drive shaft
ENGINE OIL COOLER LINE PARTS:
EVIL ENERGY 8AN 10 FT Nylon Braided Line Kit:
Extra EVIL ENERGY 8AN Hose Clamps:
Improved Racing Low Profile LS Engine Oil Cooler Adapter:
www.improvedracing.com
(2) EVIL ENERGY 8AN Flare to 8AN ORB Adapter Fittings:
(Because the IMproved Racing LS Engine Oil Cooler Adapter doesn't come with fittings)
We ran the 6AN transmission cooler lines and 8AN Oil Cooler lines parallel. Utilized the 6AN and 8AN Hose Clamps to keep all the lines tight and parallel.
Here are some pictures of the final install:
Setrab Series 9 Proline 50-920-7612 Tansmission Cooler:
The Setrab transmission cooler ports are on top, which is different from stock. My mechanic recommended this in case those connections started to seep or leak later on being on top would prevent the transmission fluid from just pouring out. Also, the transmission cooler lines are routed directly from the transmission to the cooler and back.
Really happy with how everything turned out and should be pretty close to a "one and done" as far as having to ever replace transmission cooler or engine oil cooler lines.
The engine oil cooler lines on my '13 Escalade ESV started to fail and leak right at the connection points, then they started to leak bad enough to begin to leave a puddle in my driveway and in my parking spot at work from remote starting the vehicle and sitting still idling.
It is well known that the factory oil cooler lines are junk and even when new or shortly after new replacement OEM lines are installed it seems the connections start to seep within 6-8 months. I did not want to replace the factory engine oil cooler lines with OEM lines/parts, and instead wanted to upgrade and convert them all to stainless steel braided lines and AN fittings.
I also took this time to upgrade the factory transmission cooler. From some rough measurements with a measuring tape I estimate that the factory transmission cooler is about 10- ½” W x 5- ½” H.
This picture is a bit deceiving with the OEM trans cooler and measuring tape cause I'm in front of the grill.
Based on my measurements I was coming up with a MAX vertical height of 8.125” from the bottom of the stock transmission cooler mounting location to the bottom of where the hood latch is located.
Measurement taken from behind my front grill.
I worked with my mechanic to develop a parts list and here is what we used:
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE PARTS:
EVIL ENERGY 6AN 20 FT Nylon Braided Line Kit:
ICT Billet Transmission 6l80e Oil Cooler Line Plate Adapter:
Extra EVIL ENERGY 6AN Hose Clamps:
I went with a Setrab Transmission cooler
Setrab Series 9 Proline 50-920-7612 Tansmission Cooler:
Setrab Series 9 Oil Cooler, 20 Row, M22 Ports - Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies
Setrab Series 9 oil coolers measure 16 inches long with female M22x1.5 ports. The 20 row size measures 6 inches tall.
Setrab's website:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0257/2599/3014/files/Differential_Gearbox_Coolers.pdf?v=1751490670
The Setrab Transmission cooler I chose required (2) of these adapters:
I purchased a Setrab Series 9 Cooler Mounting Bracket Kit:
(2) EVIL ENERGY 6AN Low Profile 90's (These were needed where the outlet is on the transmission there's not a lot of room around there as the front drive shaft
ENGINE OIL COOLER LINE PARTS:
EVIL ENERGY 8AN 10 FT Nylon Braided Line Kit:
Extra EVIL ENERGY 8AN Hose Clamps:
Improved Racing Low Profile LS Engine Oil Cooler Adapter:
Low-Profile Oil Cooler Adapter for LS Engines
Slim design provides more header clearance than any other adapter on the market. Machined from a single piece of billet 6061-T6 aluminum and is black anodized. Standard female -8AN O-ring boss ports and optional adapter fittings in your choice of -8AN, -10AN or -12AN. Two 1/8" NPT ports for...
www.improvedracing.com
(2) EVIL ENERGY 8AN Flare to 8AN ORB Adapter Fittings:
(Because the IMproved Racing LS Engine Oil Cooler Adapter doesn't come with fittings)
We ran the 6AN transmission cooler lines and 8AN Oil Cooler lines parallel. Utilized the 6AN and 8AN Hose Clamps to keep all the lines tight and parallel.
Here are some pictures of the final install:
Setrab Series 9 Proline 50-920-7612 Tansmission Cooler:
The Setrab transmission cooler ports are on top, which is different from stock. My mechanic recommended this in case those connections started to seep or leak later on being on top would prevent the transmission fluid from just pouring out. Also, the transmission cooler lines are routed directly from the transmission to the cooler and back.
Really happy with how everything turned out and should be pretty close to a "one and done" as far as having to ever replace transmission cooler or engine oil cooler lines.
