Best Transmission Cooler, Cold Air Intake, and Tuner for 2015 GMC Yukon XL 5.3L Towing in Mountains

Updated 05/23/2018 | Published 05/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(884)

$112.40

Edge Gas Evolution CTS3 Performance Tuner - Color Screen

(13)

$799.95

Edge EvoHT2 Hand-Held Performance Tuner - California Approved - Gas/Diesel

(4)

$499.95

Question:

I was wanting to know if it makes sense to swap my stock tranny cooler with aftermarket one or can I do something else to keep tranny cooler for those mountains passed when ever my vehicle is 2/3 rds up the pass hauling boat 7k# and my RPMs stay above 3300 my tranny gets hot causing engine temp to increase nothing dangerous but I would like to have a little more power available if I wanna go faster. And any other mods that you recommend for my 5.3 besides exhaust Which CAI do you recommend Which chip do you recommend

asked by: Phil G

Expert Reply:

All of our transmission coolers are actually designed to be used in addition to your OEM cooler. For the 5.3L V8 on your 2015 GMC Yukon XL (excluding 323 c.i.) the best option we have is the Derale # D13503. These coolers aren't necessarily vehicle specific. You just need to make sure that you have enough room under your hood for it. This cooler measures # 11" wide x 8-3/4" tall x 7/8" deep. I have linked a helpful article on transmission coolers that you can reference for the best place to mount it.

The best cold air intake system that we have is the Airaid MXP Cold Air Intake System # AR200-285 because of the size SynthaFlow Oiled filter. This will give your torque and horsepower a little boost.

One of the best tuners that we have is the Edge Gas Evolution CTS3 # EP39YR which comes with a 5" color touch screen that will help you gain up to 18 HP and 27 ft/lbs of Torque. This tuner isn't allowed in California due to regulations so if that is where you live or will be traveling through I recommend the Edge EvoHT2 # EP86040 instead. This offers the same HP and Torque but it is a handheld device.

Please note that although these can increase your HP and Torque it is not guaranteed what you will see gained. Since you will be towing in the mountains the lack of air and strain on your vehicle from going uphill will most likely hinder you from seeing the absolute best results.

expert reply by: Jon G