JonnyJett

My stock radiator is cracked and has a slow leak. I don't want to get it repaired or buy used, and would rather get it replaced with a new one. I would like to get a Dewitts, but I don't have the funds. And I'm looking at looking at alternatives to the ACDelco #21558. But so far I've only found those that have the TOC built in. My budget is around $150 and I don't race it.

Question: How important is it that I find a radiator without the TOC? Can I go with one, like a Silla, TYC, Toyo that have the TOC (but no EOC)? Or would that cause possible fitment or reliability issues?

Question #2: Is there another manufacturer that you would recommend (other then ACDelco)?

PS. I did check the radiator bracket and it's solid.

JonnyJett

Ttt

EuroRod

Buy the radiator with the oil cooler. Use the supply and return ports to use as an engine oil cooler. Above the oil filter is a plate that can be removed and replaced with a plate with AN male fittings. Lingingfelter sells this plate. Pumb some ss oil lines and you have an engine oil cooler. Your engine oil and coolant temps will love it.

JonnyJett

That's a cool option to have but I have a low budget. The plate alone is $99 (http://www.lingenfelter.com/mm5/merc...gory_Code=C220). Besides, I don't drive it hard, so I don't know how I could justify the extra expense, unless there's a design flaw that needs to be rectified in the base MN6, and the extra cooling of the engine oil would significantly increase the longevity of the engine, etc.

But it sounds like it would be fine if I used a radiator built with a TOC and EOC, though not use them. I was under the impression that having those sectioned off in the radiator would take space away from the coolant, therefore the coolant wouldn't have the chance to cool down as well if the entire radiator was utilized, like in the stock radiator for a MN6 non-Z51/Z06. I can pick up a Silla radiator with the TOC (no EOC) for $103. The ACDelco without the TOC is $358. Can I go with the Silla and still get all the cooling needed?

EuroRod

Not familar with the Silla brand, but, you can always use a radiator with provisions for an EOC (or TOC), use a couple of caps to block off the cooler portion of the radiator, and, when funds permit, install the plate and lines to cool the engine oil. Not using the integral cooler should not affect the radiators ability to perform.

racebum

couple part numbers for you to check fitment one is vista pro and the other is spectra.

these are basic napa-baxters etc level quality radiators

VISTA-PRO Part # 438216

spectra cu2714

the vista is only 158 at rock auto and 5% discount codes are all over the net

TYC also makes one that appears to have the same dimensions as the oe non z51 that part number is 2714

JonnyJett

Thanks for the advice so far.

Here are the dimensions of those mentioned. It looks like none of the aftermarket versions are exactly the same as the OE, and they're close. But are they close enough? The difference in price is over $200.

Also, I can get the TOC/EOC Z51 version cheap, but the dimensions are way different.

Dimensions:
ACDelco 21558 (OE non-Z51): 23 3/8 X 17 3/16 X 7/8
SILLA 1886A: 23 1/2 x 17 1/4 x 1
TYC 2714: 23 3/7 x 17 1/4 x 1
Vista Pro 438216: 23 7/16 x 17 3/16 x 1
Spectra CU2714: 23 7/16 x 17 3/16 x 1
Pro 8012714: 23 7/16 x 17 3/16 x 1

ACDelco with EOC and TOC for only $111:
ACDelco 21539: 23 3/8 x 15 x 1 5/16

Should I just pick the cheapest with the best warranty? Go with the cheap ACDelco with EOC/TOC? Go with Vista or Spectra? What are your thoughts?

weathermaker

I don't know how much extra room you have, but those radiators that are bigger by 1/2" may not fit. Sometimes an1/8" is tough to work with. I would go with the Delco if it's oem size.

JonnyJett

Well what we're really looking at is an 1/8" in the thickness and 1/16" in the width.

Isn't there anyone here on the board who's installed an aftermarket radiator? It's a good sign that there isn't, but surely there's got to be a few here that cracked theirs when bumping the skid plate too hard

Or am I the only cheapass here?!

EuroRod

I've installed two. The first was a Ron Davis. It had a very small leak from day one. Fought that for 4 years, constantly attempting to find the leak, constantly adding coolant every 2 months. It finally split, and from the evidence, thered been a pinhole on a weld at the front of the radiator for a long time. I tried to get Ron Davis to repair it (at my expense) but they refused, They wanted me to buy a new $1100 unit. I told them to stick it. Went to a DeWitts radiator, Roughly half the cost of the Davis, much better quality and have not lost a drop of coolant in 6 months.
Whatever you decide, I would recommend a vehicle specific radiator. Attempting to fit some aftermarket unit is not worth the PITA of fitment issues.

JonnyJett

I just got the ACDelco 21558 for $270 shipped from autopartstomorrow.com
I'm also going to order the TYC Part # 2714 for $173 shipped from RockAuto, and try to install it first.
If that doesn't fit I'll install the ACDelco. If it does fit I'll return the ACdelco.

Correction: I ordered the TYC from Amazon with free shipping.

Thanks for all your advice.

racebum

besides that, how's the car holding up for you? i remember when you picked up that 05. one of the better deals i've seen someone get on a c6

JonnyJett

Yeah, thanks again Racebum for your help finding it.

It's held up well I suppose. I've driven it about 4K miles so far. I've only had to tighten up a stainless steel brakeline that was leaking, and replace a hood shock. The exterior needs to be clayed and buffed, which I'll do as soon as Spring comes around. Last night, as soon as I got up to 115mph a warning came on stating that the Active Handling needed servicing, although it's gone today. I'm not sure what that's all about.

Two (normal) annoyances:
The catback drone
How difficult it is to get it into 1st gear

I'm loving it though. It's crazy how much performance you can get for a measly $18K!!!

racebum

have you found out if the recalls were performed? i could have sworn at least 2005 had a recall for active handling issues and the top

JonnyJett

Update: I installed the TYC without issue. The ACDelco is going back.

Racebum, I haven't replaced the roof yet. Can I replace both or just the solid one?