Well today I installed the new OEM radiator... certainly made a major difference.

Yesterday late afternoon, a trip of about 8 miles I was hitting temps in the mid 230's (96°F out) at 40mph. Today after the installation, allowing it to idle back up to the mid 190's no AC on everything checked good after the bleeds, let it idle some more with the AC on stablized at 196. Took the same trip today about same time of day same outside temp 196 at 40, 198 at idle in traffic.

Very kewl (cool). Looks like the new AC-Delco rad did the trick everything else is new as well. I got to vacuum the front and rear of the condensor, surprised at the junk that came out of it using the soft bristle brush going vertical on it. Took about 5 hrs but I'm slow and take my time. Overall job wasn't bad. Cost under 150. plus the coolant.

More in traffic test to come after it gets a bath... but I'm happy.

 

It sounds like you made the right call.

 

Here's a few pics.... old one was nasty looking.

Wow I drove it some more afterwards, upper 90's out sitting in traffic max was 200. The moment I take off drops to 197, I get on it an it drops to 194... can't wait to see how it does tomorrow on the interstate when its hot out. I'm truly amazed at the results.

New Radiator side 1

New Radiator side 2

Old Radiator side 1

Old Radiator side 2

Shroud removed

Shroud removed 2

cleaned up and ready

new radiator in


I'm done

 

I'd say with no other changes(other than the new items and cleanup) that's exactly where you should be running ,temp-wise. Looks good. Let's see what tomorrow's (interstate) brings.

Bon chance.

 

Yeah water pump is about 3 yrs, thermostat year and half, all new hoses (all of them) last 18 mos, new heater core, so yeah that was the last piece of the puzzle. Every thing is stock OEM parts. I guess the original one did pretty good for a little over 13 yrs.

Yeah I can't wait either ...

 

How many miles do you have on the car?

 

128600

 

Lani, did the new one look thicker than the old one? I thought I read here (or somewhere) that the GM replacement radiators are actually deeper. I was wondering how that could be and it still fit in the original "slot". TIA...

 

Where did you get the new radiator? Sounds like one heck of a price for an OEM.

 

Where did you get it?

 

You guys are completely nuts. What other group of fruitloops takes pictures of new auto parts, then photographs the installation of them for before and after comparison.

That reminds me....I left my Nikon in the garage.

 

Nope identical. One thing I notice was how easily you can see through the new one, the old one was just clogged up with dirt and such over time.

 

Our pricing with Chris at Superior.

 

Too funny... gosh I photo-journal almost every procedure I do on the Vette. (These were taken with my new Nikon CoolPix, I had to crunch them down to 20% of their original size. This camera is really nice.)

I like taking the photo's along the way because sometimes I'm amazed at what I do on this Vette. When I first got it I was a bit intimitated by how everything is in there, but armed with my FSM... look out! I know my talents are just as good as the technican and I know that shops and service center would never go to the extent I do when something is repaired or replaced. I've had wrenches in my hands since a wee tike helping my Dad. Besides, when all those parts are removed it's an excellent time to clean everything prior to reinstallation. Paint bolt heads etc. Then it's like new. I didn't post the first before I started image, but washing down the shroud with Simple Green the blue and white in the labels just came alive and look fresh like new.

Also it makes for excellent reference posting to assist others.

And, maybe some day I'll write a book with all my tips on how to actually do things where the FSM is brief without those vital tips.

For example to get the shroud off, first you move the lower flange of the shroud (where the three 7mm bolts attach) from inside the lower shroud to outside of it, then pivot the shroud from the drivers side up and lift it free from the AC lines to the condensor from the passenger side. Tip: Move hot shop lamp out of way when installing new radiator, it tends to be really hot on the arm. (grin).

 

That IS funny. But it really does help some of us to see this kind of stuff because we start thinking, hmmmm, could that be the way MINE looks? Or, is there some maintenance that I could do now to prevent/prolong its lifespan so I don't have to do this anytime soon?

To me, the before/after, product shots are all instrumental to the process. Imagine if this thread started with only the words (not that JJ can't write; he can, and does well at it). Not to mention the helpful description of how the rad looked coming out from just being in there and used over the past 13 years.

It's also good to be showing support for a dedicated vendor like Chris at Superior with a product that is what I'd have to call very reasonably priced.

 

Ok, just got back from some more testing. I did what normally was very hard on it before which basically is a 15 mile so interstate run at upper speeds then off the exit and sit idling at the light for 4-5 minutes. Even before it would run 212's at cruise and if I got on it a little it would sit around 220 at CRUISE!. So with about 85% humidity and 90°F temps I ran a short five mile run then off sit for two lights got back on and ran about 22 miles off sat at the light back on again and returned another 20 miles. I ran it pretty good too which I couldn't do before as it would really run hot. (Almost got in trouble at one point he he he sneaky FHP) Anyway Most of the cruise it sat at 196-197, the first two lights it didn't get hotter than 198, the third light after a 20 some mile run it didn't get hotter than 200. The moment I hit it on the acceleration lane back on to the interstate it was back down to 198 before I even hit the lanes. I could never do that before.

I'm impressed...

 

Hey Jet Jock.... put one of the florescent replacement bulbs in your shop light.... I did a few years ago... I don't burn myself anymore...

Gene

 

Bah! I know mine has to be just as crusty

The list just keeps growing. My Vette has 44k on it and I just keep seeing stuff I want to replace

 

Thanks for the commentary and pictures!

 

I completely agree with your points LT4 & Jet. I've found pictures on the net before that have helped save my butt doing some type of install. Cars, radios, motorcycles, etc.
Thankfully some "fruitcake" had his camera with him.

The funny part was - I had just come in from working in the garage (reconditioning the interior) when I read your post. While I was working on one door panel, I decided to get my camera and take some before and after shots. Why, I don't know. It just seemed to be the right thing to do. Apparently, I've been reading far too many threads here lately

Your temps sound perfect. Glad to see that radiator did the trick for you!