Vette gets a cooling upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 243
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From: Vancouver WA
Vette gets a cooling upgrade UPDATE
Just bought this for my 92.
https://www.speedcooling.com/1990-1996-Corvette-LT1-Aluminum-Radiator-Automatic-Transmission.html
I know it's not a Dewitt's, but it has the same features plus an extra row of tubes when compared to the single row dewitts for less, but more than the real el-cheapos on eBay.
Looking forward to axing that plastic tank stock unit! Question though...if I disconnect the lines going to the A/C radiator or condenser (?), does that completely depressurize the A/C system? I'd like to remove it to clean it with a garden hose. Thanks.
https://www.speedcooling.com/1990-1996-Corvette-LT1-Aluminum-Radiator-Automatic-Transmission.html
I know it's not a Dewitt's, but it has the same features plus an extra row of tubes when compared to the single row dewitts for less, but more than the real el-cheapos on eBay.
Looking forward to axing that plastic tank stock unit! Question though...if I disconnect the lines going to the A/C radiator or condenser (?), does that completely depressurize the A/C system? I'd like to remove it to clean it with a garden hose. Thanks.
Last edited by Roys92BlackRose; Jan 20, 2016 at 02:48 PM. Reason: Update
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
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Yes the lines going to the condenser are pressurized. You should be able to remove the radiator and have room to rinse the condenser. Don't get to aggressive though or you'll bend the cooling fins, which will probably happen a little when removing and installing the new radiator. Be careful around the condenser.
Instructor
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From: Long Island
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Vancouver WA
Ok then, thanks. Reason I asked is that I've heard the terms low pressure side and high pressure side, and thought the low pressure side was not pressurized at all unless the engine is running.
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Le Mans Master
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From: St. Charles MO
That's backward, really. It's the act of the high-pressure liquid boiling into a gas as it goes through the orifice and suddenly hits low pressure that absorbs the heat out of the surroundings and makes the evaporate cold. But it's all academic for this thread, because when the a/c system isn't running it's all at low pressure and it's all gas. And it will all escape to the atmosphere if the OP opens any part of the system.
Last edited by MatthewMiller; Jan 14, 2016 at 10:04 PM. Reason: liquids boils into gas, not liquid!
Pro
Joined: May 2015
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From: Milton Florida
St. Jude Donor '16
I'd be interested to hear how the install of this radiator goes. Can you let us know if there are any issues fitting in the original location or if the hoses all connect like the original. Can you post any pics of it installed?
Cheers
Cheers
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
It's a "fun" job, but can be accomplished without a hitch if you take it slow and methodical. I replaced mine in my 95 vert in June of 2015. The hardest part is not getting frustrated and breaking or bending something. The radiator shroud is a pain. But I didn't remove the condenser and gently moved the lines out of the way. They are aluminum and will tolerate some movement as long as it's not at an acute angle.
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From: Park City Utah
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: Vancouver WA
Will do. The pics look like it matches a Dewitt in size and shape, and it also requires a bit of trimming to the rubber mounts like the dewitts 2 core. I expect no problems.
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Instructor
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From: Vancouver WA
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: Vancouver WA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Palmdale CA
The box showed no impact damage, nor did the radiator itself. I was told by the seller that it can happen due to the heat process, but you're right. It should have been melted down and remade. I would have accepted a replacement but they said they do not open the boxes to check for defects (designed in US, made in China), nor could they weld on the missing nipple for the overflow tube. So back it went. On the bright side, they paid return shipping and waived the 20% restocking fee
What are you going to do next?
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Instructor
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From: Vancouver WA
I would have liked to get a 2 row Dewitts but cant justify $600 for a radiator. The single row should suffice and still cool better than stock, but even that is close to $400. Still contemplating options. Any suggestions other than Dewitts?