C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

C4 Radiator

Old Jun 24, 2008 | 06:23 AM
  #1  
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Default C4 Radiator

Can any members let me know what is the different between standard and heavy duty radiator ? I want to get a replacement radiator for my 89 vette and it come with heavy duty radiator from factory,can I replaced with a standard radiator?
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 10:27 AM
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I just replaced mine with an OEM (delphi) from the partsladi last month. When I called them they told me there's no difference anymore, so I ordered the cheaper one. Cost $130 shipped. Was a direct replacement and I have the V01 heavy duty radiator option on my 89.

Matthew
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 03:04 PM
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I believe the heavy duty had a little more fluid capacity. Doesn't matter, there not made anymore anyhow. Get the one from thepartsladi, thats what I got and it works great , its a stock GM replacement , Delphi made corvette radiators for years..WW
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 03:42 PM
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or you could spend less and get one from corvette recycling here on the forum. same NOS part
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:30 PM
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Default Good Rads Std vs Hvy Duty

The standard or stock will have single cooling tube and plastic epoxied sides. The Heavy duty can be two 1" tubes and some can be 1 1/4 " tubes with aluminum sides. Aluminum will transfer the and you get a good seal by the weld. They also dispurse the heat better the the copper brass rads. For great quality and direct fit go with Dewitts. They are one of the best if not the best. They out perform the cheap ones.
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by 87vetter
The standard or stock will have single cooling tube and plastic epoxied sides. The Heavy duty can be two 1" tubes and some can be 1 1/4 " tubes with aluminum sides. Aluminum will transfer the and you get a good seal by the weld. They also dispurse the heat better the the copper brass rads. For great quality and direct fit go with Dewitts. They are one of the best if not the best. They out perform the cheap ones.
Thanks for the compliment

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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
Thanks for the compliment

Does this replacement radiator include the oil cooler feature?
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by pmihaltian
Does this replacement radiator include the oil cooler feature?

The one shown is for the 84-89 and both the automatic and stick (4 +3) use an internal trans cooler. Since there is no room for two coolers, you can't do engine oil cooling with this model. We do offer one for the 90-96, but only for manual transmission cars.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 07:17 PM
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I also support the Dewitts Product. Absolutly beutiful and man does it work well.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
The one shown is for the 84-89 and both the automatic and stick (4 +3) use an internal trans cooler. Since there is no room for two coolers, you can't do engine oil cooling with this model. We do offer one for the 90-96, but only for manual transmission cars.

But the 90-96 model will not fit in the 84-89, correct?
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by pmihaltian
But the 90-96 model will not fit in the 84-89, correct?
That's right. If the goal is to get better cooling, get the aluminum radiator. If you want an engine oil cooler, get an aftermarket air/oil type (shrab or similar) and mount it out in front of the radiator.
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
That's right. If the goal is to get better cooling, get the aluminum radiator. If you want an engine oil cooler, get an aftermarket air/oil type (shrab or similar) and mount it out in front of the radiator.

Well, I guess that I am out of luck if I want to keep the car stock for NCRS purposes.
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 11:06 AM
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Tom, I paid $130 shipped for the Delco one from the partsladi. What is the cost of your "pretty" radiator?

That thing is sex when talking about radiators

Oh, one more question. Can you get one of yours for Early '84s that do not have a Coolant level sensor feed through?? I had to source and then install that sensor on my radiator even though there is no wire to connect to it.

Last edited by jhammons01; Jun 26, 2008 at 11:09 AM.
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 01:28 PM
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its a real sweet unit and keeps my stroker nice and cool now. was goin to 200 degrees in town now tops out at 175-180. run about 165-168 on the highway
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 02:32 PM
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How would they compare to the "Be Cool" radiator line?
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by aklim
How would they compare to the "Be Cool" radiator line?
The cooling performance is going to be about the same, since we both use two row cores with 1" tubes.

Our units use press formed, one piece end tanks
BC is box formed in a break and seams are welded closed

Our unit fits perfectly and comes with extra wide cushions
BC doesn't

Our radiator is $495
BC is more

This radiator MUST be built right, or it's just not going to fit the box

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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 06:51 PM
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Damn Tom, that baby is a thing of beauty!
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 08:56 PM
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Our unit fits perfectly and comes with extra wide cushions
BC doesn't

Our radiator is $495
BC is more

This radiator MUST be built right, or it's just not going to fit the box



Except the 84 and early 85 where no spacer can be used at all and it buts up against the a/c condencer.....causing the a/c condenser and radiator to work poorly because of the transfer of heat (lack of air space between the two)...........both are less efficient.
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Old Jun 27, 2008 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by lead foot 85 vet
Our unit fits perfectly and comes with extra wide cushions
BC doesn't

Our radiator is $495
BC is more

This radiator MUST be built right, or it's just not going to fit the box



Except the 84 and early 85 where no spacer can be used at all and it buts up against the a/c condencer.....causing the a/c condenser and radiator to work poorly because of the transfer of heat (lack of air space between the two)...........both are less efficient.
i ran into tht spacer problem on my install. you must get an 86 or later ac condenser and the cushions fit fine. (84-85 vettes had double thick ac condensors) use em or you run the risk of crackin your radiator or condenser!!!!
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Old Jun 27, 2008 | 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by lead foot 85 vet
Except the 84 and early 85 where no spacer can be used at all and it buts up against the a/c condencer.....causing the a/c condenser and radiator to work poorly because of the transfer of heat (lack of air space between the two)...........both are less efficient.
In other words, GM did not provide enough room for a double row radiator. You make that sound like it's my fault. We do mention upgrading the condenser is required to install our radiator.
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