Replace radiator as preventative maintenance? Just rebuilt trans.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
Replace radiator as preventative maintenance? Just rebuilt trans.
I just spent 3k on having the transmission in my '92 C4 rebuilt. As they went to test drive it after installing the rebuilt trans, one of the upper radiator hoses literally burst.
Naturally, I am going to replace all of the radiator hoses - but this has me wondering. After spending all that money on the transmission, it would be a shame if an internal radiator leak ruined it.
Have folks seen problems on these cars with internal radiator leaks on these cars? How worried should I be? $250 for a radiator seems like cheap insurance against another 3k rebuilt!
Naturally, I am going to replace all of the radiator hoses - but this has me wondering. After spending all that money on the transmission, it would be a shame if an internal radiator leak ruined it.
Have folks seen problems on these cars with internal radiator leaks on these cars? How worried should I be? $250 for a radiator seems like cheap insurance against another 3k rebuilt!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Heck if its the 14 yr old original and spending 250 doesnt bother you I would. Worth it in the long run and peace of mind.
Used to replace both fan relays and keep the old ones around "in case". Relays are cheap less than 20
Used to replace both fan relays and keep the old ones around "in case". Relays are cheap less than 20
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 308
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City MO
How well the car has been maintained would make my decision - if it were neglected in it's past life then I'd take a good look at it and probably end up doing it, but if it was maintained and the coolant kept changed regularly (so the corrosion inhibitors were at the proper levels to prevent deterioration of the metal components) and an inspection of the radiator showed everything to be clean inside then I would leave it and keep maintaining it as it had been..
If you don't know the history and things have been "going wrong" since you bought it then I'd replace it not knowing how previous owners maintained (or neglected) it.
If you don't know the history and things have been "going wrong" since you bought it then I'd replace it not knowing how previous owners maintained (or neglected) it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,374
Likes: 2,289
From: Central Maryland
At this price for NOS, I'd say it's a no-brainer:
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/89.htm
Live well,
SJW
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/89.htm
Live well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
At this price for NOS, I'd say it's a no-brainer:
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/89.htm
Live well,
SJW
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/89.htm
Live well,
SJW
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
At this price for NOS, I'd say it's a no-brainer:
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/89.htm
Live well,
SJW
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/89.htm
Live well,
SJW
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
