Radiator replacement 96 question?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
Radiator replacement 96 question?
I just got my replacement radiator for my 96 LT4. My original only has outlets for the upper and lower hose and the overflow which is located on the passenger side. The new one I got has 2 extra openings on the passenger side. I am guessing these would be for trans and/ or oil maybe. Can I still use this? I would think they make a specific one for the manual trans and without the oil line but I am in a jam and really need the car. If I use this radiator do I need to block off these holes? I am thinking that since they were dedicated to trans fluid and oil then they should be fine as is. The radiator brand is a spectra. I paid $119 for it. I know it's a made in china special but it was all I could get and I need the car tomorrow. Any thoughts or suggestions? I really didn't think I needed all aluminum like a dewitts and the GM delco's were pretty expensive. I have never had any cooling problems until the side tank cracked recently. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
Same rad I used as a replacement last year & it seems to be holding up fine (hard to physically see with the shroud blocking it though). The trans cooler openings on mine had plastic covers on them which have since fallen off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,339
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
put the new radiator in, no problems. So far, I have not put those 3 PITA bolts back in. I did reverse the threads though so that if I need to, I can put them back in. This is a spectra radiator and so far I don't think it cools as well as my old one which was the original. The car is currently running around 197 or so around town and the old radiator usually ran around 194. I don't think it's a big deal though. Thanks for all the advice
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
