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I am not an expert. This radiator is out of an LT1 96 automatic. Will it work in a LT4? Can you just leave the plugs in the transmission cooler connections? Dan
That's what I'm thinking, since very few offered specify "manual" without the cooler lines. Anyone know different?
The Spectra replacement rad I bought for my LT4 had auto transmission fittings with plastic caps on them. I assume all OEM style replacements have them.
Not sure I would go through all the effort to R&R the rad in these cars with a used one of the same vintage. Used to be said it's not a matter of "if" the plastic side tanks will leak but "when".
I agree on some level. My used radiator only has 27,000 miles and was garage kept. All depends on how you value your labor time and how much extra cash you have laying around. Dan
Good point as well. Guess we'll see if I can get a quote that makes it cost efficient. Again...thank you!
RUU, You actually got me thinking about different stages of life.(I know your post was not meant to be this deep). I remember back in 1972 rebuilding a free locked up 62 chevy 6 in my driveway. Beating each piston out with a sledge hammer and 2x4. Put in new rings and bearings and some junkyard parts and it ran great for years. At this point of my life (66) would I install this radiator? No, that is why I put in the Dewitt just for fun. Could this radiator work for 75k miles-YES. Could it fail next week-YES. If the radiator was shot on that old 62 Chevy and someone offered me a free used one would I have put in in-Oh hell yes. Funny story- the same 62 chevy. I needed new tires. I knew a guy with a towing company. He called and had a totaled new car with the same size tire. The car was totaled but the tires were fine. For $20.00 he switched my worn out tires with the totaled out cars tires. I am sure the insurance adjuster totaled this car from 50 feet away. I guess it all depends where you are in life and finance. What I am sure of there is someone who would take the time to put this radiator in.
Familiar sounding stories...except mine was with a '67 Mustang in the mid 80's, ha ha...
Changing the rad on a 2nd Gen C4 is not a "fun" job - but it's not truly horrible either. There are six 7mm head bolts that hold the plastic clamshell together in the front of the car. Those ARE a real PITA. You typically use a 1/4" drive ratchet and various combination of Universals, extensions, and handles and eventually you'll get them. BTW - I have found that you don't need to reinstall all six... The rest of the rad R&R job isn't too too bad.
I took one out at the salvage yard a while back ago. I think it was to get to the steering rack. I don't think it was too bad, but it was on a car I didn't have to care about...
Yes, it is hard for me to understand how this could be manufactured,sold and shipped and pay Ebay for $55 and still make a good profit. By my quick calculation the radiator would have to be able to be built for less than $20 for the manufacturer to make a profit and the seller make a profit along with paying for shipping.
Yes, it is hard for me to understand how this could be manufactured,sold and shipped and pay Ebay for $55 and still make a good profit. By my quick calculation the radiator would have to be able to be built for less than $20 for the manufacturer to make a profit and the seller make a profit along with paying for shipping.
Yea, pretty funny, huh?
In looking into this, it's the same as everything else is these days. I bet that $55 radiator is made in the same factory alongside ones that are sent out to auto parts stores and sold for $150. As a matter of fact, I have seen some offered for sale using the same stock picture sometimes tripling in price.
It pays to research...those triple-priced ones sell to the types that are like "no chinese junk", see a "USA" brand name, but don't realize they're buying the same one 'cause it has a brand name on it with a "USA" address...then complain when the box says "made in China".