I have an 85, and was wondering if all parts needed were available, would swapping to the 90 and up slanted radiator set up have any added benefits? I am not experiencing any significant cooling issues at this time, actually runs real nice with new 2-core radiator and Evans. I like the appearance of the slanted radiator setup, and I am sure there are benefits or the engineers wouldn't have made the changes, though they may be more geared to the LT1 reverse cooling setup, but they did make the change on the 90 L98. Educate me

 

IDK why they changed it. Packaging for other items, would be my guess.

 

I thought it allowed it to be a taller radiator. Not really sure though.

 

I think you'd need almost the whole front end to properly do the swap. So many subtle differences in the design .

 

Thanks for the input.

Good point, from what I have looked up the radiators are the same for my 85 as the 90, except I could add the pressurized surge tank system or run with mine with the normal cap. I can tell you the donor 90 had a very skimpy looking single core under the shroud, I was surprised.

I believe I have all the components needed to do the swap, I was able to get the upper/lower shrouds, fans, the angled cradle piece that mounts under the radiator for cheap, so I think I am good to go there.


I guess what I am wondering is if there are really any negatives to making the swap, and also curious if any one else has made the swap.

 

I can't think of any benefit other than it would be easier to get air to the motor over the top of the radiator for an LS swap. But to be honest with the older style (non slanted) a Griffin Racing 2 row radiator (Part 1-25241-X) fits without too much hassle. I don't think that would be the case with the slanted style.

 

[QUOTE=Phobos84;1603469443]I can't think of any benefit other than it would be easier to get air to the motor over the top of the radiator for an LS swap.

I agree. 85-89 air filter housings are very restrictive due to tight clearance between the hood and the radiator. They most likely changed so they could get enough air to the zr1.

 

The air intake and filter housing is much bigger in the 90 and up cars so hood clearance for the intake for the LT1, LT4, and LT5 might be one reason they moved the radiator. All 3 of those engines are capable of moving much more air then the L98. The radiators from the factory were different as well, as seen by the stock (based on stock replacement) core sizes.
1987: Core Height (in): 23-9/16 Inch
Core Width (in): 15-1/16 Inch
Core Depth (in): 1-1/4 Inch

1994:Core Height (in): 18-1/2 Inch
Core Width (in): 23-5/8 Inch
Core Depth (in): 1-5/16 Inch

So laying the radiator down and making it shorter and wider might have a little something to do with airflow and more efficient cooling but the size changed in the radiator also supports giving just a little more hood clearance at the nose. In my opinion if someone can find a complete donor car and get all for the radiator mount pieces and air intake for a reasonable price then the swap would be worthwhile if for no other reason but to give air intake options for a bigger breathing L98 with heads and a First or Super Ram or future engine (LS or Big Block) swap plans. I have a 1994 and an 1986 and after working on both and having radiators out of them the swap would not be very hard at all if you could pull all of the parts from a wreck. Should be a fairly simple bolt in and cut radiator hoses to fit. Power Steering reservoir and the AC dryer might have to be moved a little. I say go for it. Dare to be different

 

Lots of work for no benefit? Like the upright for room to work.
85 has a mechanical fan still doesnt it? Get a 2 row alum radiator, 160 stat or improved fan that will run cool as a cucumber. Like those plastic flex fans, quiet and move plenty of air/unbreakable.

You can always use an electric as a secondary for AC or have it come on at say 200ish.
Any C4 Ive owned I went after a Z51 air dam they hang a little lower and direct a little more air in.
Used to be you could buy a Big mouth air dam, great product. Not hard to make

 

I have the later style radiator/shroud/fan assembly in my 84 LS swap car. It was in there when I bought it. To get it out is as easy as removing a handful of small bolts, the fan connectors and the hoses. I had to replace the radiator a while back and it was really easy to do. So the swap can't be all that tough or involved.

 

Far as I know, no C4 ran a mechanical fan factory...

 

All C4's had electric fans. In fact the older style single fan actually moves some decent air. If you put in a nice 2 row racing radiator you won't ever see temps much over your thermostat temp. I have a 180 deg one in. The highest the temp ever gets is 190.