Radiator Options
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 243
From: Northern VA
Radiator Options
What's everyone's suggestions on an upgraded radiator for my 89 6spd? I will soon be doing some engine work (heads/cam etc...) Looking for suggestions regarding fit, price, performance. The stock radiator is cracked. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Radiator Options (jerkyboy)
You might gain some info from this link:
http://www.radiatorinfo.com/corvette.html
http://www.radiatorinfo.com/corvette.html
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 3
From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
Re: Radiator Options (jerkyboy)
Your options are this:
Repair the original. I the plastic end tank is cracked, it can be replaced. I found a local radiator shop that replace one and clean out the inside for $130.
Buy a replacement. Radiator.com is a good source. They have many outlets accross the USA and likely one is near you. They can deliver via UPS in a day or two. I did some research and their radiators are manufactured by OEM companies. In my case, I returned the one they sent me because it had an internal automatic trans cooler which is not stock in the LT4 and the core was 1.25" versus the 1.375" factory LT4 radiator. It looked like it would have fit perfect. I am sure it would have worked fine, but I wanted an exact replacement. In the hot Texas summer, it kept my LT4 at 205 degrees with the AC on when it was 105 degrees outside.
Aftermarket (BeCool). I have never purchased an aftermarket radiator but others say they work great and a shiny aluminum radiator looks impressive. But they are expensive and require cutting on the shroud to fit. For a stock or lightly modified small block, in my opinion, a big expensive aftermarket radiator is overkill. If you have a supercharged or big cubic inch engine generating a lot more heat, it may be needed.
Repair the original. I the plastic end tank is cracked, it can be replaced. I found a local radiator shop that replace one and clean out the inside for $130.
Buy a replacement. Radiator.com is a good source. They have many outlets accross the USA and likely one is near you. They can deliver via UPS in a day or two. I did some research and their radiators are manufactured by OEM companies. In my case, I returned the one they sent me because it had an internal automatic trans cooler which is not stock in the LT4 and the core was 1.25" versus the 1.375" factory LT4 radiator. It looked like it would have fit perfect. I am sure it would have worked fine, but I wanted an exact replacement. In the hot Texas summer, it kept my LT4 at 205 degrees with the AC on when it was 105 degrees outside.
Aftermarket (BeCool). I have never purchased an aftermarket radiator but others say they work great and a shiny aluminum radiator looks impressive. But they are expensive and require cutting on the shroud to fit. For a stock or lightly modified small block, in my opinion, a big expensive aftermarket radiator is overkill. If you have a supercharged or big cubic inch engine generating a lot more heat, it may be needed.
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