Hello folks, My radiator on my '96 is leaking apparently along the seam where the plastic tank connects with the aluminum core.

It's done this before around 2 years ago, and I had the thing recrimped which I now know wasn't worth it.

The stock radiator worked fairly well on the street in my car. I would usually have cruising water temperatures around 188 - 192 range depending on season. It hardly ever reached 230, but would in stop and go traffic and definetly would if I ran it hard for any length of time.

Anyway, what would be a good replacement? I know there are fluidyne's and Griffin radiators as well as a couple of other real nice total aluminum radiators that also have a kinda steep price to them.

I noticed on e-bay that someone was selling a Granatelli radiator that fits 84-95. Anyone know who made that radiator? Shouldn't there be two different models for C4's?(84-89, and 90-96?)

Does anyone know how difficult it would be to install that radiator? Granatelli doesn't have that radiator on their website anymore. I did ask the guy selling it if he had any instructions or if he knew how hard it would be to install, but he didn't say anything about those things when he answered back.

If it requires cutting the fan shroud, then I most likely will just get another aluminum/plastic radiator. Anyone know who makes a good stock style radiator if I go that route? I'm not really impressed with the Delco/Rochester or whatever brand it is that came stock.

Thanks!

Randall

 

There are 4 routes to go here.

1. Get your current radiator repaired. If the core is not leaking, this can be done by a local radiator repair shop. You will have to call around to find one that will do it. Many don't fool with the plastic tank models although it is pretty easy to work on if you have the crimping tools. My LT4 had the right side end take crack and I was able to get just the tank replaced. I recall it cost $130 parts and labor.

2. Replacement radiator. http://WWW.radiator.com sells ships replacement radiators to your door for about $180. These fit perfectly but are not exactly the same as the LT4. I bought one but returned when I discovered the core was 1.25" vs. the factory 1.375". And it had the plumbing for the automatic trans cooler. The stock LT4 radiator does not have one. In hot Dallas, it stayed around 204 degrees witht he fans on. These are fine for the stock/street cars.

3. Aftermarket - These are a lot more expensive but provide added cooling capacity. Generally, they require cutting the shroud to fit. For a stock LT4 seeing only street duty, it probably will not be worth the money over a stock replacement.

4. Used radiators. There are a number of these around and members of the forum may help you find one pretty cheap.

Good luck.

 

If you decide to go with radiator.com, mention that you are with the forum and request a discount. I did this and they knocked about $50 off the selling price.

ZZZASY
'94 LT4

 

I agree with everything Mez said except that the Fluidyne radiator does not need any modifications done to anything in the car.

Take the old one out and slap in the new one.

And it is good for up to 450 HP, so if you plan on doing ANY mods to that LT4, you won't need to go down that road a third time.

 

E-mailed you

 

Sounds like the Fluidyne is your bet. Expensive, but drop in from what I hear.

I installed a huge Griffin from Dewitt (forum supporter) and it took some time to trim the shroud and the cooling fan grill. It is the only way to install that large of a radiator. I don't remember the thickness, but it was a double wide unit. It was the same price as Fluidyne...$500.

Car runs 166 all the time moving. At a stop light it takes forever to hit ~205...my fans are stock temps...so they never come on unless the AC is on. :) The love it. Very good investment for street or track...




[Modified by No Go, 10:52 AM 9/26/2003]

 

I just installed a Fluidyne in mine. I needed more capacity for the track. I did have to trim the top left rubber cushion a very...let me reinforce that...very...minor amount. Other than that, it dropped right in. In addition, there was a small gap between the side tanks and the fans, so I installed some self-adhesive 1/2" thick foam rubber. Probably not needed for the street and it's not noticeable.

On the street, my temps dropped 15*-20*. My next track session isn't until the end of October so it'll be awhile before I really know how much difference it made.

 

Thanks for all the replies and info. folks!

I don't live too far from the Bristol Dragway, and they've been having these 'Street Fights' on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I'm very tempted to go on up there and see what she will do. :steering:

While waiting in line to run, the temperature would surely hit 230 with a stock radiator and make the fans come on. If I went with a Fluidyne, then my car would be cooler when it's my turn to run, and should make more power. Of course if I could manually turn the fans on with a stock radiator then that should help keep the temperature down too.

Hmmmmm, I'll have to think some more on this.

Thanks.

Randall


[Modified by LT4fun, 7:05 PM 9/26/2003]