Cost to replace radiator?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,058
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
hey guys, recently my car started leaking coolant. I couldn't seem to find the leak so I took it up to the dealership tysons koons chevy. They called me back saying that my radiator and upper/lower hoses were bad and needed to be replaced... they quoted me $1125 
... I'm curious if this is a good price or I should look elsewhere? Is replacing the radiator a tough job or could it be done at home?
... I'm curious if this is a good price or I should look elsewhere? Is replacing the radiator a tough job or could it be done at home?GM PART # 52470606
CATEGORY: Radiator
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
List Price: $358.07
Price: $221.29
You Save: $136.78 (38%)
======================================== ===============
ACDELCO Part # 20889 GM# 52470606
Category: Radiator
$220.79
GM or ACDelco= same radiator...
So they want $900+ shop fluids to put it in?...
Last edited by Yello95; Nov 3, 2013 at 12:19 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I would definitely get a second opinion. AS Oh1vette mentioned earlier, it could just be a hose that is leaking.
$1,125 to replace your radiator! Seems like the dealership wants to "hose" you.
I live close to your area (DC, MD and VA) but I haven't changed a radiator since I used to own a Datsun 510...
I just bought my Z06 a few months ago so am still learning about the car thanks to all the great threads on this website.
$1,125 to replace your radiator! Seems like the dealership wants to "hose" you.
I live close to your area (DC, MD and VA) but I haven't changed a radiator since I used to own a Datsun 510...
I just bought my Z06 a few months ago so am still learning about the car thanks to all the great threads on this website.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
There's a guy selling a Dewitts for a manual C5 in the parts for sale/wanted section for $400. You ought to jump all over that. I see the dealership is alive and well with the "Bend me over tactics 101".
I see performance shops all over Virginia in my travels, surely an area as big as Fairfax is there would be several to accommodate you, at a far less expense. Contact Chip at CCA, he's a Forum Vendor in Virginia and would be a valuable resource for leads or advice.
I see performance shops all over Virginia in my travels, surely an area as big as Fairfax is there would be several to accommodate you, at a far less expense. Contact Chip at CCA, he's a Forum Vendor in Virginia and would be a valuable resource for leads or advice.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I agree. Find a good Corvette and/or performance car shop and upgrade to an aluminum (Dewitts) radiator. Shop around online for the best price for the radiator. The shop may only charge shop rates if you bring in your own parts or they may be able to secure a better deal than your best price on the radiator.
Do it right and do it once!
Do it right and do it once!
Last edited by MSG C5; Nov 3, 2013 at 10:56 AM.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 683
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
This thread is over 10 years old and for C5’s. I think you may get more suggestions for an ‘08 if you start a new thread and post it on the C6 Tech General or Tech Forum.