How difficult to install a radiator?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 672
Likes: 2
From: Louisiana
How difficult to install a radiator?
Hi folks
I'm realizing that with my mods and this summer heat in Texas that I need an oversized radiator if I'm to race at any regular interval before winter hits.
Too bad there's no season during the winter huh?
Anyways, how hard is this install to swap OEM for an oversized aftermarket unit? The labor prices I'm hearing from shops suggest that it must be a ton of work. What do y'all think?
I'm fairly proficient with tools. With good instruction I can about anything accomplished that doesn't require a lift or a blowtorch.
That actually is a snag because I have no way to lift the car off the ground at home. None of my jacks come close to fitting, and I haven't bought that lift yet. I imagine a fair bit of work is needed underneath the car for hoses and what-not. Can I get away with removing the nose?
Thx!
I'm realizing that with my mods and this summer heat in Texas that I need an oversized radiator if I'm to race at any regular interval before winter hits.
Too bad there's no season during the winter huh?
Anyways, how hard is this install to swap OEM for an oversized aftermarket unit? The labor prices I'm hearing from shops suggest that it must be a ton of work. What do y'all think?
I'm fairly proficient with tools. With good instruction I can about anything accomplished that doesn't require a lift or a blowtorch.
That actually is a snag because I have no way to lift the car off the ground at home. None of my jacks come close to fitting, and I haven't bought that lift yet. I imagine a fair bit of work is needed underneath the car for hoses and what-not. Can I get away with removing the nose?
Thx!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Funny you should ask, I was just checking into this yesterday. Contact Dewitts, who is a forum vendor. They make a direct fit replacement that plugs right in, no mods required. There was also a recent article on installation, available on Dewitts web site, in one of the Corvette magazines that steps through the installation. I think this is a very easy installation for anyone that has some wrenching experience, although another pair of hands might be helpful just because of the physical size of the parts and their difficultly in maneuvering them. 
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,592
Likes: 1,711
From: Converse TX
Get the Dewitt radiator with the EOC upgrade at no extra cost while he does the R&D on the lines (you can install the oil lines later as needed)--I will have mine to put in my FI upgrade and I am in good ole San Antonio heat.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '08
Installed a Dewitt this summer. Very good instructions. Before you buy a new one, you might consider cleaning the current. The fins really trap a lot of junk that is difficult to see. Someone posted a picture of a pile of debris that came out of theirs. Various post will discuss techniques to blow it out or pressure wash. I'd suggest drain it and remove it so you can see what you are trying to get flushed out. The whole job shouldn't take longer than 2 hours. If you have never cleaned it you will absolutely be amazed at what gets caught in the fins. It is likely just the restricted airflow through the radiator that is causing your higher than normal coolant temp. While you're doing it change the coolant (50:50 distilled water), I personally use (30 Dex coolant, 70 distilled water and one bottle of water wetter) in Phoenix. I also switched to a 180C thermostat, changed the fan temps to come on sooner and opened up the fog light area and put in Z06 screens. (Even experimenting with a Haltec tunnel like thing to get more air flow since my intercooler blocks most the gap that air is designed to come up from the bottom) All has helped my Procharger blown vert with temp drops to 210 in 110plus weather in traffic. With stock radiator/T-stat I was in 230s. Good luck, Brian
