Erikf555

I know this is probably a dumb question but I’m still learning about my 2002 C5 Z06.

Does anyone know if a C6 ZR1 Radiator will fit in a C5 Z06?

I only ask because I can get a basically new one for very little money. I have no idea if it will fit OR if there is any benefit to installing it.

Thanks to everyone that responds!!!

Erik

Supercharged111

Ya know I never thought about C6 radiator compatibility so I'll just drop a sub here and see what the answer is.

smitty2919

If it's cheap enough, buy it an try. Take measurements of it and compare to the stock one before attempting the swap.

Question is, is it supposed to be "better" than a stock C5 unit? I would assume so given the ZR1 additional heat.

Supercharged111

Got any pics? I wonder if the AC condenser mounts are going to be the same?

Erikf555

I don’t have pics or any measurements yet. A buddy of mine has it and he said if I wanted it he would come up with a number I can do.

I’m going to try and get over to his house to take photos and measurements in the next few weeks.

When I know something I’ll post it. Thanks all 🙏🏻

jdmvette

Why not just buy a beefier aluminum one actually made for a C5

Supercharged111

Because what if this delivers a measureable cooling upgrade for 1/4 of the price for little to no asspain? That's the best case scenario. Whether or not the juice is worth the squeeze is TBD.

jdmvette

^ I agree, 1/4 of $131 would be a pretty great deal

https://www.ebay.com/itm/39494316776...Bk9SR-qhqoPtYg

Supercharged111

3 row is juuuunnk. Reputable 2 row is where it's at.

jdmvette

Ok here's a double row for 1-fiddy

https://www.ebay.com/itm/18613520329...Bk9SR4b72IPtYg

If we're comparing Dewitts prices then I agree it might be worth trying to retrofit but many folks seem to have good luck with the budget aluminum radiators

smitty2919

Bingo. I'd much rather put a little effort into making a OEM radiator fit than spend $150 on ebay stuff. I don't know about you but a radiator is not something I'd care to "hope" stays working given the hassle of draining coolant/removal/potential to leave you stranded.

Some things like ebay exhaust I'll gamble (NOT headers) because it's just some piping but a radiator I'd rather do it once and be done.

And I'm pretty sure @Supercharged111 comments are based on trusted Dewitts/BeCool/Ron Davis/C&R brands amongst the racer crowd and not ebay ones.

Supercharged111

My comments were indeed based on Dewitt's pricing. The Chinese stuff can be so hit and miss. It's not that the Chinese radiators can't perform, my concern is them staying together. I've seen a couple cold cases radiators work well for a couple seasons in person and saw one inflate all the tubes together and fail. They at least have some customer service.

Erikf555

Thanks for the last several replies. I really should say, I don’t buy junk, ever. It ALWAYS somehow someway ends up failing and/costing more in the end.

I know DeWitts is the preferred rad replacement. However, I have a buddy that has one with their electric fans and to me, the fan setup is too loud.
Right now my car isn’t boosted, etc enough to need that much cooling.

I am currently in the process of gathering the parts and recreating Katech’s C5Z Stage 2 Program that they don’t offer anymore. I already have their cam. I also have ARH’s 1 7/8” Long Tube/High Flow Cat System and a Callaway Honker CAI. I still have a long list of parts I need to before I do the install myself. I also am going with Katech’s CNC 243 Head Program.

If that C6 ZR1 stock radiator ends up being able to fit without too much hassle then that’s the route I’ll most likely go with.

Always interested in hearing more thoughts from the forum

Erik

smitty2919

I like this idea if it works. Similar to why I went to a ported LS2 TB (OEM), stock LS3 air bridge (OEM) and LS3 card MAF (OEM) running speed density on my C5Z. Improvements while maintaining OEM quality.

LowcountryVette

fwiw you dont have to use the DeWitts fans to use the DeWitts radiator if that is a big concern for you.

G_Loc

The mounts on the radiator appear different and it looks like the fan mount is different as well (2 tabs + 2 welded nuts for bolts). C6 also uses a single fan set up too no? If so, now you'd have to either make the C5 fan assembly fit or source the C6 fan and get that to work.

Even if you get the radiator for a song, trying to make it work will likely be more trouble that it's worth.

Supercharged111

How about AC? I ditched stock fans eons ago for a single Spal fan. Losing the shroud definitely helped airflow at speed. If one is willing to go with an aftermarket fan I'd say that's no big deal. How about the AC condenser mounts?

Tom DeWitt

C5 and C6 radiators have nothing in common and imo it would be impossible to adapt

grinder11

Just buy a DeWitts and be done with it for the rest of your life, even if your 30 something. I drain and flush my DeWitts every 5 years, without fail. Just like the factory recommends changing the Dex Cool. My radiator is almost 20 years old. When I drove thru Death Valley at 124°, with my 427 LS7, I didn't have to worry about whether some Chinesium junk would leave me stranded in the Desert. And it didn’t. Get what you pay for.....