I recently popped plastic on my old radiator and was told the capacities were the same across the line, and that only one Gm part was available. Some used to come in a slightly different configuration, but function was all the same.

Just checking if anyone knows better. I thought I read that there were some differences in the 6 speed convertible set up, but it seems I was mistaken.

Does anyone know this offhand? I had to take it to a nearby shop, as the AC lines went through the radiator, and they don't get many corvettes, so I am just double checking .

Thanks.

Anyone using one of the sight glass thermostat coupling? I thought I might add one of those, so I have a visual on the thermostat functioning. Good idea, or overkill?

 

Two different configurations for the C5 radiators. Manual with no tranny cooler connections. Auto with connections for an internal tranny oil cooler. There were two different size connections for the cooler conections, be sure that you get the correct size if your car is an auto.

 

regarding connections the 2001 - 2004 Corvette autos I believe use the quick disconnect transmission cooler line fittings different than the 97-2000 auto's. Also, did not the Z51 also have an engine oil cooler, not sure if it was integral to the radiator but believe it was a separate piece.

 

For what it's worth, my parts manual goes up to 2001 and lists two separate parts for the radiator for years 97-01.

Prt number 52470606 is used on '97 automatics, and '97-'01 mn6/mn12.

Prt number 52474697 is used on '98-'01 automatics.

This only raises more questions, but that's what the manual has.

Good luck.

Also, I believe the Z51 used a small power steering cooler.

 

Correct. PS cooler (not engine) and not connected to the rad.

All C5s have PS coolers, but the RPO code Z51 cars have the HD version with fins for better cooling.

 

If you have to replace the radiator I'd recommend you check with several of the vendors here on the forum. There are several upgrades available to you which will increase capacity and give you the durability of an aluminum radiator.

My $0.02 worth

 

regarding picklemiser's post,

97/8's that I've owned had a different drain plug, a flat tab opposed to the 1/4" ratchet fitting to loosen tighten, this may or may not be the reason for pn change

 

Thanks for the replies. I assumed the cooler on top of the radiator was the Ac condenser. i never had a sports car with power steering before. I should have said it is a 2003 convertible, stick.

Had i planned better, I would have upgraded the radiator, but was too worried about blowing something up driving to the shop, a cadillac shop a little way across town.

I had read on the web that the number one cause of catastrophic car failure are cooling problems , which makes sense, and I was in the middle of that kind of problem, and failed to pull back for an overview of the problem. I did consider it very briefly, but the shop was a replace parts deal, a different radiator would have made the situation a lot more complex, and the car was already apart. I figured plastic is light, and might go for a good amount of years. I just didn't want to decrease cooling by not knowing the car well.

Next time it blows, I'll be prepared, and upgrade. i might not have a choice, the way parts keep getting killed off. Iy's not stock anyway. It has a magnaflow exhaust package on the end, and an earlier set of chrome wagon wheels, which i don't think were stock for that year. They do look hard to flex, however.

Thanks again for all the replies. The repair seems to work well, I might really test it out in monument valley one of these days, but thats a pretty long drive from my house.

I added one bottle of redline water wetter, than i read a guy saying to throw in two bottles. One works pretty well, are two bottles a better amount?