What can I do to expend the life of my radiator?

Background,
Car: 2004 C5 with T6 manual transmissions
Modifications:
STS twin Trubo
(first after market heavy duty radiator installed as part of setup in 2001)
GT2 Adjustable Coilovers, (installed 2000 miles ago)
West Coast Corvette Street/Race sway bars
DeWitt Spal duel fans
Electric Water Pump
Several other mods that don't come in to play here

Issue, I seem to be replacing my radiator as often as I change oil . In the last four years, (I drive the car about 3000 miles per year) I have had to either have the radiator repaired or replaced due to failure of the welds of the tubes into the side tanks. Since this started prior to the coilover installation I'm inclined not to point the finger there however it has started since the "upgraded" radiator that was installed at the same time as turbo kit.

I have just ordered my 3rd new radiator, this time A DeWitts, but would like to know if there are any tricks out there to better mount/secure the radiator to help prevent this type of failure? I need the extra cooling capabilities of the aftermarket radiator so going back to factory is not an option as the car would run hot with the turbos, which is why I added the upgraded fans and water pump to help address that issue even with the larger volume.

 

I had a Ron Davis Racing Radiator in my 97 for two years and then moved it to my 03Z and had it in that car for 6 years. When I sold the 03, I was able to sell the radiator as it still looked like new. What coolant are you using? If it is the Green Stuff that could be your problem.

Bill

 

To be clear, this is a vibration/ structural issue not a corrosion issue?

 

Yes I agree it is most likely a vibration/structural issue, any suggestions on how to better isolate the radiator?


I'm using the pink stuff GM Dex-Cool ® Compatible coolant

 

Yes the donut and the "C" isolators are in place and appear to be the originals.

 

On the corrosion front you may have an electrolysis problem. A friend of mine had a F150 pickup than was eating heater cores every 3 months or so. It's usually a grounding issue. There is information on the problem on the web, you'll have to do a search. The Corvettes non-conducting fiberglass body on a conducting metal frame could come into play.

If the problem is structural you'll need to make sure that radiator is not tweaked when installed and the hoses line up and are not stressing the connectors on the radiator. Does the radiator have plastic tanks and/or connectors? If so make sure that you are not using generic auto parts store worm drive hose clamps because they can create a pressure point under the worm drive assembly that can crack the hose neck and/or tank.

 

Does not appear to be a corrosion problem fluid and tank were clean. I had Bob at Advantage Radiator repair test it and he found the leak. All three of the radiators that have had issues were aluminum with no plastic tanks or connectors.

I see we are both South OC , I'm in MV if you would like to view the current work in progress (radiator out waiting on the new one) PM me and I'll give you my address and number.

 

Have any of you ever heard of ECP Radiators?

I found them on EBay and this is there website: http://www.speedcooling.com/Radiator...r/prod_41.html

Looks like the Dewitt Radiator but half the price $249

I have a 1998 C5 Automatic with a 383 ERL Stroker at 11 to 1 compression; aftermarket LS6 Heads, Cam, Level 4 transmission, upgraded gears, cold air, headers, x-pipe, z06 exhaust, upgraded tork tube bushings, 200 amp alternator, Dewitt Radiator Fans, 103mm Intake Manifold, 103mm Throttle Body, Cold Air Intake and a few other items... Last time I put it on the Dyno with a sleeper cam (prior to upgrading the cam and oil blow by...) I made 448 RWH / 440 T...

I expect I am going to get something like 466-470 RWH 455-465 T on the next Dyno pull since the blow by is gone and the Cam is much more aggressive...


The following is the Product Information:

This is our HD aluminum radiator for the 1997 - 2004 C5 Corvette with a 6 speed manual transmission and 1997 - 2000 Corvettes with automatic transmission. This will not fit the 2001 - 2004 Corvettes that use the quick disconnect transmission cooler line fittings. This radiator features:

- All aluminum construction with a heavy duty 2-row core with 1.0" tubes with a high density core that has a higher density core than other high performance radiators costing 3 times as much!

- Heavy duty transmission cooler for automatic applications

- Fully TIG welded construction with no epoxy.

- Upper hose and lower connection is 1-5/16".

- Overall dimensions are 28" wide x 18-7/8" tall. Core is 24-3/4" wide x 17-3/8" high.

 

That is the one I'm replacing.

Given the fact I'm on my third radiator at this point. I'll take the DeWitts life time warranty.

 

Wow, that's not good! I'm going to have to live with it at this point because I ordered it yesterday and they already shipped it. I will ensure I secure it well so it doesn't move... Do you think it will make a difference that I'm naturally aspirated verses turbo...

Thanks for your response!

Roger

Updated: just checked he carries a lifetime warranty and thus hopefully I won't have to use it...

 

Good to know that you are getting a warranty. I did not get the receipt so could not prove it was their radiator just what was on my work order from the shop. With the DeWitts I have the receipt so in the future I have the proof.

 

I replaced original stock radiator on my 1999 in 2013 with DeWitts and Dual Spal fans. It appeared that the original radiator had never had a fluid change. Original started leaking at seam and it was time to go. In 2013, DeWitts recommended G-05 antifreeze/coolant with their radiators. I flushed cooling system several times and put in Zerex G-05. There had been issues with Dex-Cool attacking gaskets and other issues. Now when in bumper to bumper traffic and things heat up, new fans and larger capacity radiator, cools things back down in very noticeable quicker time. I messed with 180 thermostat and ended putting 186 back in. I have not had any regrets with the DeWitts and know that it is keeping high temps, lower. Spal fans also move more air.
Now viewing DeWitts website they recommend that you change coolant every three years and not a specific type. I will stay with G-05.