CRASH03

Yes. I did a search. Yes. I found a thread. No. It didn't answer my questions, and was a year or two out of date. LOL.

I need to replace the radiator in my 98 C5 Convertible with automatic transmission. Common issue, I know. What I'm asking is does anyone have any experience with the Spectre Premium brand replacement radiator compared to the AC Delco replacement? Having checked all the parts places in my area, no one has the AC Delco, but they all offer the Spectra, and at half the price I could find on Rock Auto. BUT, I don't want to save money at the expense of quality. So I guess I'll just write my queries in list form and ask for everyone's advice. And no, I don't have the cash for the DeWitt's. LOL.

1. Anyone have experience with the Spectre Premium radiator? $105
2. Is the AC Delco worth the extra money? $184
3. Anyone have experience with any other brands?
4. What's the best price you've found recently on radiators and where?
5. Do you recommend replacing the thermostat also? If so, is it worth it getting a higher temp than stock?

Thanks in advance for your HELPFUL comments.

runner140*

Just a suggestion.....Replacement parts, especially a radiator is not a great place to try to save money. One of the designers always says,
"I can't afford to buy cheap parts"....I agree.
Good luck with your decision.

zachaeous

I used a Spectre Premium on mine and two years later no problems at all. I got mine a little cheaper than that but not much. It fit well and cooled the car just fine. Good luck with your decision.

CRASH03

I agree completely. The reason I ask is, AC Delco is the one who built the crappy original radiator, so how much faith should I put into them being the "best" for the money? I've never heard of this Spectre Premium company and more wondering if anyone has any experience with them.

YYZ06

Us folks who make our Corvettes work for a living like DeWitts or Ron Davis radiators. All aluminum construction, higher cooling capacity, and have the option for an integrated oil cooler. I use the Ron Davis with an integrated oil cooler.

CaseyJones

If I raced/tracked my car or drove it ultra long distances frequently I'd buy a DeWitt's or Ron Davis. I agree that their products are probably the best but at a significant cost.

For a street cruiser the Spectre is a good choice if you were even considering the factory GM replacement. Even if you had to replace it every three to five years it would take several to equal the cost of one of the others I mentioned. I drive my car a bunch but would be hard pressed to spend the big bucks for a replacement factory-equivalent radiator. But that's just me. Sensibly frugal at times but not afraid to pay for what I really need. Remember, there are many thousands of our cars out there with well over 100K miles and the original radiators are still performing well with minimal care so GM didn't do such a bad job designing and having manufactured our radiators.

Regarding the question about a thermostat, the car's computer expects to see the factory water temperature so just replace the thermostat with the OE temp one. Lot's of owners put in a cooler one but the fan switch and fuel settings have to be programmed to fully accommodate it.