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Found a hairline crack on the radiator which sucks. I was just about to move the car for an oil change and I see a puddle of coolant on the ground. I jack the car up and i see the bead of coolant but no sign of the crack. Now I unbolt the radiator should and on the last bolt, the hood struts give up and the hood starts to close one me.
Good thing I caught it just in time but I didn't expect that to happen while investigating the leak. So now I need new hood struts and a new radiator, yes I will replace the hoses as well.
This point I had to use the meter sticker to hold the hood up.
Thoughts on these two OEM radiators for my 01 6 speed?:
I have no need to go aluminum yet, That will take place when the time comes for the ls3 swap. Also my typical year round temps are 187-194 freeway and that includes summer time, Street temps in traffic are 197-205 say 210 max. This is with stock fan settings and the license plate cutout mod.
Meh. I don't see the point of buying the cheapest possible radiator right now and then upgrading to a better one later. Either stick with stock, or get one of the good ones now, that's my 2c.
Meh. I don't see the point of buying the cheapest possible radiator right now and then upgrading to a better one later. Either stick with stock, or get one of the good ones now, that's my 2c.
I go oem thats good for me. Time will only tell when my ls1 blows up, that will be the time for a larger and better everything.
Just no need yet, thats why im choosing oem style.
I had the same hairline crack last summer. I just went ahead and put in a dewitts alluminum radiator. I rather have the piece of mind knowing I won't have this kind of issue again.
I recently replaced my radiator and in the process banged up a bunch of fins. It took me almost an hour with tiny screwdriver to staiten out the little burgers. Second attempt I used painter's tape to secure two pieces of cardboard, one on each side, cut to size. Not one bent fin.
Just a suggestion.
Spaggs
I recently replaced my radiator and in the process banged up a bunch of fins. It took me almost an hour with tiny screwdriver to staiten out the little burgers. Second attempt I used painter's tape to secure two pieces of cardboard, one on each side, cut to size. Not one bent fin.
Just a suggestion.
Spaggs
Good to know, i replaced radiators plenty of times just not my corvette.
Also anyone have thoughts on removing rhe condenser? I have zero need for the AC system.
I had the same hairline crack last summer. I just went ahead and put in a dewitts alluminum radiator. I rather have the piece of mind knowing I won't have this kind of issue again.
My original radiator lasted 11 years before it started leaking. It was a hairline crack in the plastic.
Bought a GM OEM radiator (from a local online dealer) and it leaked immediately. Got a replacement (lifetime replacement warranty). It worked for 3 years and then started leaking.
Got tired of all the "lifetime warranty" exchanges and bought a Dewitts aluminum radiator. Wow what a difference. It is worth it to me.
My original radiator lasted 11 years before it started leaking. It was a hairline crack in the plastic.
Bought a GM OEM radiator (from a local online dealer) and it leaked immediately. Got a replacement (lifetime replacement warranty). It worked for 3 years and then started leaking.
Got tired of all the "lifetime warranty" exchanges and bought a Dewitts aluminum radiator. Wow what a difference. It is worth it to me.
Agreed, I have an hour commute each way, and a good amount of that is bumper to bumper traffic for about 15 miles. I was seeing 240+ temps during the summer. Not my cup of tea.
Now i rarely see it up to 210.
I recently replaced my radiator and in the process banged up a bunch of fins. It took me almost an hour with tiny screwdriver to staiten out the little burgers. Second attempt I used painter's tape to secure two pieces of cardboard, one on each side, cut to size. Not one bent fin.
Just a suggestion.
Spaggs
However, the picture shows the trans coolant lines but summit says still works with manual tranny. Thoughts on this? Again no point for me to go Dewitts yet, I rather put that money in other area and the stock radiator been really good to me.
Would just need to use a plug for those ports since they will be useless.
Last edited by My Vette Life; Feb 24, 2019 at 11:19 PM.
Haven't had any issue but getting clogged with this radiator BUT our 1973 454 notorious for overheating got the Dewitts treatment and i never saw temps over 190 again... we sold that car to our daughter when we got the C5...
When I bought my corvette it had a crack in the plastic end. I ordered 2 different radiators and neither had the same fittings for the transmission lines. Sent them back and had a radiator repair shop boil it out and put new end caps on it. Cost less and has been in car for 7 years. No over heating problems, good as new. Good luck with whatever you do.
Have to ask, does 'cheap oem style' mean non ACDelco? With the ACDelco $200, how much less was the cheap version?
Good question, non acdelco and i am talking bottom of the berrel prices. Like i mentioned, i dont mind being the one to test these as i wanted to know what works and what don't In case i need to buy again.
I am also doing a few needed maintenances while the radiator is out. I desperately want to chop the ac line off.
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Need new radiator and Hood struts
