Need new radiator and Hood struts
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Need new radiator and Hood struts
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.
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?:
https://www.amazon.com/Silla-Cooling-System-1885A-Radiator/dp/B001DBVI5G/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1550800725&vehicle=2001-47-440-20--8-6-7-1441--3-1-722--1-0&sr=1-4&ymm=2001%3Achevrolet%3Acorvette
https://www.amazon.com/Radiator-Chevrolet-Fits-Corvette-1885/dp/B07GVRC2DJ/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1550800725&vehicle=2001-47-440-20--8-6-7-1441--3-1-722--1-0&sr=1-5&ymm=2001%3Achevrolet%3Acorvette
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.
#3
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Just no need yet, thats why im choosing oem style.
#5
Instructor
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.
#6
Racer
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
Just a suggestion.
Spaggs
#7
Safety Car
Thread Starter
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
Just a suggestion.
Spaggs
Also anyone have thoughts on removing rhe condenser? I have zero need for the AC system.
#8
Instructor
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.
#9
Instructor
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.
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.
Now i rarely see it up to 210.
#10
Melting Slicks
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
Just a suggestion.
Spaggs
#11
Safety Car
Thread Starter
about the pull the trigger on this AcDelco
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ado-20889
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.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ado-20889
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; 02-24-2019 at 11:19 PM.
#12
Safety Car
Member Since: Dec 2018
Location: CA
Posts: 4,522
Received 40 Likes
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31 Posts
C5 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '19-'20
Last summer my stock radiator literally blew up driving on the freeway , replaced it with all aluminum.
Last edited by coletrickle35; 02-24-2019 at 11:27 PM. Reason: Misspelling
#14
Le Mans Master
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...
#15
Intermediate
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.
#18
Safety Car
Thread Starter
The cheap oem style radiator didnt fit interms of tabs to mount the fans. Good thing i got my money from the seller due to horrible packaging.
Next is aluminum and not that $600 brand. Rather buy a cam for that price
I dont mind testing to see what works and what doesn't.
Next is aluminum and not that $600 brand. Rather buy a cam for that price
I dont mind testing to see what works and what doesn't.
#20
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I am also doing a few needed maintenances while the radiator is out. I desperately want to chop the ac line off.