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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Joined: Feb 2020
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I replaced mine last summer and it comes out the top. Mine had front end damage so maybe it was harder than it should have been but it was a royal paint to get all 4 of the groves lined up. It slots into 4 spots. And if you have the automatic (not sure which years, probably 01-04) then you need this obscure tool to disconnect the transmission fluid lines. It took me so much effort with other methods before I finally paid the $30 for this piece of plastic but it worked great.
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Out the top. I have a good used one I COULD sell you, but Id really rather not.. I think it's best to upgrade the radiator to an all aluminum one. If you don't, you'll just reinstall the problem if going OEM.....
Last edited by grinder11; Jun 3, 2021 at 11:02 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 101
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,795
Likes: 4,614
The plastic tanks are generally the problem. Theyre usually good for 100,000 miles+. On a NEW car, one that's driven 10,000-15,000 miles per year. C5s haven't been new for a LONG time. Parts have a shelf life. Yours went bad, but it wasn't the low miles you have, or lack of maintenance. It's an old plastic part at this point in time. A factory replacement, if available, has probably been sitting in a warehouse, or on a dealers shelf, for at least 10 years. How long do you think the "new" radiator will last? 20,000 miles, 50,000 miles? I'd upgrade to a DeWitts, or other quality radiator out there, and you're set from that point on. Plus if upgrades are in you're future, you won't need a bigger radiator. Hope this helps....