97 base radiator
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 96
From: carroll ohio
97 base radiator
project for this winter is going to install new radiator. my c5 is bone stock so i was thinking a replacement oem will do the trick.just turned 50k and looks like the stock rad is still there. stock ones don't seem real pricey but after 25 years it's due for a replacement. i saw a couple replacement ones that had a cap on them. i don't think mine has a cap but it's been a while since i had the cover off. won't start on this project till after the holidays so it'll be a couple months before i remove the cover to check for a cap. i really don't remember a cap on it when i had the cover off a few years ago. does a oem radiator for a 97 base have a cap on it? i don't think so. i think the fill is in the overflow tank. is this correct? thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
YES,, The OEM Radiator does NOT have a Cap. If you see one with a Cap, it may or may not fit pr work correctly.
Just because your is the OEM Radiator, Unless it is causing issues, I would not just replace it because its the OEM unit. Just my 2 cents.
Bill
Just because your is the OEM Radiator, Unless it is causing issues, I would not just replace it because its the OEM unit. Just my 2 cents.
Bill
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 680
Likes: 272
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I believe you find only a single service radiator for both the manual and automatic transmissions. Not a big deal for those of us with manuals; it just means we have we the added weight and potential trans cooler fitting leak paths in the radiator outlet tank.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 932
From: Orlando Florida
Unfortunately, I can confirm this to be true. I went through the trouble of ordering and obtaining the correct 52470606, which the parts manual depicts as being free of the transmission cooler, only to find the delivered unit is a combo GM 52470606/AC Delco 20889, complete with the unwanted cooler fittings and cooler. I find it irritating because it reduces the coolant capacity, which can not help but reduce cooling capability.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 948
Likes: 100
From: Lehigh Valley PA
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have a '97 as well. I was thinking the same thing, why would you mess with it and everything around it?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 96
From: carroll ohio
going on 27 years so far. these oem radiators can be bought for a song and won't be cheaper next year and the years following that. i'll set it down in the garage and wait for the project to happen. btw thanks for the replies. i appreciate all of them. Denny
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I agree. If it aint broke, why fix it......
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Joined: Oct 2004
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