Radiator Question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Radiator Question
I have an 08 z51 with a cracked radiator... ordered a replacement online that's supposed to fit, but it just arrived and the new one has two metal ports on the driver's side plastic tank, whereas the existing radiator does not. Both have ports on the passenger side (assuming they're for trans fluid).
Anyway, I'm wondering what fluid is supposed to circulate through the driver's side ports, and whether I can just block them off somehow, or if I need to order another radiator. Thoughts? Kinda want to swap it out tomorrow and get back on the road...
Anyway, I'm wondering what fluid is supposed to circulate through the driver's side ports, and whether I can just block them off somehow, or if I need to order another radiator. Thoughts? Kinda want to swap it out tomorrow and get back on the road...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 237
From: Indianapolis IN
I myself would order the correct radiator. It won't cause an issue if you do not run fluid in that area and you don't need to cap it. It is likely for transmission cooling. You would be just fine to run that radiator but why not just make it right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
My Z51 has holes on both sides , one for engine oil , and one for manual trans fluid..Mine also has an external power steering cooler behind the radiator.. I thought all Z51 models had these features.. I agree with the above, order the radiator with the right configuration for your car.....WW
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Last edited by WW7; Feb 2, 2017 at 01:58 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,759
Likes: 3,277
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I ran into this same issue when I replaced the radiator in my C5. The aftermarket manufacturers created an all-in-one replacement radiator that will fit any model. When I called on it I was told they aren't made as OEM were. This saves them money by not having to make multiple versions.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 1,661
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
My Z51 has holes on both sides , one for engine oil , and one for manual trans fluid..Mine also has an external power steering cooler in front of the radiator.. I thought all Z51 models had these features.. I agree with the above, order the radiator with the right configuration for your car.....WW
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Thanks for the responses guys... I "need" the car for the weekend, so I think I'm just gonna pop this one in for now since it was a quick/cheap option (transmission in my van just took a dump too), then order a nice AL one in the correct config for my car.
That said, it's definitely a z51... not sure what year they started spec'ing an external oil cooler, but I have the little guy in front of the radiator, which I'll actually be replacing with the bigger z06 cooler while I have the radiator out. I'm guessing it started in 08 with the LS3.
That said, it's definitely a z51... not sure what year they started spec'ing an external oil cooler, but I have the little guy in front of the radiator, which I'll actually be replacing with the bigger z06 cooler while I have the radiator out. I'm guessing it started in 08 with the LS3.
