Radiator dilemma
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
Call A&A Corvettes and ask them what is necessary to install a short DeWitts radiator. I have a Z51 with engine and trans coolers so it was necessary for them to install a short DeWitts radiator.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Jun 1, 2015 at 11:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Nothing against DeWitt, but if I went aftermarket/specialty, I'd go with Ron Davis Radiators, who is just a couple miles down the road from me.
This was not about getting racecar quality. It was about using 1 of the 3 I already have in the garage.
This was not about getting racecar quality. It was about using 1 of the 3 I already have in the garage.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
OK Joe, just for you (and my unabated curiosity), I stuck the OEM airbox and filter back in and blocked off the shroud hole. I'll wait for ambient to hit exactly 100* for the next 3 days (it was 111 today) and then drive the same ~ 10 mile freeway route and return on the same mix of main and side streets. I'll record coolant and trans temps at several points and that'll be the baseline. Then I'll swap radiators and go through the rest of the plan recording the same stuff each time.
If nothing else, it'll give other people an idea of how much different changes make a difference in the heat.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Those methodical tests are how I learn when I can't find documented answers to my questions. And how I get the most out of my car too.
OK Joe, just for you (and my unabated curiosity), I stuck the OEM airbox and filter back in and blocked off the shroud hole. I'll wait for ambient to hit exactly 100* for the next 3 days (it was 111 today) and then drive the same ~ 10 mile freeway route and return on the same mix of main and side streets. I'll record coolant and trans temps at several points and that'll be the baseline. Then I'll swap radiators and go through the rest of the plan recording the same stuff each time.
If nothing else, it'll give other people an idea of how much different changes make a difference in the heat.
OK Joe, just for you (and my unabated curiosity), I stuck the OEM airbox and filter back in and blocked off the shroud hole. I'll wait for ambient to hit exactly 100* for the next 3 days (it was 111 today) and then drive the same ~ 10 mile freeway route and return on the same mix of main and side streets. I'll record coolant and trans temps at several points and that'll be the baseline. Then I'll swap radiators and go through the rest of the plan recording the same stuff each time.
If nothing else, it'll give other people an idea of how much different changes make a difference in the heat.
By the way I didn't get that you already owned three radiators...that's why I was pushing the free solution so much, try it before you buy something.
Why not try the !Vararam even in the hotter weather. I have a feeling it won't work to your satisfaction, but hey if it works when it's hotter than the control, then you are good to go!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 28
From: O'Fallon IL
I was under the impression that all three models had the same radiator. Learn something every day! I'm interested in the GS as well now since I'm supercharged. Good luck in your testing and decision.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 31
From: Cave Creek AZ
OP,
I have a new to me 08 z51 m6 vert. Bone stock except for corsa sport. I live in cave creek but commute to Tempe. I'll watch my temps on the way to/from work and during lunch.
Anything you want me to test ?
I have a new to me 08 z51 m6 vert. Bone stock except for corsa sport. I live in cave creek but commute to Tempe. I'll watch my temps on the way to/from work and during lunch.
Anything you want me to test ?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 107
From: Opelika Alabama
I under stand, but NONE of the 3 will give you what the other can in Alabama temps I have trouble getting the fans to come on{not that I want them too} in Ca with stock Rad. I thought I had propellers NEVER shut off and I didn't have the oil cooler, I do now! DeWitts or Ron Davis ether way you will be amazed on how cool it WILL run, seen guys do the ZO6 with no change, you keep your stock you sell the other 2 now you've got $ toward the NEW one if you sell put stock back in sell aftermarket for almost as much as you paid, or if you get another vette put it in that one.