Cracked Left Lower Radiator Support Bracket
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Cracked Left Lower Radiator Support Bracket
When I took my car home after dealer service, I read the parts/labor price itemization and diagnostic report. The diagnostic report said that I had a cracked left lower radiator support bracket. !!!!
(1) Ideas as to how this happened? A clue. I have an A&A centrifugal supercharger installation that adds 50 pounds to the front end. This has dropped the nose of the car and reduced ground clearance. Since the nose is especially low to the ground and I've heard a few loud "bang" when the nose has hit the ground. Do you think a nose/ground impact can crack this bracket.
(2) Is this thing easy to repair? Will the nose plastic bumper have to be removed?
Thanks.
PS: Been driving the car 4 years with the supercharger. Streetability is unaffected, and gas mileage at highway cruise speed is not effected either. 580 rwhp at 6500 rpm.
(1) Ideas as to how this happened? A clue. I have an A&A centrifugal supercharger installation that adds 50 pounds to the front end. This has dropped the nose of the car and reduced ground clearance. Since the nose is especially low to the ground and I've heard a few loud "bang" when the nose has hit the ground. Do you think a nose/ground impact can crack this bracket.
(2) Is this thing easy to repair? Will the nose plastic bumper have to be removed?
Thanks.
PS: Been driving the car 4 years with the supercharger. Streetability is unaffected, and gas mileage at highway cruise speed is not effected either. 580 rwhp at 6500 rpm.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24,035
Likes: 2,342
From: Gilbert AZ
Easy to weld it back together. Nose should not have to come off but if it does that is <20 minute job. Should be simple unless it is completely buggered up.
Yes, smacking it into the ground can cause it to break.
Yes, smacking it into the ground can cause it to break.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 258
From: Tampa FL
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
If you hear the bang when going through a dip or driveway, the radiator support is what is doing the banging and possibly breaking. I would have it welded rather than replacing it because you end up with a stronger part.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 874
From: Bay Area CA
First thing I did after having A&A install their kit is raise the front of my car 3/4" back up to stock height to avoid what happened to you. After repairing your radiator bracket, I would recommend you do the same. Lowered car might look nice, but not practical for bay area roads and southern CA roads.
I only wish A&A raised the car back up to stock height before I left the shop. Otherwise, A&A Corvette did a great install job and offer great customer service.
The weight of the S/C kit is about 85 lbs and all in front of the front axle.
I only wish A&A raised the car back up to stock height before I left the shop. Otherwise, A&A Corvette did a great install job and offer great customer service.
The weight of the S/C kit is about 85 lbs and all in front of the front axle.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Dec 18, 2016 at 12:39 PM.
