Radiator died. upgrade?
11-05-2015, 10:12 PM
#1
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Radiator died. upgrade? Hi guys, my radiator died and i'm looking at my options. As it turns out the 3.6 radiator is the same and i found them for like 80 bucks but I was wondering if anyone had any luck with the ebay 'universal' aluminum dual pass radiator fitting in our cars.
11-06-2015, 04:17 PM
#4
The key word there is **OEM**. People who buy the cheap non-stock replacements have gone through 4 or 5 of them. I didn't modify anything really for the Alradco...I shaved off a tiny bit of the water pump and core support with a hand file for a little more clearance, but it wasn't necessary at all.
11-06-2015, 11:32 PM
#6
Alradco is a nice piece... I doubt I'd spend that coin again on it. Sure does make everything harder to work on. My engine temps remained the same so I'd say a stock radiator is pretty efficient. Especially for a 3.6l. Forced induction or a track driven car may be another story
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11-17-2015, 02:04 AM
#9
I went with the Ron Davis and it is a really nice piece, but comes with a really big price tag as well. I was able to make it fit with the intercooler and AC condenser. It took a lot of patience to install though, and had to relocate the power steering cooler to make everything fit.
11-30-2015, 09:42 AM
#14
Just so happened to have my radiator let go this weekend. Came out to a puddle on the garage floor this morning. Ordered the 21512 and some new hoses from Rockauto. $204 shipped. Stock radiator lasted to 147.5k and 11 years. I think I'll take my chances with another AC delco.
12-10-2015, 04:29 PM
#15
Just thought I'd note that the 21512 radiator fit perfectly.
Also, I replaced the water pump with a C5 Z06 part type which was $100 less than the V part. The fan shroud was already clearanced slightly for the deeper bell shaped pulley and went in without a problem.
Also, I replaced the water pump with a C5 Z06 part type which was $100 less than the V part. The fan shroud was already clearanced slightly for the deeper bell shaped pulley and went in without a problem.
12-12-2015, 04:08 PM
#16
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I bought a cheap one for 80 bucks and it died in a week..I guess thats what I get. So now I'm going to rig a universal mustang aluminum radiator on there because i'm tired of the plastic crap and I dont want to spend almost 500 bucks on the alradco one. Will post pics when its done.
12-12-2015, 06:14 PM
#17
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Mine is starting to leak around the top crimp. Where did yours start to leak? Is it worth doing the thermostat and water pump while the radiator is out as PM?
Last edited by Gus_Mahn; 12-12-2015 at 06:40 PM.
12-12-2015, 07:30 PM
#18
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Mine leaked from the top as well. I did my water pump a while back because it leaked but I wouldn't bother swapping it unless it's leaking or unless you're bored. You could do the water pump and thermostat without removing the radiator if you wanted to do it later on
12-14-2015, 10:05 AM
#19
I bought a cheap one for 80 bucks and it died in a week..I guess thats what I get. So now I'm going to rig a universal mustang aluminum radiator on there because i'm tired of the plastic crap and I dont want to spend almost 500 bucks on the alradco one. Will post pics when its done.
12-14-2015, 07:16 PM
#20
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I ordered the V6 radiator AC Delco 21512 / GM 89022478 for $128+tax from my local dealer. I have a friend in the parts department who hooks me up. Thanks for the info.