armkneez8

iTrader: (1)

It's hot in Southern Cali and my Radiator on my SS just busted. It leaks and I need to replace it. I'm considering in getting a stock replacement but I'm also considering a high performance radiator. Any ideas on brands or what way I should go? Thanx

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

The factory radiator is good for any size N/A engine, there's no need to waste money on an aftermarket radiator.

You can take it out in 30 minutes and bring it to a shop to fix it or just get a new one from Advance Auto.

While you're in there, clean the hell out of the front of the condensor. You'll be sure to find all kinds of debris there killing the airflow. And a clean condensor is the top priority in running cool on hot days, very over looked. Smack it up against a pice of wood about 50 times in a forward smacking direction so the **** falls out of the front. But do it at your own risk, because you could break an A/C line. If you don't want to smack it, try a hose from behind or do it by hand with a small skinny tool in each heat sink from behind, pushing the debris out the front.

Also, you could try to find an LT1 radiator, which I've been told hooks right up to our cars, and it has alot more cooling surface. But again, very uneccesary as long as your factory cooling system is clean and running properly.

armkneez8

iTrader: (1)

Thanx for that good info.

PUNISHER TA

iTrader: (13)

454 n/a?

bboyferal

iTrader: (9)

I run a stock radiator in its stock position on my turbocharged Trans Am and it does not overheat at all.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

No problem AT ALL. I have a pretty aggressive 427ci, mine runs ridiculously cool. As in about 175-180 with the A/C off on a 95* day, no matter how I drive it. It'll maybe get to about 210* sitting in traffic on a 95* day. But if I'm at least moving, it won't go near 210*.

I know a guy with a 434 and another with a 441, zero issues in south Florida.

Only time there would be an overheating issues is if you ran all over the sity streets, with the A/C on, on a 95* day.

Most people who own F-Body's and have cooling problems...have dirty condensors.

You're doing the same as me, 454ci LSX iron. I may go 434ci though since I'm gonna spray a 300 shot. Since its iron, and its NOT what our cooling systems were designed for, I may use an LT1 radiator and aftermarket higher flowing fans.

PUNISHER TA

iTrader: (13)

Ill probably run some nice fans to help in traffic.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

I'm gonna try to build a plastic type of shroud that blows the hot air from the radiator fans downward, and not straight back onto the block. Just gonna play around and see what happens.

PUNISHER TA

iTrader: (13)

Sounds like an interesting idea.

You think it would/could divert enough heat to make it worth it?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

I don't know, I've put my hand down there and felt the air coming off the fans when its hot....and its pretty HOT. Engine bay temps get really high sometimes, that can't help matters. Its just another one of the many things that can be improved over factory.

But...it could also hurt matters if it backs up the air flow at all. Some things just can't be improved upon.

I think it'll be pretty easy to make, so I'll try it out. I'm gonna also try to make my ram air inlets directly feed my Harrop ITB intake. It would be very cool if I could make that happen. Clean, cool, fresh air going into the ITB's.

pacdwal02

I run a Be Cool radiator. Love it, also have a 160 stat with it. Haven't had any problems with it yet and I've had it for about six years. It was a straight drop in but took a little work and a couple of friends to mount it correctly (first time project for us). You can get it off summit, part# BCI-60028 I think. Just my 0.02

9t8z28

iTrader: (19)

Go with a 93-96 LT1 radiator. One pipe needs to be capped off on the driver side and that is it. The core is 1-3/8" wide vs. the 98-02 which is under an inch! The LT1 rad will cost the same and you should be able to pick one up for $150 or less.

Why not upgrade for the same price? Right!

armkneez8

iTrader: (1)

^^True