Upgrading to LT1 radiator but theres a conflict...
01-28-2013, 06:54 PM
#1
Upgrading to LT1 radiator but theres a conflict... Im upgrading to the LT1 radiator. I did lots of searching but there seems to be "maybe" some misinformation or "maybe" some part changes with manufacturers? IDK but i'm hoping others can help clear it all up in this thread.
This is not 100% clear...
I found in posts that I need to order a 93-96 because 97-02 are the small ones, is this true?
Heres the conflict...
If I look up an ls1 radiator on rockauto it says the core is 24 7/8 X 17 1/8 X 7/8.
Now, if I look up an LT1 radiator it says the same core size.
Why would it say the same thing? What is the correct size for the bigger lt1 radiator?
ls1...http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,2172
lt1...http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,2172
I'm compairing the ac delco radiators.
This is not 100% clear...
I found in posts that I need to order a 93-96 because 97-02 are the small ones, is this true?
Heres the conflict...
If I look up an ls1 radiator on rockauto it says the core is 24 7/8 X 17 1/8 X 7/8.
Now, if I look up an LT1 radiator it says the same core size.
Why would it say the same thing? What is the correct size for the bigger lt1 radiator?
ls1...http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,2172
lt1...http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,2172
I'm compairing the ac delco radiators.
01-28-2013, 10:07 PM
#2
Moderator
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: East Central Florida
Posts: 12,605
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Best I can tell you is, look at the aluminum core.
The LS1 style is "missing" a row of tubes relative
to what the end plates could hold, and this
is what you're looking to fix. I think 7/8" is short.
And I wouldn't take GM's word for "replaces", that's
about them, not you.
Now it looks like on the landing page for the LT1 link,
there are several calling out a 1-1/4" core depth.
That's more like it.
The LS1 style is "missing" a row of tubes relative
to what the end plates could hold, and this
is what you're looking to fix. I think 7/8" is short.
And I wouldn't take GM's word for "replaces", that's
about them, not you.
Now it looks like on the landing page for the LT1 link,
there are several calling out a 1-1/4" core depth.
That's more like it.
01-28-2013, 10:26 PM
#3
That makes sense. If its the 1-1/4" core depth that makes it the "bigger" radiator then they are also available in the ls1 link also. Might be better to order one of those from the ls1 link to avoid having to plug the sensor hole on the lt1?
01-29-2013, 12:20 PM
#6
I'm not to sure about the v6 as I would think that would be a smaller radiator. However when i replaced mine i ordered it for a 97 lt1 and it did have the larger core and I had to plug up the one coolant nipple with a blockoff plug. Next time around I was doing my cousins 02 ss and not thinking I just ordered a stock replacement, when i got it, it was the same one as an lt1. Had the thicker core and still had the one nipple to block off. So maybe they have just combined them to make 1 part number. Both were from autozone btw
02-18-2013, 11:28 AM
#7
Yes, the LT1 radiator is right about 1 1/4" thick. The LS1 is 7/8" thick. I have recently measured both.
Due to the '97 year model difference, always measure before buying.
Edit: the radiator in my '01 SS is 1" thick. Seems the SS got a bigger radiator from the factory.
Due to the '97 year model difference, always measure before buying.
Edit: the radiator in my '01 SS is 1" thick. Seems the SS got a bigger radiator from the factory.
Last edited by TWS; 03-07-2013 at 12:06 PM.
Trending Topics
03-06-2013, 12:09 PM
#8
I picked up the ready rad from advanced auto parts.
I was under the impression I would only have to plug the driver side lower port on this radiator but there is also another one on upper passenger side.
Is this called a coolant level sensor or a temp sender/sensor? I called advanced auto parts and asked for a coolant level sensor but they dont know anything about it lol. What do I do with this?
I was under the impression I would only have to plug the driver side lower port on this radiator but there is also another one on upper passenger side.
Is this called a coolant level sensor or a temp sender/sensor? I called advanced auto parts and asked for a coolant level sensor but they dont know anything about it lol. What do I do with this?
03-06-2013, 04:31 PM
#14
Did you actually call? I called all the parts store and they didnt even show a coolant level sensor at all.
I found a good rubber 3/4 freeze/expansion plug. It tightens up pretty well.
Capped and clamped the lower drv side. See how well it holds after instal.
Thanks Mark.
I found a good rubber 3/4 freeze/expansion plug. It tightens up pretty well.
Capped and clamped the lower drv side. See how well it holds after instal.
Thanks Mark.
