bravo863

Hey guys, I have a 97 Lt1 the temp gets up to 220, in this heat here in Florida's Summer... . I was wondering if anyone here has switched to the Be Cool Radiator and does it really drop your temperature 15 to 20 degrees.... I have a 160 thermostat already.... Thanks Jason

5_LTR_ETR

did you set the fans to come on earlier as well? or just change the thermostat?

whytryz28

iTrader: (28)

Mine never sees anything higher than 170, yes florida weather, I run water and watter only though. No coolant.

lifeisgood

iTrader: (4)

water only is bad for the block. starts to screw up the water jackets,
but why wry about 220? thats not horrible

YngBird

i do and it runs cold as hell.

Z28Roxy

iTrader: (4)

You don't need a BeCool unless you have a crazy setup. Just run a 160 thermostat and get your fans to come on sooner. Our radiators are very big actually - some LS1 owners convert to the LT1 radiator (thicker core).

speed_demon24

iTrader: (6)

I do. Highway driving in the summer on 100 degree days it gets up to 170-180 on the scanmaster, around town it gets up to 200. Factory gauge is useless for accurate temeratures FWIW.

96LT1355Z28

iTrader: (2)

Be Cool radiator here and 185 is all it gets too, 160 T-stat and EWP as well. Mine sees limited street time and mostly track passes with cool downs in between runs. I'd look into programing the fans first before spending the $ on a big radiator, most cars probably mine included would be fine with the stock radiator.

bravo863

It only gets to 220 in stop and go traffic when I'm driving on not in stop and go traffic I'm at 180. How do you set the fans to come on sooner? Thanks for the response.

97Z28SS

iTrader: (5)

I have one going in my car with my new engine and it's good to know that I won't have any cooling problems.

BizZzatch350

iTrader: (33)

160 T-stat and a tune with earlier fan settings and I never had an issue again, both with the stock wp and now electric. LT1s run hot stock for emissions reasons, most new cars do. I think the second fan setting isn't till like 220, so your is actually normal. The 160 never helped mine till I got it tuned and they changed the fan setting. Get a bolt on tune from some one and it'll be alright, lot cheaper then a new radiator.

shbox

Then you are looking for a solution to a problem you don't really have.

Reprogramming lets you define the ON temps for the fans.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

So judging from what I've read in this thread, there is no benefit to running an aftermarket radiator?

fex77k

iTrader: (2)

Oh it is probably better made and more efficient at cooling. Its also all metal so you don't have to worry about the plastic cracking.

z_speedfreak

iTrader: (3)

I run one, usually runs around 170, highest I've seen was 185 in gridlock.

speed_demon24

iTrader: (6)

Nope, all those race cars that spend thousands of dollars on radiators are wasting money.

killagt

iTrader: (3)

I agree with ramair, I did run one on my first LT1, because I thought 210 degree is way too high, but after awhile i realise its normal for these engine, anyway so I bought the be cool radiator, running with redline water wet with only water. it help a little but I dont know its cause of becool radiator or the redline water wet itself.

anyway the stock lt1 radiator is GOOD enought, that all you ever need.

ZFreie

In a near stock car with a 160t-stat tuned to turn the fans on at the right time, i doubt it. I'm sure the more aggressive the engine becomes it is more prevalent to have better cooling system. But what do I know.

:edit: Didnt see this

That to!

97Z28SS

iTrader: (5)

Ok I've got a question for you guys, I have a Be Cool direct fit M6 radiator, what are you guys using to replace the factory temp sensor in the radiator? Does the sensor mounted in the radiator control the fans or does it just send info tho the pcm, Shoebox HELP?

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Huge difference between thousand dollar radiators on race cars and little Timmy's bolt-on 16-year old LT1, or even heads/cam/displacement street cars. Jackass. Not my fault you paid several hundred bucks for a part you don't need.

FWIW the stock one has done me good for eleven years. Never does the gauge (or water pump) temp get above 200, averaging around 190.