May 20, 2016, 02:21 PM
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Radiator Advice
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 25
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Radiator Advice Hey everyone,
My factory radiator finally gave out on me and I was wondering what everyone was using. I noticed that some aftermarket radiators are only a hundred dollars more than the factory AC Delco, so price is not a problem. This car is mainly daily driven and sees the track in the summer 2-3 times a month. I want something that will be direct fit like factory. My car is 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 6 spd with an LS6 Engine and full bolt ons. It's only 400 rwhp and eventually I probably will be putting a Procharger in. So far, I have looked at Griffin: 6-298AE-JXX and Be Cool: 60246. Also what kind of hoses would you guys suggest? I'm looking at Goodyear Hoses: Upper 62426 and Lower 62249. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
My factory radiator finally gave out on me and I was wondering what everyone was using. I noticed that some aftermarket radiators are only a hundred dollars more than the factory AC Delco, so price is not a problem. This car is mainly daily driven and sees the track in the summer 2-3 times a month. I want something that will be direct fit like factory. My car is 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 6 spd with an LS6 Engine and full bolt ons. It's only 400 rwhp and eventually I probably will be putting a Procharger in. So far, I have looked at Griffin: 6-298AE-JXX and Be Cool: 60246. Also what kind of hoses would you guys suggest? I'm looking at Goodyear Hoses: Upper 62426 and Lower 62249. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
You can get a stock LT1 Radiator. They are thicker and better than the LS1 radiators. They can be had for around $110 maybe. It is a direct fit and uses the same hoses and everything. There is one extra port on the driver's side that you will have to cap off, or like others have done, make it into a drain plug since the petcock valve drains so slow and breaks off sometimes.
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From: Redondo Beach, CA
You can get a stock LT1 Radiator. They are thicker and better than the LS1 radiators. They can be had for around $110 maybe. It is a direct fit and uses the same hoses and everything. There is one extra port on the driver's side that you will have to cap off, or like others have done, make it into a drain plug since the petcock valve drains so slow and breaks off sometimes.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 25
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Thanks djfury05 I had no idea that was true. It's interesting to see that a LT1 part is better than a LS1. Usually the LT1 guys are swapping to LS1 parts. I am surprised my stock radiator is not the same as a LT1.
Anybody use either of the two aftermarket radiators I listed above or some other company or brand?
Anybody use either of the two aftermarket radiators I listed above or some other company or brand?
An lt1 radiator would prob be your best bet op. I have built and worked on a few cars where the owners have brought lt1 radiators to replace perfectly fine stock ls1 radiators. Then they leave to old one laying in my shop lol. Good luck on your decision and swap.
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Get the LT1 radiator....then do what I did to mine (pictured below)...it makes a great flush line. The factory petcock flush valve sucks, its too small.
Now I have a brass fitting that goes into the hose end with a clamp on it.
.
Now I have a brass fitting that goes into the hose end with a clamp on it.
.
Just ordered mine from Advance right now.. part # 432399. Originally $110.99. I used coupon code ES123 for a $30.00 discount, almost 27% off. Free shipping over $75.00. Total cost was $86.66 with tax. This is cheaper than any other radiator specific site I looked through, thanks for the tip dr whigham! Semper Fi
This past summer, I was running hot while sitting in traffic. The "barbed ring" part of the hose nipple sheared off and the hose popped off and dumped all the coolant. Damn plastic end tanks! AND, over the years, I've lost several transmissions due to blown transmission coolers in the radiator tank.
These days, I'd only run an aftermarket radiator that's all aluminum (with aluminum hose nipples) and an external transmission cooler.
These days, I'd only run an aftermarket radiator that's all aluminum (with aluminum hose nipples) and an external transmission cooler.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Just ordered mine from Advance right now.. part # 432399. Originally $110.99. I used coupon code ES123 for a $30.00 discount, almost 27% off. Free shipping over $75.00. Total cost was $86.66 with tax. This is cheaper than any other radiator specific site I looked through, thanks for the tip dr whigham! Semper Fi
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
This past summer, I was running hot while sitting in traffic. The "barbed ring" part of the hose nipple sheared off and the hose popped off and dumped all the coolant. Damn plastic end tanks! AND, over the years, I've lost several transmissions due to blown transmission coolers in the radiator tank.
These days, I'd only run an aftermarket radiator that's all aluminum (with aluminum hose nipples) and an external transmission cooler.
These days, I'd only run an aftermarket radiator that's all aluminum (with aluminum hose nipples) and an external transmission cooler.
YES! I'm very happy with my Be Cool radiator. All aluminum including the tanks and hose nipples. It is thicker and will move the fans slightly closer to the engine-which shouldn't be a problem on an LS car.
I've driven the car in high heat in heavy traffic and my engine never passed 180 degrees (160 T-stat).
Well worth the cost IMHO. put one side by side with the stocker and you'll see.
I've driven the car in high heat in heavy traffic and my engine never passed 180 degrees (160 T-stat).
Well worth the cost IMHO. put one side by side with the stocker and you'll see.
A better alternative to an expensive aftermarket radiator is to get the Evans Water Pump. The stock water pumps do no flow equal GPM to both side of the motor. The Evans fixes this. Not only more water but equal flow. I will be getting one for sure!
YES! I'm very happy with my Be Cool radiator. All aluminum including the tanks and hose nipples. It is thicker and will move the fans slightly closer to the engine-which shouldn't be a problem on an LS car.
I've driven the car in high heat in heavy traffic and my engine never passed 180 degrees (160 T-stat).
Well worth the cost IMHO. put one side by side with the stocker and you'll see.
I've driven the car in high heat in heavy traffic and my engine never passed 180 degrees (160 T-stat).
Well worth the cost IMHO. put one side by side with the stocker and you'll see.
