3rd Gen LS1 Conversion, Radiator question
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From: Derby Line, VT
3rd Gen LS1 Conversion, Radiator question For those who have made a 3rd gen swap, what kind of connection or other cooling issues did you run into? (My engine is from an '01 Z28).
I need to change the radiator in my 89 Formula anyway, what should I get for a new one? Should I replace it with an stock-replacement radiator designed for the TPI motor? Or, has anyone put a 4th-gen radiator into a 3rd gen body? What about aftermarket radiators? What do I need to look for, or avoid?
My mods will include a head/cam package and functional Ram-Air hood, right off the bat, not sure what else I'll end up doing (although I know that headers are out of the question for this conversion - and from what I hear, the '01 manifolds flow very well already).
Anyway, what do you guys recommend so that I don't have cooling issues after the conversion?
I need to change the radiator in my 89 Formula anyway, what should I get for a new one? Should I replace it with an stock-replacement radiator designed for the TPI motor? Or, has anyone put a 4th-gen radiator into a 3rd gen body? What about aftermarket radiators? What do I need to look for, or avoid?
My mods will include a head/cam package and functional Ram-Air hood, right off the bat, not sure what else I'll end up doing (although I know that headers are out of the question for this conversion - and from what I hear, the '01 manifolds flow very well already).
Anyway, what do you guys recommend so that I don't have cooling issues after the conversion?
Mine's doing great thus far with a plain Modine replacement radiator. Single-row, aluminum w/ plastic end tanks, $120 at Advance Auto, listed as stock replacement for 1991 Z28. I've put over 1500 miles on it thus far in varying hot/cold temps and driving conditions, stock 195degF thermostat.
I haven't had it to the track yet so we'll see this Saturday after a day of lapping at Pocono. Same rad did me fine previously with the 355ci L98 engine so I expect no problems.
I haven't had it to the track yet so we'll see this Saturday after a day of lapping at Pocono. Same rad did me fine previously with the 355ci L98 engine so I expect no problems.
Teching In
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I was able to use the stock '89 radiator in my 3rd gen ls1 conversion. I recently had it recored, but otherwise it should work just fine. We were able to slice and dice the ls1 dual fans and bolt them up right behind the radiator. Living in CA I also had the dreaded smog issue regarding exhaust. I found a pair of CA smog legal JBA shorties. However the problem with them was they don't give you enough bang for the buck...they cost a small fortune. So I opted to use the stock exhaust manifolds...like you I read they flow pretty well. So I called up my machine shop and had them thermal barrier coat them black. The thermal barrier coating keeps the thermal efficency of the exhaust flow through the pipes. Heated gas travels faster. Likewise I had my heads thermal dispersal coated in order to diffuse as much heat out of the heads as possible. If you're interested in thermal coatings, there's some pretty decent articles here: http://www.replikamaschinen.com/articles.html.
If you got a moment, check out my website. I've documented my entired 3rd gen ls1 transplant project: http://www.cardomain.com/id/jlanthie With any luck I'll be firing up the car for the first time tomorrow!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Good Luck!
If you got a moment, check out my website. I've documented my entired 3rd gen ls1 transplant project: http://www.cardomain.com/id/jlanthie With any luck I'll be firing up the car for the first time tomorrow!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Good Luck!
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2004
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Originally Posted by Adam's89FormulaLS1
Very cool, thanks for the info guys.
jlanthie, Nice swap you got goin' on, by the way!! That intake manifold looks killer, all shiny like that!
Adam
jlanthie, Nice swap you got goin' on, by the way!! That intake manifold looks killer, all shiny like that!
Adam
Yeah the 8 hours it took to prep the darn thing by hand was definetly worth it! I had no feeling on my finger tips for a week! The mold they use for the plastic composite leaves a nasty finish, and dont get me started on those dimples on every runner 
