pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

Is the stock rad on 2002 V8 Camaro really just 1 core? Reason I ask is a vendor told me it was. What replacement rads are you guys using and how much $ am I looking at? I want a drop in rad, stock or otherwise...

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Go buy a 1997 LT1 radiator. Better cooling capacity than the LS1 radiator and it installs 100% the same, and all the ports and sensor locations are identical.....then just cap off the extra port as I did to mine pictured below, it makes for a GREAT way to flush the radiator when you need to.

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pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

Alright, is the LT1 rad 2 core vs LS1 1 core? Is that why it cools better?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

No...its just larger overall internally. From what I've read and heard from people, it has 30% more cooling capacity...whatever that means.

If your system is working properly, it will cool any sized engine you can build out of an LSx engine.....N/A.......

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pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the suggestions and replies! So even though LT1s were reverse cooling, the rad operates the same way and I just have to plug an extra "drain"? Any rad for f body 93-'97 will do then when I source one out at NAPA etc?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

The water flows through perfectly...........my 427ci runs VERY cool.

Yup, plug the extra port with a 6 inch piece of heater hose, but build yourself a little removable brass fitting on the end so you can use it for flushing in the future.

Yes, any 93-97 LT1 should do the trick.

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pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for answering my noob questions. LS6427 - you cool a 427cid with this LT1 rad? Sounds like it will be a good upgrade for my stocker! What price range am I looking at? As an aside, I phoned Be Cool and they say to fit their rad one has to bend the lower tray and ppossibly eavacuate the a/c and move lines to get it in because it is a 2 row rad for my application. I'd like to get away from plastic tanks but $500-$600 and having to shoe horn it in? My motor is stock, I don't need 2x the cooling. Griffin (same price range) clains that I would only have to trim the rubber retainers to get it to fit. When you google reviews a bunch of unhappy people are out there complaining about crappy welds, leaks out of warranty etc with these high dollar rads too. I think I'll take your suggestion guys when the time comes and save some $$$ at the same time! Thanks again!

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Yes, I run extremely cool.

Be Cool and Griffin radiators are a 100% waste of cash....they will do absolutely nothing more than a properly working stock cooling system can do......nothing.

I was considering getting a larger Be Cool for my new 441ci + spray. But I was also gonna get a high-flow water pump, better fans, high flowing t-stat.......but its just not necessary.

rockauto.com......$95.00....SPECTRA PREMIUM Part # CU1486

You can find them for under $100 brand new all over the place online.......

$150 brand new here.........
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-...0#ht_500wt_975

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LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Order online from Advance Auto....$95.00 after you apply the discount code.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...1874157941____


*****Make sure you order one WITHOUT the tranny cooler installed inside the passengers side plastic tank. Its just another place to spring a leak some day. But if you have a auto tranny you'll have to out an aftermarket cooler on, which is about $40.00 and takes about 30 minutes to install.

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pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

Thanks, I just checked NAPA and they list the same rad part # (online) for '97 and '02 camaro (?). I'll phone and double check, $95, wow that is reasonable! I'll keep looking for myself, I guess I can confirm that the rad is '93-'97 by the additional drain port on the driver's side.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Yes...the additional port is the only way to tell its the LT1 radiator.

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pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

LS6427, have you heard of Koyo rads? I can get a good shake on those too with 5 yr warranty. Should I stick with the Spectra?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

I never heard of Koyo....might be good quality. You have a link to them?

Don't get caught up in the hype of aftermarket radiators...they will do NOTHING that your stock (or LT1) radiator can't do. FOR YOUR ENGINE.......

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pewter2002

iTrader: (4)

Well, here is the page I found. cooldirect.ca BTW the Spectra rads come from Quebec, I live in Ont and our sources are selling the cu1486 for $224 - $238+ tax!!! I've got a call to head office of one of the distributers up here asking for an explanation as to why a domestically made product would be less than 1/2 the price Stateside. I feel like I'm being hosed here.