Radiator??
Just get an LT1 radiator.....little better cooling capacity than the LS1 radiator.
I've had one in mine for almost 7 years....cools great.
Installs 100% the same. Just have to cap off one extra port with a 6 inch piece of heater hose, a brass plug and a clamp.
Other than that....$300-$600 for aftermarket custom radiators, which will not really do anything better than an LT1 or LS1 radiator if the cooling system is working properly with no issues in the system.
Picture shows the extra port.....it makes a GREAT flush port. This is when I had a plastic plug in the end, but buy a brass plug that fits, then clamp it.
.
I've had one in mine for almost 7 years....cools great.
Installs 100% the same. Just have to cap off one extra port with a 6 inch piece of heater hose, a brass plug and a clamp.
Other than that....$300-$600 for aftermarket custom radiators, which will not really do anything better than an LT1 or LS1 radiator if the cooling system is working properly with no issues in the system.
Picture shows the extra port.....it makes a GREAT flush port. This is when I had a plastic plug in the end, but buy a brass plug that fits, then clamp it.
.
Last edited by LS6427; Jan 14, 2013 at 08:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 645
From: Winchester, VA
Is there really a difference? I did see one thread on the lt rad. but it was hit or miss on if there was really a difference. Part # would be nice if you have one.
Its the same price, or damn close......just do the LT1 radiator. Its the identical radiator, just a little more capacity.
Its a no brainer.
Just go to rockauto.com and order a 1997 LT1 radiator. It should have every port the LS1 has and the same exact place for the coolant level sensor....and that one extra port I showed you in the picture to cap off.
Or just do an LS1 radiator and make sure the cooling system is operating properly and you'll run nice and cool.....190*f-200*f is good FOR CITY DRIVING, 180-190 while cruising steady at say 70mph is good.
.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 645
From: Winchester, VA
Yea I just figured if I could get a little extra coolant in it it would give a little extra head room. Good to know about keeping the 427 cool though....I have a ls7 waiting in the wings.
Hey doug, like everyone says here the lt1 is a solid replacement. I've put 3 in different cars and they are in fact 3/16" or so thicker than the ls1 one I pulled out.
As far as the part number goes, just go in to the store and ask for a radiator for a 97 z28 and you'll get what ya need. Oddly enough when I did my car the 1st time I just asked for a new radiator for my 02 and the one they gave me WAS the lt1 style and the same thing happened again when I got one for my cousins 2000 ss. So I think for easement purposes if you get one from a store they just all use the same part number no matter the year and you just get the thicker one. Make sure to get the coolant blockoff plugs for the hose nipple on the bottom.
Dan-
As far as the part number goes, just go in to the store and ask for a radiator for a 97 z28 and you'll get what ya need. Oddly enough when I did my car the 1st time I just asked for a new radiator for my 02 and the one they gave me WAS the lt1 style and the same thing happened again when I got one for my cousins 2000 ss. So I think for easement purposes if you get one from a store they just all use the same part number no matter the year and you just get the thicker one. Make sure to get the coolant blockoff plugs for the hose nipple on the bottom.
Dan-
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Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 645
From: Winchester, VA
Thanks dan! I just put a rad in a auto ls car but never thought to measure the core to see if it was any different. I just noticed my cars rad being cracked the other day....but it has had a antifreeze smell for a while.
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