senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

For those who are looking for a boost in cooling efficiency or just need a new radiator you should get a lt1 radiator. They are at least .25 thicker than the ls1 radiator+cheaper and MUCH cheaper than going to a aftermarket radiator.

I went with a Ready Rad which is also sold under the name Vista-Pro.


There are 1 or 2 ports that need to be plugged depending on what year car you have.

If you have a 98-99 car then you will only have 1 port to plug. See the left port in the pic? Thats the lower driverside port.


If you have a 00-02 car then you will need to plug 2 ports. You will have to plug the lower driver side port (in pic above) and the coolant level sensor plug which is on passenger side. See the port left in the pic? Thats the passenger side coolant level sensor port.


Heres a better pic of it. Its the open port.


It dropped in pretty sweeeeet



I have an 01 car so I needed to plug 2 holes. I used a short 5/8 heater hose with a clamp and plugged it with a brass plug + clamp. Lots of people like to use this as a flush tube and I agree its a great idea. To plug the coolant level sensor port I bought the sensor from the auto store. You can use JB weld or try another way but I figured the stock sensor would be the safest way.

Additional drain line. Update on this rubber expansion plug in the pic. It failed and poped out. I will never use one in a cooling system ever again so IMO dont use one. I replaced it with a brass plug + clamp.


Heres another pic that also shows my new power steering cooler.


Ehh what the hell have more PS cooler pics...







I finished topping it off with dexcool today and took it for a drive. It was only 50f here today but I can already tell a major improvement over the ls1 radiator. Fans did not run nearly as long and temps dropped quicker. After the car had been running for 2 hours I also noticed temps got down to 172f cruising on the highway. With the ls1 radiator cruising highway I would see 180s (both were with 160 t stat). Im very happy with this upgrade. Thanks for reading

Empatho

iTrader: (16)

Very nice write up this mod made a huge difference with my car.

mikh338

iTrader: (16)

good info and write up, i will do this upgrade soon myself

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Thanks guys I cant wait to drive it in summer to see how much difference it makes

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

i have the LT1 rad and a 160 stat.......hardly ever goes over 200

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Highest iv seen so far is 195. Do you have ac?

BlackBetty99SS

iTrader: (1)

Was looking at my rad fluid and noticed it was very discolored. Sounds like the 99z could use this mod too. Esp w the hot weather we get here in N TX. Thank you for an excellent write up!

Tuzman

iTrader: (3)

Nice write up.

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

Thanks for the write up. Where did you purchase your radiator from?

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Thanks guys glad it helps.

BlackBetty99SS stay on top of your cooling system. You dont want to neglect dexcool.

Rare96LT1Formula I got the radiator from advanced auto parts. They sell them under the name Ready Rad. The real name I believe is Vista-Pro which can be had at Rockauto also. Part # 432399. If buying at a parts store you want to just make sure and measure the thickness. It should be 1.25 thick. I asked for a 93 5.7 camaro radiator.

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

Thanks.

Looks like a nice unit, keep us posted on its performance. I will definitely add this to my "trans am parts wish list"

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

For sure man. It also looks like you have a ws6 so you must have a stock PS cooler. You should really put that on your list too if you have not.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Same cooler I have for my PS fluid. And hell yes.....that LT1 radiator works, temps will be cooler. Mine on my 427ci always kept me around 195*F generally. On a hot as day with the a/c on in traffic.....I'd get up to about 210*F. Great and cheap mod.

Nice write up.

.

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Hell yeah dude I noticed it gets to 195 and fans bring it right down quick now. Its still only 50f here but I can already tell the efficiency is a major +.

Thanks for the good info in your posts over the years man

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

sure do..........run it all the time

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Sweeeeeet. Iv had mine out for a couple years. Might just re-install it with a new condensor. I have more faith in this radiator for keeping temps under control.

gokussx4

iTrader: (3)

What did you use to plug the coolant sensor port?

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

I bought the sensor. Its expensive but it has a clip and its probably the only thing that will work without poping out.

Also, sjsingle1 told me he used a rubber expansion plug to plug the lower hole and it poped out on him. I used one anyway thinking I will make sure its plugged good. Mine ended up poping out also
I was lucky it was at home. So heres some advice for people...NEVER USE A RUBBER EXPANSION PLUG IN YOUR COOLING SYSTEM.
I ended up using a brass plug with a clamp.

gokussx4

iTrader: (3)

Thank you so much for the quick post! That was my concern too with a freeze plug. So glad that I didn't attempt this with a freeze plug.

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

I dont want to hear anyone have issues. I was lucky the car was idling in the driveway when coolant came pissing out. Its been great so far with the brass plug and low coolant sensor