LT1 Radiator Swap
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LT1 Radiator Swap I just bought a new LT1 radiator from GM for my new motor.
2000+ model F-bodies didn't have the coolant level sensor, so I'm stumped on how to fill the hole. It's not threaded, so that's out. The coolant level sensor is held in by a clip.
I'd just like to have something less ugly to fill the hole.
I guess I'll just use an old sensor if I can't figure something out. Does anyone have an old, faulty sensor that they can ship me for a few bucks? It doesn't need to work, just needs to fill the hole and not leak.
Thanks in advance, guys.
2000+ model F-bodies didn't have the coolant level sensor, so I'm stumped on how to fill the hole. It's not threaded, so that's out. The coolant level sensor is held in by a clip.
I'd just like to have something less ugly to fill the hole.
I guess I'll just use an old sensor if I can't figure something out. Does anyone have an old, faulty sensor that they can ship me for a few bucks? It doesn't need to work, just needs to fill the hole and not leak.
Thanks in advance, guys.
Isn't that a threaded hole?
How about a pipe thread plug?
Your local Home Depot/hardware store should carry these.
Just measure the thread and head for the plumbing section.
Use lots of silicon tape and call it good.
How about a pipe thread plug?
Your local Home Depot/hardware store should carry these.
Just measure the thread and head for the plumbing section.
Use lots of silicon tape and call it good.
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Epoxy to plug a rad hole doesn't seem like a good idea, I'd be worried it could just blow out. Can it be brazed/soldered closed?
So how does the lt1 version compare to stock ls1? I'm interested in doing this also. Have you installed it, any problems with the fit?
So how does the lt1 version compare to stock ls1? I'm interested in doing this also. Have you installed it, any problems with the fit?
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I haven't installed it yet, but the tanks are the same size, and it has all the same provision for the fan shroud and a/c.
The only differences are the provision for the coolant level sensor (93-99 f-bodies had the sensor, 00-02 had no sensor, and no provisions for one), and there's a fitting on the very bottom of the drivers side tank the needs to be plugged.
I found an expansion style plug at O'rielly that I think should block off the coolant level sensor port just fine. The other fitting is so easy, a caveman could do it... lol.
The only differences are the provision for the coolant level sensor (93-99 f-bodies had the sensor, 00-02 had no sensor, and no provisions for one), and there's a fitting on the very bottom of the drivers side tank the needs to be plugged.
I found an expansion style plug at O'rielly that I think should block off the coolant level sensor port just fine. The other fitting is so easy, a caveman could do it... lol.
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The expansion plug worked great after a little trimming. I'm not worried at all about it coming out. It can be found at O'rielly Auto and is a 3/4"-7/8" expansion plug. The plug had an O-ring seal inside so it shouldn't leak.
There was one more mod that had to be made to the LT1 radiator to fit. There are two small hangers at the very bottom of the passenger's side tank. I assume that they have something to do with the A/C fitting on LT1 cars. After trying to get the radiator in with no success for about half an hour, I pulled it out and seen the hangers. Compared it to the old LS1 radiator, which had nothing there, so I cut them off with my Dremel.
After that, it fit like a glove.
I'll update the post when I can tell you how it has effected my coolant temps. I just put my new motor in, along with the radiator today, and it's still a couple tasks short of being finished.
There was one more mod that had to be made to the LT1 radiator to fit. There are two small hangers at the very bottom of the passenger's side tank. I assume that they have something to do with the A/C fitting on LT1 cars. After trying to get the radiator in with no success for about half an hour, I pulled it out and seen the hangers. Compared it to the old LS1 radiator, which had nothing there, so I cut them off with my Dremel.
After that, it fit like a glove.
I'll update the post when I can tell you how it has effected my coolant temps. I just put my new motor in, along with the radiator today, and it's still a couple tasks short of being finished.
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^Because they have a much larger core than the LS1... if I remember correctly, the core sizes are:
98-02: ~7/8"
97 only: 1"
93 - 96: ~1 3/8"
Of course, I used the 93-96 model. GM PN 52466004 for you guys that are wanting to do the swap.
98-02: ~7/8"
97 only: 1"
93 - 96: ~1 3/8"
Of course, I used the 93-96 model. GM PN 52466004 for you guys that are wanting to do the swap.
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I've been running it a few days now, so I can report the difference.
Even on wide open throtle runs it never passes ~200. Before, it's normal operating temp was 209. It stays in the 190-200 range 99% of the time. I haven't tried it with the A/C on, but I can definitely say that I like the temps much better. Of course, this is only what my "dummy" temp gauge is telling me, I'm not reading it on a scanner or anything.
I'd recommend it to anyone that not running an extremely modified motor or FI. Mine is a LPE 346 with Patriot LS6 Stage III heads, and a LPE GT-11 cam (215/231, .631/.644, 118 LSA), so it's not exactly a mild setup.
Even on wide open throtle runs it never passes ~200. Before, it's normal operating temp was 209. It stays in the 190-200 range 99% of the time. I haven't tried it with the A/C on, but I can definitely say that I like the temps much better. Of course, this is only what my "dummy" temp gauge is telling me, I'm not reading it on a scanner or anything.
I'd recommend it to anyone that not running an extremely modified motor or FI. Mine is a LPE 346 with Patriot LS6 Stage III heads, and a LPE GT-11 cam (215/231, .631/.644, 118 LSA), so it's not exactly a mild setup.
