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Spectra CU1485 Radiator

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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 04:26 PM
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Default Spectra CU1485 Radiator

I recently installed the Spectra Premium CU1485 radiator in my 02 SS. This radiator was mentioned in another thread a little while back but wanted to start a thread just concerning it. It is the same core thickness as an LT1 radiator but has none of the normal ports that have to be blocked off. There is no heater hose port on the bottom left, no coolant level sensor hole below the filler neck either. It is basically a true drop in LS1 radiator with a 1.25" core thickness. It does have the automatic transmission cooler installed. Even though the CU1486 radiator is listed for LS1 cars that has all the normal ports that would need to be blocked off. Basically if you are looking to upgrade to a thicker core radiator with no hassle this is the best radiator I have found.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by wicknewman
I recently installed the Spectra Premium CU1485 radiator in my 02 SS. This radiator was mentioned in another thread a little while back but wanted to start a thread just concerning it. It is the same core thickness as an LT1 radiator but has none of the normal ports that have to be blocked off. There is no heater hose port on the bottom left, no coolant level sensor hole below the filler neck either. It is basically a true drop in LS1 radiator with a 1.25" core thickness. It does have the automatic transmission cooler installed. Even though the CU1486 radiator is listed for LS1 cars that has all the normal ports that would need to be blocked off. Basically if you are looking to upgrade to a thicker core radiator with no hassle this is the best radiator I have found.
just stumbled across this. hows this radiator working for you? im thinking of buying one. summit has it for 107 shipped right now.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 06:48 PM
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Very pleased with the radiator. I logged ECT in HP Tuners before and after the radiator change on the same drive and outside temps and the new radiator dropped my temps about an average of 5 degrees. For the price I don't think you can really go wrong.
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Old Nov 30, 2012 | 01:20 AM
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Originally Posted by wicknewman
Very pleased with the radiator. I logged ECT in HP Tuners before and after the radiator change on the same drive and outside temps and the new radiator dropped my temps about an average of 5 degrees. For the price I don't think you can really go wrong.
ill be ordering one! thanks man. Really don't wanna put lt1 parts in my ls car lol
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Old Sep 8, 2015 | 05:54 PM
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thanks for this info, i know its 3 years old but im looking to put a lt1 rad in my 99 formula . this will be perfect .
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Old Sep 24, 2017 | 02:29 PM
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What is the difference between the cu1485 and the cu1486 confused wich to get 02 WS6 manual??? Ok I see now no ports to block off. Will order the cu 1485 thanks man!

Last edited by Robert Cantu; Sep 25, 2017 at 12:35 AM.
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Old Dec 20, 2018 | 02:59 AM
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I'm confused. Summit says it's for the V6 and not compatible with my ss manual. Does anyone know if it works?
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Old Dec 20, 2018 | 08:52 AM
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Yes you order one for a v6 lt1 generation car then it doesnt have ports to block off and its thicker. I have a v6 rad in my procharged car. A new one I got a few years ago.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 01:14 PM
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Forgive me if this is a question with a well known answer, but I don't see anything mentioned about this "thicker" Radiator being compatible with the stock A/C Condenser. Is this something I should be concerned about before buying one of these for my 1999 Formula? I will most definitely be retaining the Air Conditioning System and would like to know if both the Condenser and Radiator will fit in their stock locations without modification. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Also, the description of this Rad on Summit's site says it includes the Tranny Cooler for an Automatic. My car is a manual and I would much rather not have the deminished cooling capacity (I'm quite aware that its negligible) by having this cooler that won't be in use. Does Spectra or another manufacturer offer the same Radiator for a Manual Transmission early 4th Gen V6 car? Thanks.

Last edited by Mumbles; Jun 18, 2019 at 01:42 PM.
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Old Jun 19, 2019 | 07:47 PM
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I installed one of these this past weekend. No issues fitting with the stock condenser
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Old Jun 20, 2019 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by CoreyD
I installed one of these this past weekend. No issues fitting with the stock condenser
Thanks Corey. I placed an order for one of these Radiators just this morning. I'd done some digging around and didn't find anyone complaining of fitment issues, but I thought it best to ask. Thanks again for the reply.
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