RADIATORS - Discussion...
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,987
Likes: 59
From: Houston, TX
RADIATORS - Discussion... My 82K mile car, with its 434ci engine, is having some cooling issues in this 95F+ heat lately when I'm stuck in traffic. On the freeway and at night, it doesn't get that hot. My A/C is also kind of warm, even with a fresh charge.
I need a larger capacity radiator.
Anyone else running an aftermarket radiator yet? I know mine is probably getting clogged just from the 82K miles it currently has, and this motor is taxing whats left.
-Tony
I need a larger capacity radiator.
Anyone else running an aftermarket radiator yet? I know mine is probably getting clogged just from the 82K miles it currently has, and this motor is taxing whats left.
-Tony
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Katy Tx
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... Tony we are having some of the same problems. I wondering if its waterpump issues also. SLP does make a better one and so does BeCool. The BeCool is nice becuase it comes with new fans and brackets, pretty much everything u need to just replace the stock one. The price is a pretty penny at 940 dollars. Im wondering if we just have ours cleaned and maybee a higher volume waterpump. Also u might wanna do a preasure test on ur radiator and see it there are no leaks. I found one near the heater core inlet on the waterpump.
Philip
Philip
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... For a short term fix, you might change your mixture to 80/20 water/dexcool with an additive such as RP Ice or Water Wetter.
Check in the FI section. I remember good discussions on the pros & cons of different bigger radiators.
Check in the FI section. I remember good discussions on the pros & cons of different bigger radiators.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Katy Tx
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... I learned alot from people I talked today about the overheating problems. It seems there some things to try out. One is get a bigger radiator like lt1, slp, or the becool(wich i heard is the best one). Two u can use the Evans coolant and run at no preasure with a better overflow tank( thanks to Jay Fisher). I think we will try the Evans coolant and see how it works. It is pricy at 22 dollars per gallon if u buy over 3 gallons. But this is alot cheaper than 980 dollars for the becool radiator. Hopefully the Evans will do the trick as I was told it had worked nicely on a previous big motor car. I will keep u guys posted on what seems to work the best.
Philip
Philip
TECH Junkie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 0
From: At the office
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... I like the Be Cool ones for the fact that they are lighter than the factory ones. Not to mention they guarantee a 20 degree coolant temp drop or your money back.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma, CA
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... What about the one that LS1speed has for sale? They are right around $400 and look awesome. I am having some cooling issues with my 388 and might be looking into a larger radiator. It gets hot down here in SoCal.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,987
Likes: 59
From: Houston, TX
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... Seems like we have alot of options since we share the same size as the LT1 setups. BeCool sells just the radiator for like $490, without all the fans, etc...
SLP is the cheapest, at $300. They claim 50% more surface area. That might do the trick, along with some water wetter.
Hmmm.... decisions...
-Tony
SLP is the cheapest, at $300. They claim 50% more surface area. That might do the trick, along with some water wetter.
Hmmm.... decisions...
-Tony
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... Go ahead and spend the money and do it right. Get the becool setup. As much money as you have in that motor I wouldnt do anything other than the very best as far as cooling goes.
On a side note, you'd be a awesome comparison motor for the reverse cooled EWP.
On a side note, you'd be a awesome comparison motor for the reverse cooled EWP.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: Gambrills, MD
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... I installed the SLP radiator last weekend, filled w/ plain water & 1 bottle of Water Wetter. The crappy POS temp gauge now stays below the mark, even in very hot weather w/ the AC on. The AC is now blowing colder air, too. I still need to switch to a 160 degree thermo and adjust the fan temps.
I noticed when I took out the OEM radiator that the surface was covered w/ a lot of leaf particles & road debris. This is one of the unadvertised side effects of the !FRA mod. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />
I noticed when I took out the OEM radiator that the surface was covered w/ a lot of leaf particles & road debris. This is one of the unadvertised side effects of the !FRA mod. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,987
Likes: 59
From: Houston, TX
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... Thats excellent news Hitman. Using less Dexcool and more water is always a good idea in hot climates. Dexcool has 1/2 the thermal transfer properties of water, so by reducing the amount you can easily see up to 25% more cooling. Water Wetter increases the thermal transfer by bonding to the cooling system internals and allowing heat to transfer at a better rate between the coolant and surfaces.
The stock setup didn't have any issues with my 382ci setup, even in mid-summer. Thats why I think I only need a little help for these hot months. The current setup runs fine in the evening or on the freeway on hot days, just sucks in traffic mid-day.
-Tony
The stock setup didn't have any issues with my 382ci setup, even in mid-summer. Thats why I think I only need a little help for these hot months. The current setup runs fine in the evening or on the freeway on hot days, just sucks in traffic mid-day.
-Tony
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... Tony,
My experience with the SLP Hi capacity radiator has been excellent. I have monitored my coolant temps with a scantool many times during periods of extended stop and go traffic. Coolant temp never goes above 181 Deg F. Great value IMHO. I have experienced periods of up to 1 hour stuck in traffic (very expensive drive time I know... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> ) No overheating problems whatsoever. I figure since our power levels are in the same ballpark and the fact that I have an iron block should make this a sure thing for you.
BTW, I run about a 40% coolant mix with 2 bottles of Water Wetter...
Hope this helps.
Shane
<small>[ August 29, 2002, 11:50 AM: Message edited by: XtraCajunSS ]</small>
My experience with the SLP Hi capacity radiator has been excellent. I have monitored my coolant temps with a scantool many times during periods of extended stop and go traffic. Coolant temp never goes above 181 Deg F. Great value IMHO. I have experienced periods of up to 1 hour stuck in traffic (very expensive drive time I know... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> ) No overheating problems whatsoever. I figure since our power levels are in the same ballpark and the fact that I have an iron block should make this a sure thing for you.
BTW, I run about a 40% coolant mix with 2 bottles of Water Wetter...
Hope this helps.
Shane
<small>[ August 29, 2002, 11:50 AM: Message edited by: XtraCajunSS ]</small>
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by JP98SS:
<strong>Wait a sec...the SLP works and it is the cheapest option? Can it be?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yeah, I think the only other thing they make with those properties is the Loudmouth... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
<strong>Wait a sec...the SLP works and it is the cheapest option? Can it be?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yeah, I think the only other thing they make with those properties is the Loudmouth... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: CFB Suffield Alberta Ca.
Re: RADIATORS - Discussion... Charged Air Systems has some really nice stuff.
I have one of their aluminum radiators and a front mount intercooler from them.
Quality and fit are exellent,the only drawback is the wait to get it delivered,if you order it direct. CAS
I have one of their aluminum radiators and a front mount intercooler from them.
Quality and fit are exellent,the only drawback is the wait to get it delivered,if you order it direct. CAS