radiator out for head swap??

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Aug 26, 2012 | 06:02 PM

JustAFooL

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From: Tennessee

radiator out for head swap??

Just curious if its necessary/better to taketh radiator out for basic head swap?? I started it today and stopped when I got frustrated with the hoses on the water pump.. I'm following the how-to on ls1 howto and seen its the next step but they are also doings cam swap.. this is my first time going to the inside of a motor so this is an exciting time.

Aug 26, 2012 | 06:14 PM

Paul Bell

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(assuming you have a Camaro or Firebird)

As you had to drain the coolant, why don't you just remove the hoses? Certainly less work than fooling with the radiator and the attached fans & A/C condenser.

Aug 26, 2012 | 06:37 PM

wildcamaro

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Shouldn't have to remove it unless you are also Doing a cam swap, although it is easier to do stuff with more room

Aug 26, 2012 | 06:38 PM

wildcamaro

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Also get yourself a quick disconnect hose clamp tool...much beter than pliers or vice grips...also use some wd40 where hoses attach to water pump to help break them loose

Aug 26, 2012 | 06:43 PM

JustAFooL

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Ya, the pliers were kickin my butt. I'm in no rush so ill just go by AutoZone tomorrow and grab a set

Aug 26, 2012 | 06:53 PM

Mattyfresh89

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No you dont have to take it or the condenser out for just the heads.

As for the hose clamps: Use a set of slip joint pliers, they work perfectly!

good luck with the heads! Just did mine and a cam swap

_matt

Aug 26, 2012 | 06:56 PM

wildcamaro

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Yea autozone has the remote hose clamp pliers...you don't even have to be able to see the clamp, you just hook them in place and them the part you clamp is on like a 2 foot extension...these are awesome when the pliers won't fit...but wd40 really helps release the rusted clamps and the corrosion between hose and water pump...