LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

time for a new radiator

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Old 04-10-2011, 02:23 PM
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Default time for a new radiator

Long story short, I've been chasing a small coolant leak for the past several days. Apparently a piece of road garbage got caught between one of the fans and the radiator and shoved into it by said fan. Coolant would then be sprayed all over the front of the motor by the fan. Every time I'd see coolant dripping from a hose, I'd replace it so over time I've replaced every hose before finding the real leak in the radiator

that said, I'd think having an 18yr old radiator patched prolly isn't the best idea. Would it be better to find a quality factory replacement or shell out the extra cash for a Griffin or Be Cool?

Fwiw, the car is a '93 auto, strictly daily driven 2-4mi a day and will never see a track. The car has never overheated and has never gone above 180*

Tia
Old 04-10-2011, 03:01 PM
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I wouldn't spend a lot of dough on a Griffin or anything, especially for just a daily driver. It's just not needed. Go with a replacement factory or even an aftermarket - I've had good luck with radiator.com's replacements in both my LT1 Camaro and my old LT1 Caprice.
Old 04-10-2011, 03:54 PM
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I'm happy with my becool.
Old 04-11-2011, 05:13 AM
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The stock radiator provides plenty of cooling capacity. I don't see temps above 190, even idling with traffic (in conjunction with cooling fans, of course).
Old 04-11-2011, 06:45 AM
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If you go with something from the likes of Autozone, be prepared to use screw type hose clamps instead of the stock ones. Especially for the reservoir and return coolant line ports. It seems about every hose port is smaller than stock. The port for the low coolant level sensor as well as the tabs to hold the clip in place are almost too small. Other than that it functions fine.
Old 04-11-2011, 07:50 AM
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i run a stock one for many years without any issues. dont waste 500 on an all aluminum.




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