AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

So I was cruising around on eBay and this popped up. I was curious
if anyone is running one? It looks like a nice piece, just the mounting
tabs where the fans hang look questionable. Thoughts?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/310669409204...84.m1438.l2649

GermanLSX

Wow I just posted a thread on a radiator upgrade and this one looks beautiful. Would this be a good one to run since my Z28 takes the abuse of higher speeds over here in Germany on the autobahn? Was looking for a direct fit. Not too many shops here in Dresden Germany know their stuff on american cars.

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

I would hold off on it for the time being. Im really concerned with the quality
of the fan mounting tabs. They look pretty damn flimsy. I was hoping someone
with some knowledge of this, would chime in. This radiator seems like a fairly
new product.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Truthfully the stock LT1 radiator is so good there's (usually) no need to upgrade it. Many of the high-HP LT1 guys run stock radiators. The LT1 radiator is even an upgrade for the LS1 guys (imagine that).

fex77k

iTrader: (2)

Totally agree, although it cost me $90 to find a used factory one after the plastic split on mine.

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

My biggest reasoning is I dont like plastic end caps. And the aluminum is secksey.

ahritchie

iTrader: (1)

I say you buy it and find reply with your findings on fitment, cooling, ect. Somebody has to be the guinea pig!

Looks better than the stock replacements, and WAY cheaper than a comparable Be Cool aluminimun one. Who knows, it may actually cool better.

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

Im thinking about it. Its also not much larger than the stock one. Still
trying to debate if its worth the extra $100 over a stock replacement.
They claim at least a 40% increase in efficiency, but I dont see where
they can make those claims looking at the specs.


Aluminum Specs:

Radiator size: 30.0" ( width ) x 18.0" ( height ) x 2.0" ( depth )
Core size: 25.0" ( width ) x 17.25" ( height ) x 1.75" ( depth )



Stock Specs:

Radiator size: 29.5" x 18.5" x 1.5"
Core size: 24-3/4" x 17.25" x 1.5"

ahritchie

iTrader: (1)

Where are you finding new stock radiators for $69?

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

Used one from these guys on a couple LT1 cars, never had any issues
to this day.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/RADIATOR-FOR-PONTIAC-FIREBIRD-V8-5-7-02-01-00-97-96-95-94-93-RADITOR-ACR1486-/251283048523?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1995%7CModel%3ACamaro&hash=item3a81a3084b&vxp=mtr

94FBIRD

iTrader: (5)

That aluminum Chinese radiator looks kinda sketchy. If they can't get the fan tabs right what else is wrong with it?

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

Those are my thoughts. I was just curious to if anyone actually used one.

ahritchie

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=ZL1LT1;17487118]Used one from these guys on a couple LT1 cars, never had any issues
to this day.
QUOTE]

Gotta love ebay! I would give it a shot just to not have plastic tanks as they are what normally fails with age....as far as fitment, they are both almost certainly made in China so a certain amount of "adjustment" is probably required.

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

I cant stand the plastic tanks. Those are what always fail. I am gonna say
youre definitely right on them both being made in China. Still debating if I
wanna take the plunge on this. Its still super cheap to buy a stock one if
the aluminum one is ****. Hmmmm decisions decisions

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Why do it twice? I've never had a problem with the plastic tanks on the radiator. It'll be more reliable than that Chinese piece of junk.

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

I have had and seen issues with the plastic tanks cracking down the middle.
Theyre both made in china more than likely I dunno, either way ill post
up what direction I go.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Interesting. I've been working on (several) LT1s for 14 years now and have only seen the tank crack once - because a buddy dropped it.

AZ2ENVY

iTrader: (2)

Yea it was mine, the wifes, and a friends in Colorado.

ascastil

iTrader: (2)

Ive had one crack, right near the radiator cap. One day it was fine, the next it was shooting a small stream of coolant out of a tiny crack. Dont know what the hell happened.

Jon A

It's doubtful, given the specs. To get a better idea, ask the seller how wide each row is.

While I do think the quality of the aluminum radiators China has been pooping out by the thousands has increased, you need to choose carefully. Many advertising not just two rows, but three and even four have very small rows with a good deal of airspace between the rows. This makes for a radiator that looks nice and thick but doesn't perform any better than stock.

If I remember correctly, the stock '96 and earlier have a single row 1 3/8" thick. So if the above radiator has two rows each 5/8" thick it'll actually be less efficient than stock. If 7/8" it could be a noticeably better than stock. Without knowing exactly how big the rows are, one can only guess.

I installed one of these Chinese specials (under a different brand name) in my Trailblazer and was actually rather impressed with the quality, given the price. However, I shopped around until I found a model that was two rows with 1" rows--total core thickness ends up around 2 1/8". Given stock was a single row about 7/8", this was a dramatic upgrade in that case.

This radiator looks to be inferior to that, and the stock LT1 is a much better starting point so I'm not convinced you'd get much, if any improvement in this case. It's too bad as it's always nice to have lower cost options that work. They're more expensive, but with Griffen or Be-Cool, you'll know what you're getting.