01 stock to lt1 radiator swap
#1
09-19-2014 | 09:42 PM
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01 stock to lt1 radiator swap
I want to upgrade from the stock anorexic radiator in my 01 v6. I wanted a radiator from a ls1 but a mechanic buddy of mine recommended a lt1 radiator. What years can I pull one from at the junkyard?
#2
09-20-2014 | 09:38 AM
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,315
From: troy NH
not sure wich year an even if you can but a used radiator is probeley not better then what you have you can fine tune a search for a certain years I was priceing them for my 95 as low as 80.00 new ebay,ok theres a difference if its a manual tranny or automatic . I looked up 93 to 97 camaro z28 came up with 93 to 02 is the same 79.99 new ,just not sure on the v6 part someone will chime in soon
Last edited by 95 camaro 406; 09-20-2014 at 10:02 AM.
#5
09-21-2014 | 01:48 PM
yes it fits and works fine, theres two holes that have to be plugged, other than that no issues and the lt1 rad is the thickest of the bunch.
Time for a new radiator? - FirebirdV6.com/CamaroV6.com Message Board
UPDATE - I went ahead and bought the V8 radiator from Autozone. It is Spectra model # CU1486.
The core is about 1/4 of an inch thicker than the stock V6 radiator's. All other dimensions and mounting points are the same.
It does fit. However, it has two nipples that you will need to block (one on each tank.)
I bought a "Bypass Cap Assortment" from the "HELP!" section (part # 02253.) Also an assortment of small hose clamps.
There is a 1/2" nipple on the bottom of the left tank, and a 1/4" nipple on the top of the right tank that you must block off with the caps.
I assume these are for either the heater circuit, or the throttle body circuit on the LS1 cars (not sure though.)
Make sure you flush your system well and use distilled water to fill it back up (along with at least one gallon of antifreeze.)
The distilled water is especially important if you use Dexcool antifreeze (the orange stuff.)
I went old school and used the green stuff after my mechanic recommended I do so.
Note: My Camaro is a 2001. This may or may not apply to other model years.
The core is about 1/4 of an inch thicker than the stock V6 radiator's. All other dimensions and mounting points are the same.
It does fit. However, it has two nipples that you will need to block (one on each tank.)
I bought a "Bypass Cap Assortment" from the "HELP!" section (part # 02253.) Also an assortment of small hose clamps.
There is a 1/2" nipple on the bottom of the left tank, and a 1/4" nipple on the top of the right tank that you must block off with the caps.
I assume these are for either the heater circuit, or the throttle body circuit on the LS1 cars (not sure though.)
Make sure you flush your system well and use distilled water to fill it back up (along with at least one gallon of antifreeze.)
The distilled water is especially important if you use Dexcool antifreeze (the orange stuff.)
I went old school and used the green stuff after my mechanic recommended I do so.
Note: My Camaro is a 2001. This may or may not apply to other model years.
Time for a new radiator? - FirebirdV6.com/CamaroV6.com Message Board
#6
09-21-2014 | 07:42 PM
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Why on earth would need an upgrade? Do you have a lot of HP upgrades or NO2? I have no idea how I could make my car over heat except disconnecting stuff. At one point I thought it was getting hot but that was just where the fan kicks on. The only 3800 overheat issue I have heard about is when the rad is gunked up with dexcool leftover mud that will not clean out. Even that does not cause a issue until about 25% of the rad is plugged.
#8
09-23-2014 | 11:39 PM
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Allow me to clarify a bit. Bought her used with 90k, the motor's clean but the radiator dipstick has some crud on it. I could do a good flush and be done with it but I'd rather get a beefier radiator since I'll have to drain the coolant when I put the new hoses on anyway. It's a dd so I'm not going to be doing too many performance mods beyond catback, lid and air intake which I'm currently fabricating myself. Lt1 rad clearly won't work according to what y'all are saying, no biggie. I've seen the 2 core ones online, are they any good or is there a better option for the v6?
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
Last edited by J-Factor; 09-23-2014 at 11:42 PM.
#10
09-24-2014 | 06:58 AM
Allow me to clarify a bit. Bought her used with 90k, the motor's clean but the radiator dipstick has some crud on it. I could do a good flush and be done with it but I'd rather get a beefier radiator since I'll have to drain the coolant when I put the new hoses on anyway. It's a dd so I'm not going to be doing too many performance mods beyond catback, lid and air intake which I'm currently fabricating myself. Lt1 rad clearly won't work according to what y'all are saying, no biggie. I've seen the 2 core ones online, are they any good or is there a better option for the v6?
Thanks guys
Thanks guys