Hi,
I have an '88 IROC with 350.
Radiator is leaking badly now, so
want to replace it.
Which radiator do you suggest?
Car tends to overheat, so want a good one that
will minimize overheating problems.
Thank you.
Chuck

 

I really like my Summit direct fit(not so much of a direct fit, just takes a bit of engineering to get it to fit) It cools very well using a Pro comp 16in electric fan.


Mark.

 

A couple month ago a purchased a stock one at kragens for 100.00 it works great.

Before you change it open your drain valve take your cap off pour a cup of simple green in the radiator stick the garden hose in there turn it on gust enough to keep up with the water draining out start your engine turn your heater on and let it run intel it clean.

Repeat process if necessary

 

I bought mine from AutoZone and it has copper tanks. The websites says they have plastic tanks. If you can get something better than the plastic tanks I would get it.

2 at AutoZone
$91.99 http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...&parentId=63-0

$138.99 http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...&parentId=63-0

A whole bunch of radiators from Summit.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/D...ce|Desc&RC=100

 

Theres some nice champion radiators that are on ebay from a few sellers. There pretty much direct fit if you get the 2 row version (see stickied thread).

Just be careful of what you pick like stated earlier there are lot of "direct fit" labeled radiators that will fit, but require other things like new upper mount or cutting rubber isolators, different fan mounts etc. Some come with transmission coolers built-in others don't.

Also this is a good point to add I assume since you're running a 350 you have the 700-r4 still (unless you swapped it for a manual). This is a good point to think about doing an aftermarket transmission cooler too. You can usually do those for around $50. You'll already have the radiator out so that'll simplify the work. They'll provide additional cooling. Heat is a big killer of automatic transmissions. If stuff gets hot enough clutch packs glaze and etc.

Don't forget to grab a new radiator cap (if your radiator doesn't come with one, which most don't). They're set by pressure with the spring it's actually recommended you change or test them everytime you do antifreeze flushes (every few years).

Also a great time to replace the thermostat, since they can fail and get stuck open or closed (thankfully only failure I've had was stuck open). Also take time to inspect your radiator upper and lower hoses for wear. The rubber will degrade overtime and nothing is more frustrating than spending $20 on anti-freeze just to drain it all over again to replace hoses.

 

I, also got the Summit "direct fit" radiator. When I opened the box and removed the radiator I noticed a paper on the bottom of the box that advised me that "unless I was comfortable making mods to my car, I should have the installationdone by a proffessional". Long story short, I did it myself. Take your time, be creative, it will work. As stated above, you will have to do some engineering, but, isn't that what makes our hobby great? BTW the radiator works great, almost too cool, I went back to a 195 degree t-stat with no complaints. Randy

 

I bought this recently. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/82-83...Q5fAccessories

It looks great and is a direct fit. I have yet to install it, maybe tomorrow after I flush my whole system.

 

Thank you for the suggestions, guys!
Much appreciated!
Chuck

 

That's interesting. I was figuring dumping the coolant from the radiator and block. Fill with distilled. Run, let cool. Then dump from radiator and refill. Do this a couple of times. Then fill the radiator up with straight antifreeze. I forget the capacity, but just fill it to half the capacity with straight antifreeze. Then if you need more add distilled.