Hi gang,

I need to get a replacement radiator for my 1987 GTA, I will hold onto the original, but after taking it to a local radiator shop and pressure testing it, they discovered the tank was cracked. I believe these cars have a plastic tank, and they could not source one locally. I had to resort to getting the quickest and cheapest option through Rockauto, and purchased this radiator which they listed was an exact fit for a 1987 Trans Am w/ 5.7L engine and automatic transmission.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1251414&jsn=8

However, after looking at the product details it is only a two core radiator?? Are these cars equipped with two core radiators factory? I will hold onto the original radiator and hopefully will be able to get a replacement tank so that one can be repaired, for the time being I will have to hold onto this one. Does anyone know where I could source a replacement tank so the original factory one can be repaired?

Thanks again!

 

Yes, 2 core originally. Just about everywhere here can get a 3 row, I actually think that about all the (cheap) replacements that are available at the run of the mill auto part stores here are now, but could be wrong-haven't looked for a long while, but it used to be like that. I don't know how the Australian auto part stores stock, but if you want a little more radiator and are willing to buy outside of Australia, there is like a gazillion places to get good to overkill radiators. If you didn't have any over heating issues with the old one when it was working properly and are not modding right now, the new one you got will be just fine too. Stay away from any flashy polished alum. Ebay style 3 or 4 core ones. They don't last...

 

I got one at O'reilly's for $130...

 

Hmm ok, it looks like the original one was a single core? Did they come single? I've never seen a radiator like this before, it just has one single chunky core? It has GM stickers and tags so I assume it to be original?

 

Yep, they are single row. Even the 5th and 6th gen Camaros are single row...

 

I will point out in passing...a core, is not a core, is not a core.

Often with single row radiators, the core is thicker, providing the same surface area for heat transfer as a 2 or more row. My '77 Chrysler with 400 4bbl. is also single row...done mid-year that year as a weight savings. It offers two row cooling with about 25% less thickness/material/weight.

 

Exactly right. My new $750 Griffin radiator is a single row, but has 1-1/2 inch tubes. It's pretty heavy duty...

 

So the radiator has arrived, and hmmmmm.... It is a a whole 10mm thinner than the OEM one, is this like a V6 radiator? All the holes and patterns all line up ok. Would it be ok for a 5.7L 350? I will still keep the OEM Radiator in the hopes of getting the tanks fixed.


OEM Radiator

Repro

 

Have you tried Pontiworld in Wollongong ?
I got mine from them years ago. Great source of parts for us here, pricey at times but has about all we need. Dave Clee runs it, nice guy and knowledgeable.

 

Don't worry, I know of ponti-world, $15 brake switch from Rockauto for $105. Tell ya all about it if we meet lol. Looks like this car was serviced there back when it was new, stamps in the logbook

 

I've had the tanks replaced on stock rads before. I've even taken them from used rads to keep the same tank "look".

 

If I recall, the factory service manual even discusses how to repair the fiberglass tanks