Hi Guys, I'm sure you have already sussed that I have a 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA. This has the L98 350 cu in engine and automatic transmission.

Like many older radiators mine has been hit with incontinence so decided to upgrade to a Champion 3-row aluminium rad, bought through Classic Industries, I bought it online and the rad 8600109 shows a port for the Coolant Level Sensor. However, when received the sensor port was not on the rad and Champion have advised Classic Industries that were told that the sensor port was not required and has been deleted from all their radiators. As CI's website shows the sensor port I can legitimately return it to them, at their expense, and request they send me a suitable radiator to replace it., also at their expense.
Before I start that I thought I would ask what would happen if I used the rad without the port? Does a warning show, if so how because I cannot see a warning light for it.

Thank you for your time.
Arthur

 

I want to say there's no level sensor on a stock system but could be wrong.
Does the old rad have one?
If so it would be safe to assume the new one needs one also. One way to check for a warning light is unplug it, turn the car on for a second.

check this:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cool...ant-level.html

 

Hi Keoman,
Thank you for taking the time to reply and the link that you provided contained all the information that I needed.
Only cars with the digital dash used the sensor to check the coolant level and produced a warning message if the level had dropped.

This means that I can use the Champion Radiator already supplied and get the car back on the road.

Arthur

 

Good deal!
I upgraded to a 3 row quite a few years ago and loved it. Also put in a 180 thermostat which helped.

 

Hello, I have the same problem of you, i have an gta 87 with dashboard, with the coolant level sensor, showed at the control console .... I have also buy a champion without this port, not mount for the moment but that is pity.... We can escape this stuff, it is just a sensor for show the level

 

I could use help. My 87 GTA with digital dash is currently at the shop having the radiator replaced (still have the factory and it finally gave up the ghost). I ordered the OSC 951 from RockAuto as it came recommended as a perfect fit. And it is, except it doesn't have the port for the coolant level sensor. Does anyone make a radiator with this port for digi dash cars? I don't see it on the image of the GM 21466. If no one makes it, then what are my options? Thanks!!

 

I wonder if you could relocate the sensor to the overflow tank somehow?

 

On Rock Auto, it appears they all have the port for the sensor? I looked up the 5.7 motor though

 

If you all are dead set on aluminum radiators, you may want to give Dewitts Radiators a call. They make a nice direct fit for our cars and have the coolant sensor port. Pricey but I think worth it. Otherwise, it seems Rockauto standard replacement radiators seem to have the port. I figure with this aluminum radiator, I'll hopefully never have to replace it again.