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LTX and LSXPutting LT1s, LS1s, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.
I just got a huge AFCO radiator, that was supposed to be an LS swap direct fit drop in radiator, but clearly it isn't going to work with the stock 88 GTA radiator support top brace. It REALLY seems too big. So It needs to be heavily cut for it to work, and will most likely end up looking like hacked plastic if I do.
Has anyone tried using 1st / 2nd gen versions? They seem to be a lot simpler (no fan bumps, no hose bumps, and no spots to hang fans) and seem to have a similar angle, if I just need to drill new holes... No big deal. just wondering if anyone had any know solutions before I go cutting this thing to pieces.
I got the Holley Frostbite radiator and I am running into the same problem. The right side fits but the left gets narrow and will require trimming. I hope someone chimes in with a good suggestion. What are you using for upper and lower hoses? Does your radiator have both on the same side?
What fans and shroud are you using? The dual fans I got from Holley are real close to the water pump pulley. Seems the stock fans may work better without a shroud but would require the radiator support you pictured above.
I haven't picked up any hoses yet. I just tried to test fit the radiator last night. This is an LS swap radiator, so both the upper and lower are on the same side. Which actually poses a pretty big problem - It runs directly into the Detroit Speed front brace.
I'm using AFCO's complete radiator and dual fan package. I'm gonna have to throw the stock radiator in to see how far this new one is off.
I haven't picked up any hoses yet. I just tried to test fit the radiator last night. This is an LS swap radiator, so both the upper and lower are on the same side. Which actually poses a pretty big problem - It runs directly into the Detroit Speed front brace.
Do you have a photo of this by chance? I didn't even think of this when considering different radiators.
Okay - So the top bracket needed to be trimmed heavily to even see if it would work. It will not. It is held in there so poorly now and just kind has me scratching my head. They could have made the radiator about .5" - 1" shorter height wise and made the tabs that sit in the rubber pads actually the length of the rubber pads, and pushed them to the front side of the radiator and it would have fit fine with a trimmed cover. I could of course trim the aluminum tabs, but I don't really feel comfortable trimming them at this point, mostly since the thing is "finish" painted. I ordered a few of the 1st / 2nd gen top plates, along with 4 core radiator rubber pads to see what I can make it work. If all else fails I will have to fab a top plate, not the biggest deal but these radiators are sold as "Direct Fit" And I'm doing everything possible here to make this build less painful on myself.
AFCO Racing LS swap direct fit radiators feature: "...After all, there are more important things to be doing than installing your radiator - like enjoying your truck on the road!"
I am assuming direct fit, means it just fits in the hole.Mounting is up to you.
I was so caught up with how the top cover fit, I didn't even shoot a photo of the lower hose fitting.
Update: I just got off the phone with AFCO and they were nice, but it seems as that the Firebird header and Camaro header are where things differ. The Firebird version is 1/4" smaller, which is why the headers or tabs don't fit into the rubber mounts. I guess there is also an extension bracket that I maybe didn't get with my order for the top support. However, I don't see how it wouldn't need to be trimmed to fit. We will see.
On the plus side, it does have a steam port fitting
Last edited by Justin Hertel; 03-28-2018 at 11:17 AM.
I just got a huge AFCO radiator, that was supposed to be an LS swap direct fit drop in radiator, but clearly it isn't going to work with the stock 88 GTA radiator support top brace. It REALLY seems too big. So It needs to be heavily cut for it to work, and will most likely end up looking like hacked plastic if I do.
Has anyone tried using 1st / 2nd gen versions? They seem to be a lot simpler (no fan bumps, no hose bumps, and no spots to hang fans) and seem to have a similar angle, if I just need to drill new holes... No big deal. just wondering if anyone had any know solutions before I go cutting this thing to pieces.
Or any other solutions?
if I remember correctly summit just started caring the 4 bolt hole style in black. edit: found it https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g3921b/overview/
Last edited by Toxicant; 03-28-2018 at 10:54 AM.
Reason: New info
I'd cut some sheetmetal brackets that can come over the top and bolt into the fan mounting holes. Use generic 4 core cushion inside the bracket. Powder coat to match the radiator, and use buttonhead fastners on the support. Probably less work than beating your head on how to make something exsisting work properly.
I'd cut some sheetmetal brackets that can come over the top and bolt into the fan mounting holes. Use generic 4 core cushion inside the bracket. Powder coat to match the radiator, and use buttonhead fastners on the support. Probably less work than beating your head on how to make something exsisting work properly.
That's pretty much the conclusion I came to this morning. At least I have the fans to mount to now, which make it somewhat easy. 4 core rubber mounts are on the way, so I will have a solution for this either way relatively soon.
That's pretty much the conclusion I came to this morning. At least I have the fans to mount to now, which make it somewhat easy. 4 core rubber mounts are on the way, so I will have a solution for this either way relatively soon.
Post up what you come up with. interested to see for the next one
I installed a 4th gen dual fan/shroud set up, and had to do a little tweaking too. I ended up using sheet metal brackets as has been suggested to do the heaving lifting, but did cut the factory plastic support piece for aesthetics, similar to what you've got. It doesn't actually hold anything though, lol.
Pretty easy to make your own. I just used aluminum C channel that I cut and rewelded. Number of other guys have just put a piece of sized sheet metal in a metal brake and bent to shape.
Ok now im curious. I was under the impression that besides some carefull trimming of radiator hoses that you could use the factory hoses. I have an aluminum radiator so I didnt't truthfully add to the budget for a new one. Any advice would be appreciated.
I ordered one one of those too. We will see soon enough!
I found this on ebay. 28 11/16" wide. for 70-81 camaro. Only three holes but like you said, can be redrilled. I may pick one up just to try it, only $27
I found this on ebay. 28 11/16" wide. for 70-81 camaro. Only three holes but like you said, can be redrilled. I may pick one up just to try it, only $27
I bought one from summit, both the the 3 bolt and 4 bolt version. The 3 bolt is very close to fitting - It's about the same as the stock length. You will have to trim the back slightly and drill new holes. I think I'm still going to make a custom one for a tighter fit. The 4 bolt will not fit.
I think the 4 bolt was for a chevelle. All of them I saw were too long. Can you post a picture of how the 3 bolt fit? I have a three row radiator so mine is not as thick as yours. I also saw some custom aluminum covers on Jegs for $60 that were 27 7/8" wide
I think the 4 bolt was for a chevelle. All of them I saw were too long. Can you post a picture of how the 3 bolt fit? I have a three row radiator so mine is not as thick as yours. I also saw some custom aluminum covers on Jegs for $60 that were 27 7/8" wide
New holes, a little trim off the back and it'll look pretty damn factory.
here are a couple pictures of a second-gen radiator support cover i installed on a car i used to own. if memory serves me correctly i didn't modify or add any holes to make this fit. car was a 1984 Trans Am.
Also is that the stock upper radiator hose for an 85? I have an 88 that I did a carb swap from tpi and the way that hose route looks a lot cleaner than mine.
Last edited by Toxicant; 04-12-2018 at 11:09 PM.
Reason: Added pic
Thank you that's a pretty clean looking fitment. Think I will go ahead and give the 4 hole one a try.
I didn't bolt mine in, I just placed it to see how it fits. Mine will require holes to be drilled.
Beware, the 4 bolt cover is too big. I think that is to an early Chevelle. The 3 bolt supports need to be about 28 11/16 for a V8 radiator or something like 26" or so for a V6 radiator.
Also is that the stock upper radiator hose for an 85? I have an 88 that I did a carb swap from tpi and the way that hose route looks a lot cleaner than mine.
I believe it was a stock hose for an ‘84 but I honestly don’t know for sure. I sold that car 10 years ago. Looks like your engine is set up different than mine though. You have a driver side alternator right in front of the cylinder head. The hose I had wouldn’t fit your setup. The engine in my picture was a 350 out of a 80s Blazer.
I believe it was a stock hose for an ‘84 but I honestly don’t know for sure. I sold that car 10 years ago. Looks like your engine is set up different than mine though. You have a driver side alternator right in front of the cylinder head. The hose I had wouldn’t fit your setup. The engine in my picture was a 350 out of a 80s Blazer.
Just curious as to what you guys came up with for the radiator support. Im running the frostbite 4 core radiator which is very similar in dimensions to the afco one. I purchased one of the 2nd gen radiator supports to see, im not against making my own. I just have so much going on with getting the car back together at the moment i figure if i can find something thats not quite as involved, then it might be one less thing to worry about.
Dam, that's awesome looking man��. You have done a killer job with that car. And you for sure went the hard way lol. I'm going to try my luck with the old style and worst case I'll just suck it up and make one. Thanks man
I ended up making my support. This is with a 2000 firebird fan shroud and a 1989 firebird radiator. I also changed out the thermostat housing to one that is straight which gave me better options on the radiator hose the one I went with was d71852, but it requires the aftermarket straight thermostat housing.
The 1st Gen top bracket would have worked... but it wasn't going to work for me. I needed to do something with my intake anyhow.
I still need to get it painted / powdered.
This is the solution for my build, I love the idea you had. I can’t believe I found this in this thread, your a genius. Mine will only differ slightly I will post pictures afterwards.
03-27-2018, 01:31 PM
