Radiator Leak advice needed

ineeda9c1 · #1 02-17-04, 01:47

I'm getting ready to replace my radiator because of a leak on the drivers side I was told about after my inspection. I was just wondering if anybody has bought a rad from

http://www.radtechworldwide.com
or
perfectautoparts.com

the only reason I ask is because radtech wants $119 and perfect wants $175, and an OEM one will run you at least $300, im trying to figure out why there is such a diff in prices??

*Ree9c1* · #2 02-17-04, 12:05

Do a search, I ordered from radiater express I beleive like 3 years ago on my L99. It looked similar to stock worked and held up pretty strong. You can trust these cheap radiator makers. I also bought a heater core for my monte for 20 bucs. I had a 94 L99 and I bought a 96 radiator for the LT1 5.7 liter engine. It was a little bit bigger but worked great

.

**Incitatus** · #3 02-17-04, 12:33

Ree, do you think the same thing would apply to my '96 L99?
I'm going to have to flush my heater core soon, but I may just replace it. If the LT1 heater core is a little bigger, but works, would that mean it works better?
My girlfriend is cold-natured and would really appreciate a overactive heater.

ineeda9c1 · #4 02-17-04, 12:48

thanks for the help, when I replace the radiator, are there any other cheap parts I should consider replacing at the same time (temp gauge, coolant lines, ect.)?

***LM13*** · #5 02-18-04, 02:47

ree is right on this one.
the cheap aftermarket radiators are pretty good. i got mine for about 150 as far as i remember. never had a prob with it.
i can't think of anything else to replace while you are at it. i guess you can do the throttle body bypass mod if you haven't done it yet. since the coolant will leak out anyway.

Incitatus

i believe the heater cores are the same size for both the L99 and the LT1. i'd just get it flushed, or replaced and you'll have a safari in your car. dr does all the time even with the 160 degree tstat

*Ree9c1* · #6 02-18-04, 10:14

Quote:

Originally posted by Incitatus
Ree, do you think the same thing would apply to my '96 L99?
I'm going to have to flush my heater core soon, but I may just replace it. If the LT1 heater core is a little bigger, but works, would that mean it works better?
My girlfriend is cold-natured and would really appreciate a overactive heater.

The heater core is the same size but the radiator was slightly bigger. I'm not sure if it was because it was made for a higher performing LT1 engine and my car was an L99? It might have been because my car was a 94 and the Radiator was made for a 96. I know there a difference in years but they'll all interchange. I think it had something to do with the reservoir tank? As for your heater core try to flush the living sh!t out of that bastard

. A heater core was like 20 bucks for me so that will work too but was a bitch to replace.

Deven · #7 02-22-04, 19:50

When flushing the heater core, try reverse flushing it. You'll get a better result. If you can add a 60PSI airline with the water, you'll get phenominal results. I have done this many years and have had almost perfect results from people complaining of little heat.

91LTZ · #8 02-23-04, 08:25

Unless you have a new thermostat, you should replace it. That may save some headaches later on. Be sure to check your hoses.

ineeda9c1 · #9 02-23-04, 23:26

Quote:

Originally posted by 91LTZ
Unless you have a new thermostat, you should replace it. That may save some headaches later on. Be sure to check your hoses.

if I replace the thermostat do I need a PCM reprogram??

...and is this the same 160 thermostat everybody talks about as one of the mods that should be done???