Cold Case Radiator Top Plate

[ShaunKris]

I replaced my "F" body radiator with a CC unit

As with any aftermarket parts, there will be different experiences. I just bought a Cold Case & had to modify a few things, but the fitment seemed fine. I'm using and Intrepid dual fan set-up. No oil cooler lines. Have trans cooler so I plugged the front holes & ran the trans cooler in series from the oil cooler fitting holes.

I trimmed the metal on the header panel & put a piece of vacuum hose on it due to it hitting the upper frame portion of the radiator(above the fins). I've seen this part(on the radiator) trimmed out on here as well.

I also bought some rubber pads off of the 'Zon, trimmed them, cut a hole for the drain tube, & replaced my old rubber pads. Can still use stock top plate as well.

Plug & play? Not completely. Fitment? Ok. Performance? Too early to say.

I can say performance is awesome. 5 years ZERO problems.

 

[ShaunKris]

I just installed a CC unit in a bone stock 40k mile 87 GN. I found the fit to be very much sub-optimal. The lower fan bracket does not fit like it should. Probably the worst thing about the fit is the fact the stock transmission cooler lines do not mate to the stock lines as the front plane of the tank is now about 1 inch forward of the front plane of the stock tank. I was able to trim the support cushions on a band saw to reduce the overall height so the stock top plate fits reasonably OK. There is also a bit of interference between the upper tans cooler brass fitting and the AC condenser bracket which doesn’t please me either.

Has anyone else had the similar problem with their stock trans cooler lines?

The term “OEM fitment” has lost its real meaning and it certainly doesn’t apply with these radiators in my view.

If they labelled it as OEM then that isn't true, however once you do get past the minor mods it is very close and performs 100% better.

 

[Pronto]

Where'd you get that billet filter? Nice with AN fitting!

 

[Shuttle Guy]

Haha, direct fit is might not be the choice term but for DIY it's pretty fuckin easy if you have a bit of man in ya. Here's a few more pics to help. For the record you should NEVER look at anything as a drop in. I also included a picture of the Flowkooler W/P so you could see the different. I also switched to Evan's Coolant, it is straight glycol and will NOT boil in your heads if you get really hot. It's helpful for when you are idling at show's on hot days waiting for a parking spot. It flows more coolant at idle than the factory pump. The modifications are pretty straight forward. you need a small tube bender, a couple pieces of tube with ends, a couple brass fittings, some rubber hose to cut up, and some zip ties. You will also need a grinder with a cutting wheel to cut the tab off on the rad support. I hope this helps you guys that want a nice look that is functional. How you hook everything up is your baby, but there are many ways. I suggest a manual over ride switch (toggle) in the car somewhere, and a temp sender/switch on a relay, automatic rules.

Thanks for the additional info and photos. For the record I didn’t say it was difficult. What I did say is it isn’t what it’s advertised to be. The use of the term “direct fit” is dreadfully abused in the aftermarket and the Cold Case unit is one of the worst examples I’ve seen in nearly 50 years in this hobby. By definition “direct fit” implies no alterations required other than what Cold Case advises about the trimming of a tab on the core support. They DO NOT mention any other modifications. Again, my car is a bone stock car with no heating problems, so I don’t think I need a water pump mod. My car has 40k miles and I bought it from the original owner. I prefer to keep my car as original as possible, and I think patched up trans cooler lines, zip ties, and non-factory fittings just deviates from original too much for me. Thanks for the info, the photos, Also, I really think there’s enough “man” in me to get the job done, but thanks for the backhanded encouragement nonetheless.

 

[ShaunKris]

Thanks for the additional info and photos. For the record I didn’t say it was difficult. What I did say is it isn’t what it’s advertised to be. The use of the term “direct fit” is dreadfully abused in the aftermarket and the Cold Case unit is one of the worst examples I’ve seen in nearly 50 years in this hobby. By definition “direct fit” implies no alterations required other than what Cold Case advises about the trimming of a tab on the core support. They DO NOT mention any other modifications. Again, my car is a bone stock car with no heating problems, so I don’t think I need a water pump mod. My car has 40k miles and I bought it from the original owner. I prefer to keep my car as original as possible, and I think patched up trans cooler lines, zip ties, and non-factory fittings just deviates from original too much for me. Thanks for the info, the photos, Also, I really think there’s enough “man” in me to get the job done, but thanks for the backhanded encouragement nonetheless.

Haha, yeah for sure I'm just ribbing all love over here man.

 

[ShaunKris]

Where'd you get that billet filter? Nice with AN fitting!

Magnefine Filters

The Magnefine Filter can be ordered through our Amazon and Ebay store. Links below or by calling 800-382-7233

magnefinefilters.com