Radiator options? Not many!

[turboTime87]

Hey guys, I'm in the middle of trying to resurrect an 87 Turbo T thats been sitting in a garage since 2001. The factory radiator developed a pinhole in the bottom of it and overall just isn't in great shape. I have searched this site and Google and there just aren't many drop in options that retain the oil and trans coolers, but also don't require any modifications to the radiator cover or area.

I found a carquest one from advance but they cancelled the order due to lack of inventory apparently. Cold case and the aluminum ones don't appear to fit perfectly like factory. Champion doesn't have many reviews. Are there any other options out there?

Located in Maryland if anyone has a good factory or used one. The project has hit me with more roadblocks than anticipated unfortunately so I'd rather not drop 500+ if I don't have to seeing as I havent even been able to tell if the trans is good etc.

 

[turboTime87]

Just found this one i am going to give a try. Stock photo was used for a couple options but hopefully this will work.

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

I personally will be going to a Cold case this winter myself. There are plenty of threads on radiators, so type what your looking for into the search bar. Some people just delete the oil cooler(I did) & just use the trans cooler. However since you asked, here are some other options. Some more cost effective than others.

You can get your original re-cored/fixed at local radiator shop
You can look for one out of a V8(307 C.I.) Regal
You can get on for an 90's GM "F"-body(plastic tanks but seem to work well)
You can go Cold Case (minor mod needed & expensive)
You can go Champion

I have the "F" Body now with the dual Intrepid fan set-up. With an ESP front mount, 134a condenser, the radiator I run around 180*-190*(I run a 180 stat as I drive late into the colder months), & I will pull a sheet of paper to the grill.

 

[turboTime87]

Thanks, I'm gonna call a radiator shop tomorrow. The search on this site had results but many are from 4+ years ago and some of the companies aren't around anymore. I'd really like to keep the oil and trans cooler just because I'm trying to keep the car somewhat a survivor.

 

[BEATAV8]

That one from rock auto isn't bad. I saw one in person not too long ago. I don't recall where the drain valve was though.... it should be on the pass side.

 

[wdxwrx]

Two weeks ago, I had the original radiator on my low milage (21K) 100% stock '87 GN recored (it was amazingly clogged).
It cost about $500. Works, fits and looks perfect. Because the original tanks are reused, the oil cooler remains.

 

[turboTime87]

Two weeks ago, I had the original radiator on my low milage (21K) 100% stock '87 GN recored (it was amazingly clogged).
It cost about $500. Works, fits and looks perfect. Because the original tanks are reused, the oil cooler remains.

I just called one of the only shops by me and was told $1250 to recore!

 

[wdxwrx]

WOW!!
There's a local radiator shop here in Connecticut. He uses cores from a manufacturer in Maine. High quality stuff. He's recored a bunch of radiators for me. As I said it was $500 two weeks ago. Maybe you can ship it to him if that works for you (even with the shipping costs it would still be a LOT cheaper). He does great work. Every one has worked perfect. If you're interested, I can give you his info.

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I just called one of the only shops by me and was told $1250 to recore!

This radiator shop is a joke. Shop around.

 

[TurboTGuy]

This radiator shop is a joke. Shop around.

They hear Grand National and price doubles. Assholes.