Stock radiator help

[Quick6]

Anyone know if the stock 87 TR Radiator is still available NOS and what the part number would be? I know there is a current replacement available, but I am looking for the stock version with both oil and tranny coolers...Thanks

 

[xtremexnyc]

Give charged air systems a call. I ordered a 3 row radiator complete with the tranny and oil cooler. All are in the stock locations.

 

[UNGN]

The original is still available but under a new part number 52481580, The price is $280 shipped from GM parts direct ($230+ shipping)

 

[Quick6]

thanks UNGN.

 

[jsta6]

Not to take anything away from CAS or ArizonaGN, but my mom works at a GM dealership and I get pretty good deals on parts. What is the cooling difference between the stock unit, and the aftermarket units from CAS and ArizonaGN?

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by jsta6
Not to take anything away from CAS or ArizonaGN, but my mom works at a GM dealership and I get pretty good deals on parts. What is the cooling difference between the stock unit, and the aftermarket units from CAS and ArizonaGN?

About 15-20 degrees cooler in our summer temps.

 

[jsta6]

whoa...

Thanks for your reply, Nick.

Sorry, I was referring to a brand new GM radiator. Do you mean 15-20 degrees cooler then a NEW radiator? Or do you mean 15-20 degrees cooler then a stock 15 year old used radiator with 100K miles on it?

I have a four row and dual fan set up with 160 stat. I don't think I am losing any coolant/water. I do not know how many miles are on the radiator.

Cruising around town in heavy traffic at noon in 90 degree weather gets me up to 225 degrees.

Cruising the highway at night I think I am at 190-200 degrees.

Funds are real tight right now and I am trying not to spend a lot. I figure if I can get this new GM one for cheap, and not pay shipping, I can do it...

 

[BJM]

I replaced my stock radiator with a new GM unit. One thing to note is that the fittings on the radiator side have been changed and the original fittings now screw into adapters provided with the radiator. The adapter fittings are huge and hit the rad support. Luckily I had access to a machine shop and could turn them down. The rad was still very hard to install. Just a word of warning.

 

[BLACK6PACK]

Shawn,
Just get the core from nick and take it to a local rad shop. You'll end up with a better than stock radiator for less than new. Do you still have the stock end tanks?

I've got a real nice stocker I'll sell you!

 

[Go For 1]

I got the new replacement GM radiator, but had to get a separate trans cooler, because the adapter fittings for the larger inlet/outlet trans cooler holes, would come in direct contact with the condenser.

This caused the radiator to not seat properly within the supports. Also, the additional benefit of the separate trans cooler is a tremendous increase in cooling capacity, and it allows the radiator to cool the engine coolant and oil more efficiently, due to less heat (minus trans heat).

 

[UNGN]

What part number did you guys order when you got a GM radiator that wouldn't fit? I ordered the part number I posted: 52481580 and it was identical in every way to my original. Maybe they changed the design in the last 4 years?

 

[Go For 1]

The replacement radiator I purchased was not manufactured for the 80's G-body cars. However, I was told that it's from a late model GM car, and can be adapted to fit our cars.

Everything is located in the exact same place on the radiator, but not everything is identical. The size of the holes for the trans cooler lines, and the overall height differ alittle from the stock unit.

This radiator was purchased about 5 months ago from a Buick vendor (Postons).