Stock Radiator Replacement

[2112]

My radiator is leaking everywhere and I think it is time for a new one. This one is not that old and even when it worked it did not do the job. It is the remanufactured one from Auto Zone. Even with a 160 thermostat my car still runs 190-200 range on a hot day. Does anyone know a good radiator for our cars that will fit just as the stock without having to make any modifications? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[jacksorroche]

I use the one for the 91 Camaro 5.0. Its longer and doesn't need any mods, with the exception of removing the rubber flap on the drivers side. The trans lines hook right up too.

 

[my85grandnation]

I would not run the 160 thermostat. For these cars it is really to cool and the radiator cant get the coolant that cold so it will basically stay open the whole time thus in turn making it run hotter than 160. Also since the car is programmed to be at 185 I think it is from the factory, and if the 160 is actually able to keep it cooler than the stock setting say on a cooler day, the computer will then think the car is running to cold and try retuning the car to run hotter. I had a 160 in mine for a while and it ran good, but it also ran rich. I went to a 180 which is cooler than stock but you dont have the problems with the car running rich and it seems to run better. I am also running the 180 in my other GN that has a temp gauge, and no matter what the outside temp is and what the driving conditions are it stays right at 180.

 

[novaderrik]

i put a radiator out of a 307 powered 81 Cutlass in my T Type. it's wider, but it bolts right in if you use the top plate from a Cutlass. get an upper radiator hose for an 87 Regal with a 3.8, and it hooks up like stock.
i don't know what fan shroud to use if you keep the stock fan, since i used a 16" Hayden electric fan i found in a Regal in the junkyard. maybe some Cutlasses or Grand Prix's or something used the big radiator with the 3.8, so that shroud would work if you happen to stumble across one.
i got the almost new 3 core radiator for free from a friend who junked his Cutlass out, and the top plate and fan cost me $15 or so.

 

[bot]

I'm doing a f-body converison right now, with twin fans, I can post some pics
tonight if you want......

 

[highboost]

i still have my stocker sitting in the garage in very good shape. i went with the larger f body radiator with focus fans.
if interested in the stocker i have let me know, keith

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I replaced my 85 radiator with the F-body(Modine 951).Goes right in and I used the stock shroud(no electric fans). I did need to get a used upper radiator plate from a 307 olds cutlas. Cut off part of the drivers side of the plate and it bolts right onto the frame where the longer radiator extends. I can send pics. Brad

 

[vader85231]

What year f body radiator should i put in my 85. Im converting to an 87 electric fan also.

Thanks
Brad

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I used a Modine 951 purchased at NAPA. Brad

 

[tenright]

First off this is your opportunity to do one of the most effective conversions for these cars. That being an electric fan. The belt driven fan is not very effective and takes up alot of space that can be used for other mods. The stock radiator is also to small and ineffective. There are many ways to do this, examples are "F" body radiator and an oil cooler, if money is not a concern, "Be Cool" has some of the best options. These will have oil and trans cooler already and are aluminum, They are very light, but very expensive, also the 87 GN radiator and fan will work. I have been in the dual fan nightmare for a while now, and I can help you avoid many of those pitfalls. A single fan conversion is the easiest way to go with a thermostatic controller. The reason behind the thermostatic controller is that the Hot air cars even with the 87 ECM conversion are not wired for electric fans. You will need an 87 wire Harness. With that in mind if you don't have an 87 harness stay away from the racetronix dual fan harness, I have one it is useless for my needs. also don't buy anything from "Durales" I got that one and it was completely misswired. Had the main power wired directly to the secondary fan terminal.

As for fans, I finally had to go with the Flexilite duals, They fit well, and depending on the radiator header might mount directly. Mine of course did not, but with a bit of creativity I was able to mount it. They only draw 19 amps and will run on one relay. I have the permacool controller on order but as with everything from jegs it is backordered.

Basically what I am telling you is beware advice given by 86/87 owners it is not the same car by any means. And unless you have converted to the 87 ECM and more importantly to the 87 Wiring harness, any advice about this mod will just frustrate you and cost money.

My setup is this...."F" body radiator and mount, flexilite 220 dual pullers, permacool Wiring Kit w/Prode Thermal Sensor, and although with the flexilite it's not really necessary, the permacool 30-Amp Relay for dual fan operation.

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

Tenright-Excellent post! The info will be saved by me for future reference. I have an identical as yours except for the cam and dual electric fans. I kept the stock clutch fan for appearance only. I want my car to looks as close to stock but be a mid twelve sleeper. The electric fans will keep your engine cool with the f-body rad around the theromstat temp. The mechanical clutch fan reduces the temp about 25 degrees lower than the stock radiator. Example- Hot outside in traffic-stock temps-225-F-body 200. Hot outside-50 mph-Stock rad-195-f-body-170. All using a 160 thermostat. I do not need the heat reduction because I do not go to the drag strip. I like having the power to nail any a**hole who tries to be cute. Brad

 

[tenright]

I'm actually hoping for mid 11's...but since this last round of upgrades she has yet to be driven. I just got my up pipe from jaysgn.com which I love BTW, had to drill out the mounting plates, but after drilling them it fit the poston headers. Also took all the pressure off the turbine. Can't say enough about that part it is fantastic and looks great. Had the ATR, mutilated it trying to get it on the headers :smile:

Anyway I did notice your car and mine are almost identical, Although I do not have the stock block in it anymore it is a 109 block from an 87 GN. I have also added some BFGoodrich P295/50R15's to the back hoping for enough street rubber to break that 12 second barrier.

sorry for hi-jacking the thread......

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

tenright-Were are on the same page at the same time. Either e-mail me or give me a call-847-836-5800. Page at 630-6225-0426. My problem is the chip for the ecm. I will get my correct ecm chip tomorrow from Turbotweak. Thanks -Brad

 

[2112]

Thanks for all the advice. I have thought about using electric fans but I am trying to keep my car as close to stock as I can. I guess I will just have to put up with the higher temps. when using the factory radiator.

 

[SLOW_85]

If you want to keep the clutch fan. Go to a heavy duty thermal one.
I ran one for years, still used a new stock rad. Temps ran about 178 in trafiic @ idle with AC.

 

[2112]

Slow 85 , where do you get one of the heavy duty thermal fans? Thanks for your help.

 

[gsbuick65]

yea thats what im running too, you can get them from most parts stores, just tell them you want one for heavy duty cooling.