LT5 Cooling and Radiators - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

5ABI VT · 09-16-2015

This has been on my mind a lot as of late. So far I am stuck with the multiple threads on corvette forum and other forums showing the cheaper brand radiators to work as well as the $$$ ones we have available. Personally I have an issue with trusting them because I want the best option regardless of cost but some posts show nearly identical rads for 1/3rd to 1/3 the price :/.

Anyhow I wanted to ask about cleaning methods. Anyone have any input on the best way to clean the rads out? My thoughts were soap and spray but if the crud is packed in the fins.. Maybe a long bristle brushed pressed into the rad? I don't want to be bending any fins etc.

I know generally oem stuff isn't the best vs aftermarket but I have spoken to a few people including Tom Dewitt about the actual benefits of more cores etc. from what I know, aluminum radiator requires much more surface area vs a brass/copper core radiator. I don't even remember what the oem radiators are made from?

My car is too clean to take down for rad cleaning I may drive it a few times first and let it get dirty before pulling it out. I will do a higher % mix of water with coolant and water wetter. I will make a thread showing what I find for sure. We had a very hot week last week but temps are dropping now so I don't really feel there is a 'need' for more cooling capacity like some of you who drive in extremely hot weather. I will start with cleaning it out and doing a t stat and drilling holes.

09-16-2015	#11
5ABI VT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Toronto Posts: 780	Re: LT5 Cooling and Radiators This has been on my mind a lot as of late. So far I am stuck with the multiple threads on corvette forum and other forums showing the cheaper brand radiators to work as well as the $$$ ones we have available. Personally I have an issue with trusting them because I want the best option regardless of cost but some posts show nearly identical rads for 1/3rd to 1/3 the price :/. Anyhow I wanted to ask about cleaning methods. Anyone have any input on the best way to clean the rads out? My thoughts were soap and spray but if the crud is packed in the fins.. Maybe a long bristle brushed pressed into the rad? I don't want to be bending any fins etc. I know generally oem stuff isn't the best vs aftermarket but I have spoken to a few people including Tom Dewitt about the actual benefits of more cores etc. from what I know, aluminum radiator requires much more surface area vs a brass/copper core radiator. I don't even remember what the oem radiators are made from? My car is too clean to take down for rad cleaning I may drive it a few times first and let it get dirty before pulling it out. I will do a higher % mix of water with coolant and water wetter. I will make a thread showing what I find for sure. We had a very hot week last week but temps are dropping now so I don't really feel there is a 'need' for more cooling capacity like some of you who drive in extremely hot weather. I will start with cleaning it out and doing a t stat and drilling holes.