Need new radiator!!

pjavettec5 · 03-19-2011, 04:07 PM

Hi Guys, Have a new dilemma with my 2000 C5 vette. Thought I had a bad hose clamp but turns out the tank on the drivers side has a split in the top of the tank. Need a new radiator and thought I would get your opinion on what to buy. Should I buy a new stock gm replacement radiator or one of those aluminium radiators? What brand of aluminium radiator is the best stock replacement? Thanks for your input.

**Rich Z** · 03-19-2011, 05:30 PM

Here's what I went with. I was happy with the results...

http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forum...ad.php?t=18347

vett boy · 03-19-2011, 10:27 PM

I'm curious as to why the radiator failed.Do you have an idea?

Kap142 · 03-20-2011, 02:35 AM

Jusy my $.02. My 03 BB was running a bit warm and I too chose a DeWitts drop in Alum. The results were awesome and still are 5 years later. DeWitts is the right answer.

navy2kcoupe · 03-20-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjavettec5

Hi Guys, Have a new dilemma with my 2000 C5 vette. Thought I had a bad hose clamp but turns out the tank on the drivers side has a split in the top of the tank. Need a new radiator and thought I would get your opinion on what to buy. Should I buy a new stock gm replacement radiator or one of those aluminium radiators? What brand of aluminium radiator is the best stock replacement? Thanks for your input.

If you decide to replace the stock radiator with a DeWitts, post some pictures of the install, as well as some info on how it went. I would imagine that there will be more of us looking to do this mod to our rides in the future, and we would all benefit from some pictures and first hand knowledge. THANKS!
Andy Anderson

**Rich Z** · 03-20-2011, 09:00 PM

To take full advantage of the benefits of a better radiator, you really should put in a lower temp thermostat as well.

pjavettec5 · 03-26-2011, 01:55 PM

Thanks everybody for the feedback!!

It appears that the radiator failure occured on the top of the plastic side tank on the drivers side. There is a seam that seperated on the top causing fluid to leak out. Think I will go with the Dewitt Aluminum radiator. I'll try to get some pics when I do the radiator change out. Going to Savannah, Georgia to visit my son so won't be playing with the vette till I get back next week. Found out that there is only one design for the six speed vette that I think runs around $549.00 from Dewitt. Think the model # is A97M. If anybody knows were I can get one for less please send me the info. Thanks, Phil

pjavettec5 · 04-02-2011, 09:33 AM

Hi Rich, What temp thermostat should I put in the vette? I have the throttle body coolant line bypass kit installed and that kit that moves the air temp sensor closer to the front of the air tunnel. Thamks, Phil

**Rich Z** · 04-02-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjavettec5

Hi Rich, What temp thermostat should I put in the vette? I have the throttle body coolant line bypass kit installed and that kit that moves the air temp sensor closer to the front of the air tunnel. Thamks, Phil

I liked the results I got from the 160 degree thermostat. But I think you really need to use an aftermarket radiator along with it to get the full benefits. A thermostat controls the temperature at which coolant is fully allowed to circulate through the engine and radiator. It's purpose is to cause the engine to reaching operating temperature quickly by restricting the coolant flow till operating temperature is reached. When it is fully open, it has no further effect on the coolant temperature. At that time it is the function of the radiator that controls the OPERATING TEMPERATURE of the engine. So if your radiator is only efficient enough to keep the coolant operating temp at around 200 degrees, once the thermostat opens, the coolant temp will continue to rise till it reaches that equilibrium point. I believe the stock thermostat is something like 195 degrees, so this balances well for what GM wants.

Personally I just like a cooler running engine. For that you really need a better radiator. But if your thermostat FORCES the coolant temperature to be at least 195 degrees, you really won't gain much unless you also replace that thermostat with a lower temp unit.

pjavettec5 · 04-02-2011, 12:33 PM

Hi Rich, Thanks for the info. I just ordered a Dewitts A97m aluminium radiator today for my 2000c5 to replace the stock radiator with the cracked plastic tank. I had the car dyno tuned a few years ago at AntiVenom but don't remember if they reset the fans to come on at a lower temp. Would a 170 degree thermostat be my best bet or should I call AntiVenom to see if they have a record of my dynotune specks? Thanks for your expert opinions, Phil