1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

This thread will document my installation of the Summit radiator part number SUM-380455 for our cars. As has been documented in the past this is not a direct fit radiator as there are a couple of issues to be dealt with.

These pictures are how I have modified the radiator prior to fitting in the car. One of the issues is the return pipe nipple that is universal and of two sizes. This makes it twice as long as it should be. I had it cut down and rewelded back in place to make it as it should be.

The second issues is the location of the drain peacock. It is located on the drivers side. The stock radiator and the clearance for it is on the passenger side. So I had it relocated to the passenger side. The following pictures will show what was done. The two pictures show the before and after of the whole radiator.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

These three pictures show the return pipe nipple shortened and the relocation of the drain peacock.

BretD 88GTA

Hey Allan,
IIRC, I didn't need to relocate the petcock on mine when I installed it. I did however install a piece of flat aluminum in the bottom tray to provide a better mounting surface. I also ditched all the brass plugs for aluminum pipe plugs.

The only issue I have with my install is that the radiator cap touches the underside of the hood. A low profile cap helped, but did not entirely solve the problem.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Thanks Bret

There have been posts of having to notch the lower radiator frame to clear the drain when left on the drivers side. I noticed that there is clearance on the passenger side of the lower radiator frame for the drain. That is why I had it moved. Jerry has found some polyurethane radiator mounts that I'm going to use. Hopefully that will solve some problems. Allen

1989GTATransAm

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Couple of more pictures. I did two more modifications. That was to replace the 5/8" heater hose bung that comes with the Summit radiator with a 3/4" bung as that is what is on our cars from the factory. I used the hole where the temperature probe would go. We don't use it on our cars. I had bought a 5/8" to 3/4" hose adaptor but this makes for a cleaner installation.

The location also gives me a lot more room to clear my cold air intake tube. I also relocated the the overflow nipple to give the clearance needed for my cold air intake. This is the final modification to the radiator before I install it in the car.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Does everything on your car have to be so custom modified? Looks good, seems like more trouble than its worth to just to get it to fit and function like stock. I'm interested tho as i really need to upgrade mine but my stocker has worked great

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

"Does everything on your car have to be so custom modified"

Hehehe. Well if the Summit "Direct Fit" radiator was indeed a direct fit then I would not have to change much. I did relocate the overflow bung on the factory radiator and just followed suit on this radiator.

I noticed on our club cruise last summer the motor started to get a little warm in the 106 degree weather and the stop and go traffic with the A/C on. Had to shut the A/C off.

With my new build I'm upping the compression ratio a 1/2 point and in doing so I want to make sure the motor stays around 180 degrees. That is one of the things that needs to be done to help keep detonation under control.

JERRYWHO

It's just more fun..

Allen this is a bolt in top mount for the Summit radiator. I still need to weld the fan mounts and punch the holes, What do you think.

Jerry

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Looks real good. The only possible problem would be the right 45 degree support brace. It might interfere with my 3.5 inch cold air intake. If so I can mill off the part that is in the way to make clearance. Go for it. Thanks, Allen

JERRYWHO

I will make you one using .090 thick 6061 full hard and the mount we be plenty stiff without them.

Jerry

Twin_Turbo

iTrader: (25)

That looks bloody awesome. Would you be willing to share the drawing for those? I'd love to fab one up. If I had a drawing, all it would take is slapping some sheet under the cnc punch.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Sounds better yet. Let's go for it. Allen

chads89ta

iTrader: (6)

my buddy has a overheating problem, we were in line at the indy show driving slow and overheating and we popped the hood so the safety latch was still on. that cured his problem, being said, is that the heat could not escape untill we popped the hood,

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

I was over at DynoDons today and we got the radiator installed. Couple of items worth noting. We had to notch the radiator support rail on the front lips in order for the radiator support pads to fit and to clear the radiator itself.

Also we had to dent the passenger side frame by the water outlet in order to make enough room for the lower radiator hose to fit. I'm retaining the A/C so everything was a real tight fit. It barely fits from left to right. The radiator should be 1/2 inch narrower as it would make things a whole lot easier on the installation.

I knew of some of the problems ahead of time and I addressed them as posted above. It made that portion of it a bolt in with the modifications done before hand.


Using Jerry's radiator top support as pictured above really helped things. I still have some minor cleanup issues to deal with such as the lower fan spacers. I have some temporary ones in there now. After I get the radiator support painted and everything is complete I will post some pictures. It is going to come out real nice.

JERRYWHO

One more project done by others and my radiator is still on the floor not done....
Any pictures so I will know what it will look like.

Jerry

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Pictures in due time.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Thinking of doing something similar for my turbo build. I think why chance the stock radiator not working well? Upgrade now while you can

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

If you are going with a new motor that would be the perfect time. The area would be wide open and easy to make any necessary modifications.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

I'm thinking of dropping the rad support down a few inches to maybe try getting the intercooler piping up over the rad straight to the TB. Not sure how far down i can drop the rad without having to worry about it being too low to the ground

luke84

iTrader: (1)

jerrywho-- would you be willing to make another top mount? I wouldn't really need the fan support through. just up and over the radiator. Been trying to fab one up but i need a metal brake to make my bends look nice. almost might have to break down and buy a brake! price for the mount?
thanks

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Here are pictures of the final installation. I have left off the cold air intake for picture taking purposes.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Final pictures with the cold air intake re-installed.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

oh wow, very nice. Very clean install, abit better than what i had in mind for my motor

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Thanks Orr. It is one more thing out of the way in preparing for my new motor. Next up will be the 4L60E install. Trying to get things ready for the F-Body invasion drag race on Memorial Day. Got to show those 4th Gens what it is all about.

potterc32

iTrader: (1)

Anyone making that radiator cover for others to purchase?