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LTX and LSXPutting LT1s, LS1s, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.
Looking at using the Holley/Frostbite LS radiator for my build. But after reading reviews and specs I see that it is larger and does not fit OEM radiator support. So, what brand radiator are you guys using for a LS swap? My build is using a LS7.
Looking at using the Holley/Frostbite LS radiator for my build. But after reading reviews and specs I see that it is larger and does not fit OEM radiator support. So, what brand radiator are you guys using for a LS swap? My build is using a LS7.
lots of guys run factory. I’m using a Dewitt’s myself. Fit is perfect with factory upper mount and fan setup. Many other good options out there
Am looking to have hose outlets on passenger side and steam outlet also. That’s why I was looking at the Holley radiator. Was wondering if any other types out there that fit the bill?
I used a 4th gen radiator, but I had to make a custom upper mount and drill a hole into the lower rad support. On the plus side there are little tabs that hold the fans to the radiator, if you are using 4th gen fans. They are also on the front for the A/C if applicable. Another plus is stock 4th gen hoses are easy to source ( I know you said that you want passenger side inlet/outlets, why ?). I would ask if the manufacturer could put the 4th gen provisions on a radiator made to 3rd gen dimensions.
I have the summit brand 3rd gen LSX swap radiator. -16 inlet and outlet (which is a little small) but it the cost is much cheaper than Holley (might even be the same one). You won't be able to use the top radiator mount but the stock rubber pads can be used once trimmed.
I'm using a factory 02 SS radiator with 02 SS fans along with a 3rd gen AC condenser. I had to trim off the peg at the bottom, and the condenser mounts at the back but it fits fine and am able to use factory 02 SS hoses. All under the factory dual fan mount, just trimmed to fit.
I used the Holley Frostbite and It fits ok. I had to trim the rubber supports and modify a early 70's camaro radiator top support but it seems to work ok
Thank you for talking about this. I have a question for everyone as I am doing something similar. Swapping an LS3 into a 92 camaro. Already bought a Dewitt radiator for a 98-02 camaro (model 1139027M). I thought it would fit into stock location and have proper connections for LS engines making swap easier. In trying to test fit it yesterday, I notice that there is a cylindrical protrusion at bottom passenger side that won't let radiator fit. This protusion does not seem to do anything. Looks like 91ls1t56 solved this by cutting hole into radiator support while RubberDucky had it chopped off. Is one way better than other? After doing either options, it appears that radiator should fit like stock. Thoughts?
A LS1 radiator will require a custom made hold down. I made one and it was not to difficult. I believe there are a few posts about modifying the factory hold down to work. Yes I just drilled a hole to fit the drain petcock, it may be different on what you have. I had to lean the radiator back until the filler cap was level with the car, then fabbed up the hold down to keep it in that position. I did not bother making filler peices for the open area between the sides of the radiator and body/core support. The 4th gen fans seem to pull enough air through the radiator to keep everything at operating temperature. I did recommend 4th gen provisions (outlets and fan clips/ac condenser) on a 3rd gen sized radiator if getting an aftermarket one. I do not know how much extra something like that would cost or if the manufacturer would do that. If they were to customize it, I would have everything put in the same location from the top down.
91ls1t56, thank you reply. Your information will be helpful for my install. I called DeWitt and they do make a LS Swap radiator that is like stock third gen radiator but with LS hose locations. What is odd though, this is not listed on their website They only list LS swap radiator for first and second gen camaros. I bought my radiator through Summit last summer so I am going to keep and make it work. DeWitt said the protrusion is a non functional cooling element and is just a locating pin. So it can be cut with out any concern to radiator function. I see this now in looking at stock fourth gen radiators. I need to start post about my LS build and will document things such as this that I ran across. I also previously purchased dual fan and AC condenser for a 98-02 camaro and they fit great onto the DeWitt radiator.
I am sticking with my DeWitt radiator for 98-02 camaro. I cut down metal peg as necessary to fit properly. Will be making custom bent radiator cover support bracket like other have done. Seems to be easiest approach. Will post pic when done.
I am sticking with my DeWitt radiator for 98-02 camaro. I cut down metal peg as necessary to fit properly. Will be making custom bent radiator cover support bracket like other have done. Seems to be easiest approach. Will post pic when done.
I’ll be doing the same when I get to that point in my build. Look forward to seeing your pics.
That locating pin has a rubber ring/grommet/ on it. I used the 3 rubber pads for the remaining corners. These are the factory rubber peices that go over the bulge on the radiator where the fins meet the tanks and then also have that little rubber tit to pull through a hole in the hold down. You should take a good look at how your new radiator is set up in the area of that locating pin. Will you be able to cut the pin and also be able to use a rubber pad like on the other 3 corners. If not then drilling for the grommet may be the way to go. Even with my custom radiator cover hold down I can still pop my radiator out of position. It has not done it on it's own but it can happen.
11-17-2019, 05:32 PM
They only list LS swap radiator for first and second gen camaros. I bought my radiator through Summit last summer so I am going to keep and make it work. DeWitt said the protrusion is a non functional cooling element and is just a locating pin. So it can be cut with out any concern to radiator function. I see this now in looking at stock fourth gen radiators. I need to start post about my LS build and will document things such as this that I ran across. I also previously purchased dual fan and AC condenser for a 98-02 camaro and they fit great onto the DeWitt radiator. 
