JosiahJudgement

iTrader: (1)

I just want to know if this is possible.
A buddy of mine has a z28 aluminum radiator
and I probably need to replace mine sometime.
I just wanted to know if there was a difference between them.
I've been searching and never found any answers.

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

If you look, I believe the hose routing is opposite of ours, so you would, at the very least, need some different hoses. I believe (someone correct me if I am wrong) that the Z radiator has an additional core in it (2-3 cores) for better cooling.

JosiahJudgement

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I was thinking that for some reason. But I was hoping I was wrong.
I was also thinking that it had an additional core; my little 3.1 likes to stay around
220 so I was hoping this would help out with that. Along with that it being aluminum rather than plastic.

Thanks for the quick response though!



edit:

we'll then again I looked on the "So you guys want a bolt in aluminum 3 core radiator?" thread
[which is here: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cool...guys-want.html]
and in Justin89Formy's pictures - his set up is exactly like mine.

My battery is in the same location as his, with the same outlet coming off the radiator
[his picture]


also, the same for the other side as his.



his is a Firebird I believe
so now I just don't know. haha.

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

I would double-check to make sure. My rad hose fittings are opposite, but then I have an 87. Maybe things changed around in 1990, IDK. If it looks like it will work, there's no harm in trying. However, you will probably also need to get the upper mount with it, and relocate the lower insulators further towards the outside of the car (they just press into holes drilled into the lower support).

JosiahJudgement

iTrader: (1)

Yeh, mines a 92.
Ill just buy it and see if it works.
He's selling it for 40. So its not like a big waste of money.
As for the upper mount, Justins looks just like the one
that is already on my car, I don't know about the lower ones though.
Hopefully it will work - with adjustments or not.
Thanks Maverick!
I appreciate your help and input, not only just on my matters;
but the help you provide everyone else too.

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

The reason I said to get the upper mount is because I know the rad for the V6 is narrower in width between the tanks than the V8 one is. If your mount has another 2 clip holes next to the outer bolt holes (there will be a large hole for the clip to slide into and a smaller one for the bolt) that are empty, then you will more than likely need to pick up a V8 mount.

bl85c

iTrader: (2)

Your car runs at 220 because that's what it's programmed to run at. You need a lower temp thermostat & reprogram the ecm to turn the fans on earlier.

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

For city driving, that would be true. However, if he is running 220 on the open road, I'd think that some other parts need to be replaced. My 3.1 rarely hits the 220 mark on the gauge, and I have tested the system with thermometers. My ECM rarely turns the fan on as well.

Josiah, our cars are programmed to run above 160*F, where the ECM enters closed loop. Our thermostats are designed for 195*F opening temp stock, but you can get 180* and even 160* (not recommended as this can play havoc with the ECM tables) replacements. The ECM is programmed to run the fan at 235*F. If your car is running that hot, I would also suggest a coolant flush and refill along with a new thermostat, and check to make sure your radiator's air dam isn't broken.

You can do as is suggested above if you don't like the high temps, but these cars were designed that way for a reason (greater economy and fewer harmful emissions).

jensen73110

iTrader: (4)

I thought we had the same radiator as the v8 cars....

bl85c

iTrader: (2)

Again, that's what it's programmed to run at. 220 is when the fan is programmed to turn on. Mine stayed right around 210 in the summer before I ditched the '870 ecm.

rick121

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I'm trying to do a swap pretty soon and everyone I've asked said that it's the same radiator and transmission if you still have your 700r4

SageMoonblade

I managed to put a stock radiator from a 85 firebird with the 305 into my 89 2.8 so I am sure it can be done but it did take some work with cutting and fitting hoses.

spdhawk

the originals are mostly made of yellow brass(looks almost like copper).The aftermarkets are plastic and aluminun.. You can buy a lifetime warranty aftermarket for bout $110.00 and some people say they cool a little better. I've replaced mine with the plastic version and I have no complaints thus far..

bl85c

iTrader: (2)

From what I've seen after many years they'll start leaking from either the seam or the resivoirs themselves will split and leak. Not sure why it happens to alum radiators and not brass as often. Doesn't seem to happen to larger radiators as often though.