Did a search on this topic and didn't find the exact info I was looking for.

My 1978-vintage radiator had a pinhole leak about 3 years ago so I put in some Bars-Leaks additive and the leak went away. Now its leaking again in the same area and it's time for a lasting repair.

I'm planning to bring the car to a radiator shop for an estimate. If the repair cost is considerably less than $100 I'll prolly go that route. If it's $100 or more I'll get a new radiator.

The direct-fit Proliance/Ready-Rad 433162 seems to be very popular here and the $120 price is right. http://www.transpro.com/productCatal...brand=readyrad

Is this the correct radiator to use in a stock V8 Camaro with A/C? That's the info I couldn't find in my search. The auto stores list radiators for cars with and without A/C and I want to make sure I only do this once.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

http://www.transpro.com/productCatalog/catalogimages/433162.jpg (http://www.transpro.com/productCatalog/catalog.asp?partnum=433162&brand=readyrad)

Click the pic for TransPro's page.
Yes it is a DROP IN Replacement.
Yes it works great on AC V8 cars.
Or 11 second race cars.

I went into O-Reilly's, they usually have a good bunch of people working there. We looked up a TransAm Heavy Duty radiator, with brass instead of plastic, and it was $112. It's an easy installation if you have any concern and fit perfectly without any modifications. The ones from Oreilly come always with the connections needed to attach your automatic, if you have one.

Remove the shroud

Drain the radiator by either opening the lower petcock, or just remove the lower hose, draining into a bucket.

Remove the upper hose

unscrew the two metal lines leading from the automatic transmission to it, since we use an integrated cooler. If you have a manual tranny, there is nothing here, just plugs on the radiator.

Lift out the radiator

Drop in the new one. I usually take the time to replace the upper and lower hoses while I am at it, but maybe you've already done it.

I wouldn't pay someone to do this job, it's very easy, no special tools required.

The aluminum core and plastic tanks are very light and highly efficient.
They've been around since the early 80's with great results.
The brass one is a 3 core. They are about the same price, The local Auto-zoned-out carries the Aluminum one.

I agree with Hott on this one.

The aluminum core and plastic tanks are very light and highly efficient.

I don't trust them. If your car ever sees really cold weather, these radiators will fail.
Here in cold weather country, we see lots of early failures when it gets cold and the expansion coefficient difference between aluminum and plastic rips the tanks off the radiator cores.
A few years ago on one cold winter morning, the local Ford dealer had every new pickup on the lot puking antifreeze. The overnight cold got every radiator on the lot in his long line of new trucks.
I buy only brass because it has a proven track record of long life.

Thanks guys.

I called a local shop and, after describing the leak, the guy there quoted me $50 to test, clean, and repair the radiator if I pull it and bring it to him. Six month warranty on the repair. He also said that if it couldn't be fixed there'd be no charge. I'm gonna drive the car to a different shop tomorrow for a competing estimate.

Just to be safe (in case the pressure test reveals more leaks), I called O'Reilly and they've got the 433162 in stock for $109.99 + tax with a limited lifetime warranty. The guy there said this radiator is listed as a "kit"; what does that mean?

The aluminum core and plastic tanks are very light and highly efficient.
They've been around since the early 80's with great results.


I like the idea of a lighter radiator--the nose of my car is heavy enough as it is...

First, ask a friendly Parts Person if you can look through their Rad. cat. and try to buy the h-d one for a '70 BB w/ A/C and A/T hook-ups if needed that should be at least a core thicker depending.

IF it exist's!!!

I do know that our 1st Gen. Camaro cars have about 4 or maybe even 5 rad's to pick from!!

Or

I don't trust them. If your car ever sees really cold weather, these radiators will fail.
Here in cold weather country, we see lots of early failures when it gets cold and the expansion coefficient difference between aluminum and plastic rips the tanks off the radiator cores.
A few years ago on one cold winter morning, the local Ford dealer had every new pickup on the lot puking antifreeze. The overnight cold got every radiator on the lot in his long line of new trucks.
I buy only brass because it has a proven track record of long life.


Gary made me nervous. I don't drive my car during the winter, but the air temp has gotten down to about -30 F where it's stored (without heat).

I checked again and AutoZone is selling the 433415 "normal cooling" radiator with brass tanks and 2-row copper/brass core for the same price as the "heavy duty" plastic & aluminum 433162 (listed as a 3-row, but really a wide single row according to hhott71). Trouble is, it's a special order item that takes a week to ship.

Now I'm really hoping there won't be any big surprises for me at the local radiator shops...:eek:

Just had the radiator in my 73 Z repaired at a reputable shop. Original radiator, never out of the car with 67K on the clock. Had a small leak starting on the side.

Pulled it out and had the shop dip it to clean. Do all repairs to tanks and weld the seams and neck.

Did a pressure test, good to go, $66.

Put it back in, installed new hoses, top and bottom. Also installed a new cap and new top and bottom mounting pads.

Not a problem since, plus still keeps it original.