My 1972 LT1 runs hot all the time and will occasionally overheat.  I have had the thermostat replaced and changed out the antifreeze but that did not help.  I am wondering if having the radiator repaired or replaced is the next step.

Jim

(Jims72LT-1)

If it's O.E.M. most definitely!  Check for all rubber/foam inserts on the perimeter of radiator. If they are not there, they allow air to go around radiator and not through it.

Thanks, I know the foam between the top of the radiator and the hood is there but I will double check the rest.  If it's not that it, would you replace with reproduction or have the existing radiator reworked?

Depending on your future of the car, and what you want to do with it. If not a desire to keep it original, I would go with a new aluminum one. "BE COOL"  "DEWITTS" and others have exceptional products. A 40+ year old radiator is on its last legs, and is not financially feasible to rebuild. 

Good morning,I have a 78 Pace Car and have done extensive work on this 35,000 mile all original one owner car.This car sat in storage for over 10 years.She’s a beauty now.

 I changed out the radiator with a custom fabricated “Entrophy” duel fan ,I use the “Evan’s” fluid system.I’ve put a Hi-P.O. “Sanden” compressor and water pump on it.Ive just changed out the Harmonic balancer and went to a duel gear timing chain.

 I live in TampaBay and heat was always the issue with the C3 vettes.This conversion in 90 plus degree keeps the car at 165-185 with a/C running.It wasn’t the least expensive route but I can run this car anytime anywhere now.

P.S this is just one of the modern upgrades I’ve done to this car over the last two years since Ive owned it..Your welcome to call me to talk about what I’ve done anytime (KevinH 727-593-4504C/727-470-9680H)

I use “VetteWorks” Sergio Fernandez company in St.Petersburg who specializes in Corvette restoration,(parts at cost and $75 hr.) he is also a Top Flight  national judge.

 Travel safe !

Kevin, thanks for your reply.  Your car sounds well prepared for the heat. 

I prefer to keep my car as original as possible.  I am leaning toward a reproduction unit as close as possible to the original.  My car does not have air conditioning and I can deal with some heat.  I just want to avoid spitting out antifreeze (LT1s do not have an expansion tank).  

Jim

Actually, the LT-1 radiator does have an expansion tank.  It is the top 4-ish inches of the radiator.

My LT-1 has a/c and the only time I have a temp problem is at a stop light here in N. Texas.  And that is in the heat of the summer with temps over 98 degrees.  I often wonder if the water pump impeller vanes are all there and not rotted away some.

I put a DeWitts exact fit aluminum radiator painted "Black Ice" and it looks exactly like the old copper and brass.  Cools much better.  Lighter too.

When I flush my radiator, I just fill it to the rim and let it puke until it seeks it's own level which is where the normal level should be.

Gary

I really appreciate your response and congratulations for having one of the 240 LT1 corvettes with A/C.  I knew that there should be some room between the top of the radiator and the fluid level (although I never heard it described as an expansion tank) and I like your method of having it seek its correct level by filling the radiator and having the engine displace what shouldn't be there.  

The impeller on the water pump is a possibility but I intend to replace the original radiator first.  What temperature does your car run at?

Jim

When it is not hot out, it runs at about 180.  Summer time if I am moving, it stays just below 200ish.  That's according to my gauge, who knows how accurate the are.

Being a convertible, mine is 1 of about 58 out of the 240 total.

It's also a convertible with air, and it works.