A better radiator?

[GMJedi]

Anyone recently replace their plastic/aluminum radiator? I have gone through a couple aftermarket replacements in 5 years.

 

[Jason in DLH]

That seems like a lot of replacements. What happens to them? After 13 years and 160,000 miles my OEM is working great.

Have you checked the coolant pH level with one of those little pH strips? There’s also a test you can do with a voltmeter. I can’t remember what the pH should be, nor tell you how to perform the voltmeter test, but I know it’s something to check into if your going through so many radiators.

 

[GMJedi]

170k on the original. 1st replacement leaked upon installing. I think they forgot the oring on one of the tanks. Second(different brand) has a rubber cap over an unused heater hose fitting that doesn’t go for a month without severe cracks. Original didn’t have that fitting.
The only reason I replaced it in the first place was not because it failed. I was replacing water pump and hoses. So figured might as well.

 

[OR VietVet]

Likely cheap quality radiators that you bought. What did you buy? It would also help to post what the hell you are driving. Can't look it up for you without that info. Or I could do a WAG and really **** it all up.

 

[Rocket Man]

Buy an OEM. I replaced mine with an AC Delco.

 

[FrankU]

Before you buy another radiator I would check for a blown head gasket , tiny bubbles in the radiator with radiator cap off and engine running. Or go to an emissions shop and have them check for exhaust gasses in the radiator .

 

[PG01]

Mishimoto, becool ..... aluminum and pricey for sure.
I’d go oem like @Rocket Man suggested, it was fine for 170k and 20 yrs.

 

[wjburken]

I think @Doubeleive found a good source for aftermarket units that come with a decent warranty if I recall correctly.

 

[Doubeleive]

Anyone recently replace their plastic/aluminum radiator? I have gone through a couple aftermarket replacements in 5 years.

1800radiator.com they give a lifetime warranty

 

[muncie21]

The factory radiator (2014 Denali) developed a seep between the radiator and the tank on the driver's side, at ~60K miles. I replaced it with a Spectra Premium (CU2370) last Christmas (2019). No issues and the new radiator was a perfect match/fit, not capping of hoses, etc. The radiator was ~$170 from Amazon, at the time.

 

[91RS]

Buy an OEM one. Just because it has a lifetime warranty doesn’t mean it’s better. How many times do you want to replace it? Time is worth something.

 

[imkwuzn]

Replaced mine with an OEM from GM 6 years ago. No issues.

 

[haks310]

The only issue with your current radiator is the extra heater hose fitting? If that's the case just buy a new silicone cap instead of a rubber one. It is obviously much more than the rubber caps but you won't be replacing it any time soon.

https://www.amazon.com/HPS-Temperat..."+silicone+radiator+cap&qid=1607368344&sr=8-3

 

[Squirrelsmith]

I got a champion it wasnt that expensive. It did however come with a extra steam port that i welded up, Ironically im doing a ls swap and now wish i had the steam port back

 

[bill1013]

I replaced the radiator on my 1999 Tahoe with a solid metal one. It cost an arm & a leg but it was worth it ($800). The plastic/aluminum ones just crack too often. It adds a little weight but you won't notice any change in your performance.

 

[adventurenali92]

1800radiator.com they give a lifetime warranty

My OEM radiator had a crack in it at 143k. I just replaced mine with a radiator from 1800radiator.com. They had a great price, had one in stock for my truck within reasonable distance to go and pick up, and I was concerned that the radiator would not have the restrictor in place for the back flow to the surge tank like the factory radiator does, like I had read in a few threads and guys were having issues with. And to my surprise the new radiator had the exact same restrictor in place that the factory one does. Works like it’s supposed to. In fact my buddy just got done with the swap at the custom shop he works for. So far so good. Got some more driving to do for work so I’ll report back but should be good to go.

 

[GMJedi]

I’ll probably go OEM. I’m just so sick of aftermarket crap parts and the places that sell them.

 

[3dirtwheels]

You're not gonna go wrong with OEM, I recently swapped my original 5.7 for an HT383E and haven't had any issues with my Holley Frostbite, but I've only driven about 1500 miles.

 

[GoToGuyRon]

When you say "OEM" , you saying ACDelco, or over the counter at the chevy dealer parts? Delphi was one of the original equiptment assembly suppliers.