Radiator replacement

Sparksalot · May 13, 2022

swathdiver said:
That's the one, thanks!

Is it's performance on par with the original OE radiator or does it exceed it?

It’s running about 10 degrees cooler with no other changes. The larger tanks definitely hold more coolant too.

SnowDrifter · May 16, 2022

Sdp1234 said:
Thanks guys. I have an aftermarket cooler but not the true cool. Thinking of bypassing the radiator with the trans cooler so I’m not adding the engine heat to the trans. Do the Denali’s have the oil running through the radiator?

for what it's worth:

the trans passthrough for the radiator is on the 'cool side'

It basically provides thermal resistance. If it's cold, it'll add heat. If it's hot, it'll take heat away. helps to keep it in a narrower operating temp.

If you live somewhere that gets cold, bypassing this would be a bad idea. Trans will always run cold. PCM won't command torque converter lockup until the trans is over 75f. Cool is good. Cold is not.

I kept my radiator passthrough when I put the tru cool in it. Trans temps stay pretty narrowly in the 95-130 range, barring weather extremes (it was at like 140 when it was 115 degrees out)

Sdp1234 · May 19, 2022

My radiator came in from Radiator Express. I expected it to be 1 1/16 thick but it is only 15/16. Called them to check and he said it is as good as the original based on ISO specs. I typically think details matter but he said they are required to be as good as original. Thoughts? Am I being too picky or is he blowing smoke?

Thanks

Doubeleive · May 19, 2022

Sdp1234 said:
My radiator came in from Radiator Express. I expected it to be 1 1/16 thick but it is only 15/16. Called them to check and he said it is as good as the original based on ISO specs. I typically think details matter but he said they are required to be as good as original. Thoughts? Am I being too picky or is he blowing smoke?

Thanks

it will work if you drive like a normal person and it doesn't get inherently hot where you live, if you tow often and in the summer it may not be the best option
the thing is radiators will fit 00-14, but nealry all are not marketed as such becuase of things like engine oil cooler or trans cooler options, etc
if you are not in a hurry poke around online, the mishimoto and cold case have already been mentioned but if those are too much money you can get a 1 1/8 from 1-800-radiator
just look it up as a 2012 yukon denali they run around $250 with lifetime warranty
I used to have a 2 row in my 00 but I don't remember what brand it was
if you find a good one and it says it fits anything (gmt800/gmt900) from 00-14 and it has the optional coolers needed then grab it, just be sure it is a 34" they do make smaller ones, if yours is not a 34" already and you do not have electric fans all you would need to change is the fan shroud.

MassHoe04 · May 19, 2022

Doubeleive said:
it will work if you drive like a normal person and it doesn't get inherently hot where you live, if you tow often and in the summer it may not be the best option
the thing is radiators will fit 00-14, but nealry all are not marketed as such becuase of things like engine oil cooler or trans cooler options, etc
if you are not in a hurry poke around online, the mishimoto and cold case have already been mentioned but if those are too much money you can get a 1 1/8 from 1-800-radiator
just look it up as a 2012 yukon denali they run around $250 with lifetime warranty
I used to have a 2 row in my 00 but I don't remember what brand it was
if you find a good one and it says it fits anything (gmt800/gmt900) from 00-14 and it has the optional coolers needed then grab it, just be sure it is a 34" they do make smaller ones, if yours is not a 34" already and you do not have electric fans all you would need to change is the fan shroud.

Thanks for making a lower-budget recommendation! I may need it someday in the future.

Sdp1234 · May 20, 2022

Next Problem...
I can't find the GM or AC Delco Tstat anywhere in stock. are there other brands (NAPA or others) that are safe or am I safer putting the old one in?

Mudsport96 · May 20, 2022

Sparksalot said:
It’s running about 10 degrees cooler with no other changes. The larger tanks definitely hold more coolant too.

Does it have the restriction in the fitting back to the overflow tank like factory?

Sparksalot · May 20, 2022

Mudsport96 said:
Does it have the restriction in the fitting back to the overflow tank like factory?

No it doesn't. I cut the nipple out of the old tank, and slipped it into the return hose to keep the restrictor.

Mudsport96 · May 20, 2022

Sparksalot said:
No it doesn't. I cut the nipple out of the old tank, and slipped it into the return hose to keep the restrictor.

Gotcha. I used. 45 ACP casing with the primer removed on the Silverado. Worked like a charm lol.

Sdp1234 · May 23, 2022

I finished the project. Tstat and housing was readily available at the dealer. Didn't think of that because I typically refuse to get anything at a dealer.

If you are even considering this job... go for it, it's one of the easiest repairs.

I stuck with the radiator I was sold as the OEM replacement. They wrote me an email that promises to warranty return the unit toward an upgrade if I have any overheating issues over the next year.

I didn't really want to wait and also deal out the extra cash. Seemed fair to me.

Thanks everyone for your help

Radiator replacement

Sparksalot

SnowDrifter

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Sdp1234

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Doubeleive

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MassHoe04

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Sdp1234

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Mudsport96

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Sparksalot

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