Aux Radiators Deleted.

1BAD18SS · 06-10-2020, 08:52 AM

So after doing multiple cam swaps on these cars I noticed that SS VERT cars do not have the aux radiators, only the main radiator. I started paying attention and noticed some ppl have delete theirs but no real write up or gains shown, so I decided to delete mine and leave it 100% reversible incase I ran into a problem. I just blocked off where the hose comes off the radiator on passenger side and looped the feed on the bottom radiator hose. You could buy a vert SS radiator and lower hose to make it look alittle cleaner and need no block off but I wanted mine to be reversible and it didnt cost any extra $$$.
I also did not change thermostat etc while doing this. It's been a few hot days and so far car shows 0 difference on temperature even with A/C on. I weighed the car before and directly after and lost 26lbs off the nose with them removed (both weights included coolant in vehicle). I will be going to the track soon to test I dont expect a real crazy gain if any just from this singular thing but it is good to add if someone is doing some extensive weight reduction. To me this is one less thing that could leak and makes the car easier to work around I daily drive it and race it on the weekend (dragstrip no autocross) I will keep everyone updated after I see some real hot days and see if I will possible need to swap thermostat or anything in the future.

caSStro18 · 06-10-2020, 09:10 AM

Good luck! It seems more cooling is better than dropping 26 pounds. I’d rather have the cooling, but that’s just me.

TheRealJA105 · 06-10-2020, 09:21 AM

Not a bad idea for a drag car. The LT1 doesn't have the coolers either right from GM.

ctrlz · 06-10-2020, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caSStro18

I’d rather have the cooling, but that’s just me.

Me too! But these aux radiators only work when the car is moving. Still, I've had enough failures of electric fans (or controllers) over the years to prefer the extra "passive" capacity.

1BAD18SS · 06-10-2020, 12:09 PM

That's interesting to know, I havent got the chance to work on one of the LT1 models yet but supports the conclusion that the aux radiators are more of a luxury and not needed for normal operations.

LT4Greg · 06-10-2020, 02:19 PM

I agree with caSS! I wish you good luck.

FarmerFran · 06-10-2020, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caSStro18

Good luck! It seems more cooling is better than dropping 26 pounds. I’d rather have the cooling, but that’s just me.

But the vert does not have them and it is fine.

ChevyRules · 06-10-2020, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarmerFran

But the vert does not have them and it is fine.

How many track the vert vs coupe?

Sure for street driving, probably will be fine. Sustained track usage on a summer day? Might overheat depending on how hard they push it.

CreeperRS · 06-10-2020, 03:42 PM

Reminds me of that Simpsons episode, when Homer is punching holes on the hood of his car! Flanders, his neighbor asks what’s it for?, Homer answers, “ they’re speed holes, it makes the car go faster! Lol

caSStro18 · 06-10-2020, 03:43 PM

I’m sure it will be just fine for everyday driving and short drag runs. I just like the peace of mind knowing the engine has plenty of cooling available. But, like someone said, those are only useful when the car is moving since there are no electric fans to pull air through them. But here in California we can have a number of triple digit days. I like the fact that I have additional cooling capacity. It is strange that the convertible SS does not have them. I guess they figure those won’t be used on the track anyway, so why bother putting them on. Bottom line is, I have no doubt the main radiator is sufficient for cooling the engine under normal circumstances.

RobbyBeefcake87 · 06-10-2020, 03:45 PM

I'm sure they're not "necessary" for regular operation and drag racing, but the ss coupe is designed to be able to do more than that, thus why it has the extra cooling. However I do think it's a solid idea for those looking for every little extra bit on their build, and as mentioned the ss vert and lt1 don't have them and function just fine. Luckily people who would go this route have the lt1 available for a more stripped out car to begin with now days.

1BAD18SS · 06-11-2020, 08:31 AM

This thread is just to help anyone tossing around the idea and give them an idea of what weight your really saving etc so they can make the decision before tearing down their car.

Wyzz Kydd · 06-11-2020, 08:57 AM

I would prefer to come up with ways to lighten my car that don't potentially compromise engine longevity.

RyanR623 · 06-11-2020, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreeperRS

Reminds me of that Simpsons episode, when Homer is punching holes on the hood of his car! Flanders, his neighbor asks what’s it for?, Homer answers, “ they’re speed holes, it makes the car go faster! Lol

That was an awesome episode. I love the simpsons (pre-2005 or so).

06-10-2020, 08:52 AM	#1
1BAD18SS Drives: 2018 Camaro SS , 2017 Corvette Z06 Join Date: May 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 15 View My Garage	Aux Radiators Deleted. So after doing multiple cam swaps on these cars I noticed that SS VERT cars do not have the aux radiators, only the main radiator. I started paying attention and noticed some ppl have delete theirs but no real write up or gains shown, so I decided to delete mine and leave it 100% reversible incase I ran into a problem. I just blocked off where the hose comes off the radiator on passenger side and looped the feed on the bottom radiator hose. You could buy a vert SS radiator and lower hose to make it look alittle cleaner and need no block off but I wanted mine to be reversible and it didnt cost any extra $$$. I also did not change thermostat etc while doing this. It's been a few hot days and so far car shows 0 difference on temperature even with A/C on. I weighed the car before and directly after and lost 26lbs off the nose with them removed (both weights included coolant in vehicle). I will be going to the track soon to test I dont expect a real crazy gain if any just from this singular thing but it is good to add if someone is doing some extensive weight reduction. To me this is one less thing that could leak and makes the car easier to work around I daily drive it and race it on the weekend (dragstrip no autocross) I will keep everyone updated after I see some real hot days and see if I will possible need to swap thermostat or anything in the future. Attached Images

06-10-2020, 02:19 PM	#6
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,809	I agree with caSS! I wish you good luck. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

06-10-2020, 03:42 PM	#9
CreeperRS Drives: 20’ Chevrolet Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,577	Reminds me of that Simpsons episode, when Homer is punching holes on the hood of his car! Flanders, his neighbor asks what’s it for?, Homer answers, “ they’re speed holes, it makes the car go faster! Lol __________________

06-10-2020, 03:45 PM	#11
RobbyBeefcake87 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Tampa Florida Posts: 1,980	I'm sure they're not "necessary" for regular operation and drag racing, but the ss coupe is designed to be able to do more than that, thus why it has the extra cooling. However I do think it's a solid idea for those looking for every little extra bit on their build, and as mentioned the ss vert and lt1 don't have them and function just fine. Luckily people who would go this route have the lt1 available for a more stripped out car to begin with now days. __________________ 2000 Miata - aventi storm wheels, roll bar. 2019 Mustang GT pp1 - svt pp2 wheels, mbrp cat back, sync 3 upgrade, p1x procharger + stg2 intercooler. 2018 Colorado zr2 - zr2 sport bar, showcase spare tire. 2018 Camaro SS 1LE - GM cai, black bowties, suede knee bolsters, 1le plate frame, black fuel door, dark tails + 3rd brake light, euro side markers + led's, GM all weather floor mats, velossatech big mouth, GM strut brace. 2017 Corvette Grandsport (sold) - untouched. 2006 GTO (sold) - iat relocation, air box mod, monero side marker lights.

06-10-2020, 09:10 AM	#2
caSStro18 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: California Posts: 564 View My Garage	Good luck! It seems more cooling is better than dropping 26 pounds. I’d rather have the cooling, but that’s just me.

06-10-2020, 09:21 AM	#3
TheRealJA105 Drives: 2013 C6Z06 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: PA Posts: 1,577	Not a bad idea for a drag car. The LT1 doesn't have the coolers either right from GM.

06-10-2020, 12:09 PM	#5
1BAD18SS Drives: 2018 Camaro SS , 2017 Corvette Z06 Join Date: May 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 15 View My Garage	That's interesting to know, I havent got the chance to work on one of the LT1 models yet but supports the conclusion that the aux radiators are more of a luxury and not needed for normal operations.

06-10-2020, 03:43 PM	#10
caSStro18 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: California Posts: 564 View My Garage	I’m sure it will be just fine for everyday driving and short drag runs. I just like the peace of mind knowing the engine has plenty of cooling available. But, like someone said, those are only useful when the car is moving since there are no electric fans to pull air through them. But here in California we can have a number of triple digit days. I like the fact that I have additional cooling capacity. It is strange that the convertible SS does not have them. I guess they figure those won’t be used on the track anyway, so why bother putting them on. Bottom line is, I have no doubt the main radiator is sufficient for cooling the engine under normal circumstances.

06-11-2020, 08:31 AM	#12
1BAD18SS Drives: 2018 Camaro SS , 2017 Corvette Z06 Join Date: May 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 15 View My Garage	This thread is just to help anyone tossing around the idea and give them an idea of what weight your really saving etc so they can make the decision before tearing down their car.

06-11-2020, 08:57 AM	#13
Wyzz Kydd Banned Drives: 2018 Camaro SS1 1LE Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,595	I would prefer to come up with ways to lighten my car that don't potentially compromise engine longevity.

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