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Looking for a really good cooling system for my car

VXSS

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Ok so I have a ls1 engine and just idling heats it eu to much to just sit by, I need a bigger radiator but don't know anything or where to start, someone shed some light on my situation please
 

WogBoyz

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have u got a factory rad or has it been changed at some point? if its the factory one you dont need a bigger radaitor, you just need to find the problem, could be leaking, air bubbles themostat problem ect
 

VXSS

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Factory, I'll have to take it to a machanic
 

BlackVXGTS

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Ok so I have a ls1 engine and just idling heats it eu to much to just sit by, I need a bigger radiator but don't know anything or where to start, someone shed some light on my situation please

Sounds like you may have a problem with your fans not coming on. Having said that, the LS1 engines are (deliberately) designed to run hot, as that's where they are most efficient. If you engine is overheating to the point where you get alerts sounding, then you have a problem that needs to be fixed. If it just feels hot to you when you touch or raise the bonnet, then that's normal, and working as designed. From the perspective of a VS Calais V8 383 owner who had to install twin thermos to keep the temperatures under control (grout filled block), the standard cooling system in my VX GTS with a (now) 427 engine is more than adequate on even the hottest of days. Once the fans come on, it only takes one or two minutes to get the temperature down if you are stationary, if you are moving the temperatures are always OK.
 

goose202

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Factory LS1 thermostat doesn't even start opening until 90 degrees.
I'd agree with the others - unless you've got some crazy engine combo the factory radiator should be plenty. Something else is wrong. Assuming the engine is running fine (ie no crazy timing problems), thermo fans, water pump, thermostat and blocked radiator is what I'd be checking.
 

somefool

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You could try fitting one of these. It should keep the temps down.

1995065570.jpg


but really, yes i agree with the above comments.

Maybe your thermo fans arent coming on? Or the high speed fan isnt coming on - which would result in the temp slowly creeping up hotter and hotter and hotter when idleing, but not to the point of where you have alarms sounding
 

NoName

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I just had an issue with my VX S where the temp gauge fluctuated and got above half way and even one time gave alerts for being too hot. Took it to the mechanic and got it back last night and they replaced the Timing cover gasket. My coolant is also dirty (all rusted) so he told me to keep an eye on the temp and frequently bleed the system until happy there is no rust and then we can put coolant back into the system.
The hoses are ultra hot though but I'm not sure if it's a concern or not.
 

mpower

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Your LS1 should not have an overheating problem if the standard cooling system is working the way it should - The stock radiator is large and aluminium and cools very well. Without the a/c on both of mine rarely switch on the secondary fan unless in stop start traffic.

Get it checked out, the system should be flushed and coolant changed at least once a year imo.

While we are on it, the LS1's cooling system is self bleeding so that will not be a problem either unlike the V6.

I would suspect the common things, fans (switch the a/c on and off when engine cold - you will hear the fans go on and off), water pump, thermostat, radiator blocked, etc.
 

v8commodore

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I got a vx ss ls1 580hp engine still has standard cooling system and its all fine. I did have much same problem and 1 of the thermo fans wasn't coming on.
 
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