Hi Guys, Have just developed a leak in a core of a VR 5L Steel radiator. Is it worthwhile re-coring the original steel radiator (quoted approx 120) or replace it with a modern copper or alloy radiator? I have been told to avoid the new ones and to stick with old faithful but I want more of an opinion. I also have a shift kitted Auto with stallie and was considering getting a trans cooler in the process. Would any of the modern radiators be sufficient enough to negate the need of a trans cooler? As in, should i shop for a bigger radiator to allow for the extra heat from transmission or is no such thing available? Thanks in advance for the advice and apologies for yet another radiator question!
From memory a new radiator is about the same price as a re core, you should be able to get a decent one under $200 easily. I think my new ADRAD one a few months back was about $120 but that's trade price. I have a separate trans cooler, and I think it's probably worth buying one. Mines a genuine one that's been there since it was near new as the car is used to tow our ski boat.
Thanks for the advice mate. Will look into an additional trans cooler. I had no idea that some of the Holden's came with them new! Do you need to have matching radiator and trans cooler internals to avoid corrosion etc? As in I should get copper trans cooler and copper radiator (or alloy/alloy and so on) so I can use an appropriate mix of water and coolant? May sound confusing but corrosion may be an issue if I have a steel radiator with a copper trans cooler or am i just confusing myself further? OR do they run off separate lines and not share fluids (yep im confusing myself....)
if u got a separate trans cooler u can pipe it directly from trans into the cooler n not have it run back into the radiator. If corrosion was a issue, im not sure there, i run alloy rad, steel trans cooler
I'm not sure how mines plumbed up, I've never really played with it. I think I would have an alloy radiator and possibly a steel trans cooler as well. Google some common replacement parts and you'll soon know what works together (i.e. standard radiator replacement and genuine trans cooler materials)
Cheers for all the info guys. Ended up fluking an awesome 5L Radiator for $40. Is an oldie but no leaks and no dings in the core or anything. $40 and half a day off the road and she is alive again! Schweeet
