Cooling / Radiator Mods

 

One of the small things I wanted to change from my original swap was the cooling system, or more specifically the radiator.  Initially I used a OEM 3 core HD radiator that came stock in an X-11.  I prefer overkill when it comes to these things, so I am not satisfied until I can be sat in gridlock on a 100* day with 90% humidity with the A/C cranked and have the temp stay right at 185*.  The original setup almost did this but tended to creep the temps up after 20-30 min in stop & go traffic.  The solution came from Master Yoda (Super D as we call him the Chevy Citation forum) - he found a Griffin all aluminum radiator from Summit for less than what a stock replacement cost.  The width and height fit very well, and the only problem was with the return outlet.  I had not worked with aluminum welding before, but how hard could it be - right ?? 

 

 

Slightly more capacity than stock.....

 

 

Going to need a bit more space...

 

 

Trusty Plasma cutter goes to work opening up the radiator opening...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now she fits !! 

 

 

 

Just got to deal with coolant return outlet..

 

 

The water pump inlet is 1.5" diameter, the radiator outlet is 1.75" & in the wrong place...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful !!

 

 

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