LT1 cooling system on your ride

[69LT1Nova]

So, I'm trying to get cooling system ideas for LT1 retrofit applications.

I pulled the motor out of my '96 Caprice this weekend, and of course the radiator is WAY too big to stuff into my '69 Nova. I'd like to bypass the throttle body to gain some HP...

I'm thinking about getting an aluminum radiator from Summit and rigging it up to work somehow with the LT1... or seeing if a local radiator shop would be able to shorten my original radiator (??).

Ideas, thoughts, pics? Thanks!

[69LT1Nova]

Everybody hung over from a long weekend?

[130fe]

You can use the 68 radiator you have already. For hoses you use 95 corvette upper and lower ones, you just have to trim them to fit. If you go to www.hotrodlane.cc street and performance, look in their projects sections under LT1 and there is some good info. For the TB bypass, there is some good info on how to drill and tap in the water pump and put a 90 degree 1/4 pipe 3/8 hose fitting and run it that way. If you need any good pictures or other info just let me know.

[69LT1Nova]

Cool, thanks for the link, I forgot to check out S&P. So that answers my bypass question... easy fix!

Next question - do you need to run a pressurized coolant recovery tank (like what was in the car to begin with) or can you just run a normal 'puke tank' like the older cars?

BTW - I've gotta buy a new radiator, my Nova was a 6 cylinder car. One of the universal fit aluminum jobs from Summit looks nice - good price too.

[paul67]

I'm running a normal puke can with mine.

[LT1Nova]

I have a Be Cool custom built radiator in my Nova. If I were to do it again I would get a universal aluminum one. Double check the neck/tube sizes. I used 95 Camaro radiator hoses, the bottom I thinK I trimmed off one end the top I cut some out of the middle and made an aluminum bushing to connect them.

[69LT1Nova]

Thanks for the info Jon! I've heard a couple of times now that the Corvette hoses fit almost perfect with a little trimming to shorten them up. You're the first I've heard of to use the Camaro ones. I'll be sure to check the neck sizes on the universal radiator... too small = different hoses, too big... well that can be fixed by a hose shop.

[130fe]

The 68 style radiator hose sizes are:
upper- 1 1/2", lower- 1 3/4"
I believe the newer camaro stuff of 1 1/2" or 1 1/4" on both sides, big difference. Use the vette hoses and you will be fine.
I also used a be cool unit but you would be fine with the universal type.