Any issues using non-LS radiator for LS2 swap

[rocketrod]

Prior to doing my LS swap I purchased a very nice radiator setup with dual spal fans. I would rather not sell it a huge loss to buy another radiator. Would there be any issues with using this radiator? If cost more to use it than selling my old one and buying another one, so be it, but I thought I would ask first. The motor is an LS2 out of a TBSS. Thanks in advance.

1. Upper radiator hose - I was thinking about buying a 5th gen camaro water pump. This moves the upper water pump outlet to the drivers side and make the upper radiator hose routing a little cleaner.
2. Lower radiator hose S&P sells a thermostat housing has a larger opening to align with the 1.75" port on the radiator.
3. Steam vent - No provisions for this in my current setup. What options do I have.
4. Fans - Currently there are two 185 degrees senors in the radiator to turn fan on/off. If I want to use the signals from the ECM do I just need to get fan controller, or can I use the ECM signal to trigger the relays?

[FatfreeGTO]

Use the radiator you have.

I used the Camaro water pump but used the one for the l99 with VVT and having the drivers side hose is nice. Was nice not having my rad hose cross my intake tube or anything weird like that. I was able to use a hose right off the shelf from napa #9006 to connect the water pump to my radiator. Also I cut into the upper hose a "tee" to run the steam vent used something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLOX-Water-H...#ht_500wt_1180

2. Napa also had a hose that I was bigger on one end and smaller on the other for the different size ends. I just had to search around on their wall of hoses until I found one that worked. It required minor trimming.

3. Your ecm should be able to control the fans. I just have a single 16" fan with the spal relay being controlled by the ecm.

Here is my build thread on Ls1tech.com if you want to see how my waterpump and stuff looks http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...-swap-vvt.html

BJ

[rocketrod]

Thanks for the info and links! Very nice GTO!!! I like how you made spacers for the Corvette accessory drive! I have the Kwik brackets on the car now, but I really just don't like the look of them....have to see what it looks like with my radiator in place.

One more question....where did you run the line for the steam vent?

[FatfreeGTO]

Thanks! I almost went with the Kwik brackets as well but just didn't love the look of them. I'm happy with the corvette bracket, just wish I would have done something to coat the aluminum so it doesn't discolor with age. The steam vent line from my upper rad hose goes to the crossover tube that is at the front base of your intake manifold under your throttle body, the tube connects the 2 cylinder heads together. This pic isn't mine but yours will look similar to this.

[rocketrod]

'm happy with the corvette bracket, just wish I would have done something to coat the aluminum so it doesn't discolor with age.

I hear ya...one of the first things I did was clean & paint the block, oil pan, water pump, etc. It makes cleaning much easier..

The steam vent line from my upper rad hose goes to the crossover tube that is at the front base of your intake manifold under your throttle body, the tube connects the 2 cylinder heads together.

I figured that's where it went, but it is easier to ask now versus having issues later.....thanks for the quick replies.
I also forgot to ask if you had any problems with your corvette accessory drive throwing belts with the custom spacers? This is more than likely the route I will go....I just need to find the correct water pump. Thanks again!

[FatfreeGTO]

Nope haven't thrown a belt yet (fingers crossed) that was a concern but it never happened. Just took about 4 different tries to get the proper length belt because I have the camaro waterpump, truck pulley, corvette alternator and power steering.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

If you have an aluminum radiator, you can have a -4 fitting welded in on the top and plumb to that. It is pretty easy to modify an aluminum radiator.