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PLASTIC / ALUMINUM RADIATOR
This is what we now feel is the best radiator for the V8 Z.
It is made for Stealth Conversions. It is the base radiator for 1984-1986 V8
Camaro’s, but with a thicker core (1-3/8" thick, compared to 7/8"
for a stock radiator). It is light, inexpensive, and does an excellent job of
cooling. It has the correct overall dimensions to fit in a Z car, and it has
an automatic transmission cooler in the passenger’s side tank. The heavy-duty
radiator for a 1984-1986 Camaro has a 1-3/8" thick core, but it has an
overall width of about 30" (compared to 25.25" on the radiator shown
above) which is too wide to fit between the frame rails in the Z car.
The genuine Chevrolet base radiator for the 1984-1986 Camaro
has a core that is only 7/8" thick. Also, the Genuine Chevrolet radiators
sometime have cosmetic problems (bent, or unevenly spaced fins) which has caused
complaints. The aftermarket radiator shown above is better than the genuine
Chevrolet radiator, costs less, and has fewer cosmetic problems. It also has
a thicker core, which is 1-3/8" thick, and has 18 fins/inch.
The inlet fitting is 1-5/16" and the outlet fitting is 1-9/16". If
you are using a 1-1/2" diameter upper radiator hose, use a hose reducer
bushing, available at most auto parts stores. Stealth Conversions also sell
hose reducer bushings.
When used with a powerful electric cooling fan (see pages 12-9
through 12-11), the radiator does an excellent job cooling the V8 Z.
WEIGHT SAVINGS
The radiator shown above weighs less than 10 lbs pounds (empty).
The side tanks do not hold a lot of coolant, and this also saves weight. When
the radiator is filled with coolant, it weighs 15 lbs. The aluminum brackets which hold
the radiator weigh 4 lbs, for a total weight of 19 lbs.
By comparison, a stock 280Z radiator weighs 20 lbs (empty),
and 30 lbs full of coolant.
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