ZZP Radiator!!!

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=222&catid=109

97/98 GTPs used the same tranny right? They don't have any dimensions on that radiator so I have no idea if it would be the same fit. Now, the real question comes. Is that worth spending 200 bones on? They claim lower tranny temps, can anyone vouch?

best bet would be to check clubgp for those who have installed it.

I tried registering there, but it didn't work, my account was never approved. I searched the threads and couldn't seem to find anything. If anyone could maybe post a thread asking about them for me, it would be greatly appreciated.

RhinoFLA wrote:

I tried registering there, but it didn't work, my account was never approved. I searched the threads and couldn't seem to find anything. If anyone could maybe post a thread asking about them for me, it would be greatly appreciated.

the same thing happened to me at regalgs.org i tried joining 8 times...... never approved maybe im too baller?

RhinoFLA wrote:

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=222&catid=109

97/98 GTPs used the same tranny right? They don't have any dimensions on that radiator so I have no idea if it would be the same fit. Now, the real question comes. Is that worth spending 200 bones on? They claim lower tranny temps, can anyone vouch?

even the "stock" replacement radiator is quite a bit thicker than what came in the car new. I didnt notice a difference in temps but I still have the stock temp gauge and its not that accurate.

I would just go stock. It performs just fine, imo.

Hey FWIW, go to rockauto.com and look up a replacement Rad for a 97 Regal GS. They have multiple options, including an oversized aluminum one that matches the thickness of the ZZP one. 1 3/8th for $178. Betcha it is the same one.

Personally i would go stock. If you are interested in lower tranny temps, this would be a great opportunity to install a separate tranny cooler. I did see lower trans temps and more stable trans temps with an external cooler. Also I have to assume that the stock rad is working more efficiently with out the scalding hot trans fluid running through it....

I looked on rockauto, the cheapest for the regal was 140 something, and I searched parts for a 97 riv and the cheapest was 208???

Yeah that is what I saw. The 178 regal version was for the thicker one. Based on the dimensions it looks to be the same size as the one ZZP sells. Not sure why the riv one is so expensive but atleast you wont have to fab up any custom mounting system.

BTW, nice super low mile rivi...

Maybe i'll just spring the 178.. Thanks, it was swapped in right before I bought the car. Unfortunately the radiator is original...

My Radiator is leaking. Any recommendations or possible fixes that can be done? It shouldn't be to hard to remove or replace the radiator is it?

I wouldn't recommend fixing an old radiator. Buy a new one. Doesn't look too bad to replace, but I've never done it on a Riviera.

One Riv owner recently told me it wasn't bad... just don't forget to rehook the trans lines.

BillBoost37 wrote:

One Riv owner recently told me it wasn't bad... just don't forget to rehook the trans lines.

ive done it and once you get those fans out of the way you got plenty of room to work. Rehooking the TOP transmission line was a bitch. Id swear for the first 30 minutes that it wasnt the right radiator. Of course the bottom one went in on the first try.

Any idea on the cost?

Ridin-Rivi wrote:

Any idea on the cost?

my replacement was like $212 new. Might wanna replaced the main coolant hoses too if you haven't.

UPDATE... So I decided to look at my radiator today before I bought a new one to make sure that was the problem. I noticed that each side of the radiator is plastic. If your looking at the front of the car there is a hairline crack about 2 inches long on the right side. I squeezed the hose and saw fluid escaping from it. I might just try and use some type of high temp glue or epoxy. Any recommendations?

Ridin-Rivi wrote:

UPDATE... So I decided to look at my radiator today before I bought a new one to make sure that was the problem. I noticed that each side of the radiator is plastic. If your looking at the front of the car there is a hairline crack about 2 inches long on the right side. I squeezed the hose and saw fluid escaping from it. I might just try and use some type of high temp glue or epoxy. Any recommendations?

Good luck........ no joke but duct tape literally fixes anything..... BUT i would definately clean it good put some sort of adhesive and than duct tape over that a few times

Ridin-Rivi wrote:

UPDATE... So I decided to look at my radiator today before I bought a new one to make sure that was the problem. I noticed that each side of the radiator is plastic. If your looking at the front of the car there is a hairline crack about 2 inches long on the right side. I squeezed the hose and saw fluid escaping from it. I might just try and use some type of high temp glue or epoxy. Any recommendations?

Tried that, it lasted 2 weeks. I wouldn't do it.

You know, there's a reason there's no core charge or remanufactured radiators for sale...

Yeah, I read that glue doesn't work to well. I am either debating get one from ebay.com or radiator.com.

ebay.com = $125 shipped
radiator.com = $175 picked up...

Also. What is the best way to flush your system before you install a new radiator. Is this a fairly easy and straight forward job.

I would drain it all out, install the new radiator, fill it up with water, then drive to have your flush done. Or, you could just skip the flush and add the new mix.

NAPA sells a kit to repair the plastic radiator where it is cracked. But you will have to remove it to fix it right.

Bert

i would replace it, not repair it. i've never seen a radiator repair last very long. it is a temporary fix and nothing more.

on that note, i had to repair a friends toyota land cruiser when we were down in the keys last summer. we used it to tow the boat, and 1/2 way through our stay down there the side developed a crack. the local napa in marathon key (next closest one was in like miami lol) obviously didnt have a '91 land cruiser radiator in stock, and to have one shipped before we left would have cost over $900!! (for just the part+shipping) so i used every fix-it they had and monitored it closely the rest of the trip. we towed the boat all the way back up to Ga without a problem. next week the leak broke again so i replaced it for her.


best thing to do would be like AA said. drop in the new one, then flush it. there is really no way to flush it with the old one not working. you could buy the "flush" at the store, but i always just run it through with hose water until it comes out clear. it may take 2-3 times of complete fill, run engine, drain all, repeat. i also usually remove the tank and clean it by hand.