I have an 87 Fiero V6. I'd like to keep parts original if possible. The radiator in my car is original, but it's never leaked. It's in pretty good shape too, but the radiator has a lot of bugs and small rocks in the grill. Is there a fairly easy way to clean the radiator? I think I remember that someone made a comb of sorts to straighten the fins and whatnot.
Is it easier to just replace the radiator, and are the replacements as good a quality as the original (and do they look the same)? Thanks!
The only thing I can help you out on here, is the tanks on that radiator are plastic, and after 23 years are most likely brittle. My radiator gave up the ghost last year, the left side burst and I had antifreeze everywhere.
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11:30 AM
Mike Gonzalez Member
Posts: 5093 From: Colorado Springs, CO. USA Registered: Jul 2001
I would keep the one you have, if its not broke.................... You can pick up a fin straightener at most parts stores, just a plastic thing with 5 or 6 sides with differently spaced "combs"
I have been running my 86 3800SC with the original 4cyl radiator and it never gets hot, so I like the originals !
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11:33 AM
PaulJK Member
Posts: 6638 From: Los Angeles Registered: Oct 2001
the replacements are Better than the original. the original has plastic side tanks that get brittle and crack; replacements have metal ones. they look the same.
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11:50 AM
css9450 Member
Posts: 5533 From: Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA Registered: Nov 2002
the replacements are Better than the original. the original has plastic side tanks that get brittle and crack; replacements have metal ones. they look the same.
Depends on the brand evidently. I bought a replacement and it had plastic side tanks.
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12:38 PM
Hulki U. My-BFF Member
Posts: 5949 From: Back home in East Berlin, PA Registered: Apr 2008
Replacements are kinda crappy. I got a readyrad and thought the quality was "iffy". Had to warranty swap within the first year for a leak. It is aluminum and plastic. Only looks oem if you have auto tranny. For manual, you have to cap off the tranny cooler. Personally, I'd keep the oem and replace the tanks if necessary
Modine. www.modine.com For Radiator and heater core is the only option in my book...
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I also use Modine. Last one I got for both my v8 Fiero and my 86 Corvette were only $120-$130 new each. (ya they were the same). If it just needs fins straighted, auto parts store has them like a 4 way drill key. It has 4 sides, each with different sizes. Mine was $5.
Modine. www.modine.com For Radiator and heater core is the only option in my book...
Who sells Modine heater cores? The Autozone one I bought doesn't heat nearly as well as the original did, before it leaked. My Autozone radiator leaked within the first year, too.
Try google etc... modine radiator or modine heater core
I thing heater core still make them... Last one I bought was wench head before napa bought them out.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Let me throw my 2 cents in here. I bought a new radiator from The Fiero Store for my '87 GT w/ 2.8 auto. trans. I also changed the 5 radiator hoses. I installed the Hypertech low temp. fan switch along with their low temp. thermostat. A new water pump was installed at the same time I put in the double roller timing chain. All these parts needed replacement. It gets hot here in central Fl. Now I enjoy a cool running Fiero with no worry about running hot or worse. I do not cut corners with any of my 6 vehicles. Whatever they need, they get, expensive as it is.Good luck to you.
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12:42 AM
Hulki U. My-BFF Member
Posts: 5949 From: Back home in East Berlin, PA Registered: Apr 2008
To add to this, the Fiero Store radiator has plastic tanks, I sent them an email yesterday and confirmed this. I will be purchasing the all-aluminum radiator from Ebay, looks to be a good deal, with minor modifications involved.
