Upgrade your 1955-1968 Corvette cooling system with a Direct Fit Aluminum Radiator:
1955-1982 Factory Corvette Radiators do not age well; GM did not design them to last longer then 10 years so if the coolant is not flushed out regularly, dissimilar metals in the cooling system and inefficient anti-corrosion inhibitors lead to internal structural failure. This will ultimately lead to a loss of heat transfer from the built-up deposits inside the radiator tubes leaving you with a hot running Corvette. If your 1955-1982 Corvette is running hotter than you think it should and you have a factory style radiator installed then a direct-fit aluminum radiator may be in your future to solve your Corvette’s Cooling System problems.
Corvette Radiator
Aluminum radiators have become the standard for Corvettes because of their lightweight and durable structure. Some factory Corvette radiators are made of aluminum (Original 55-82 radiators were copper/brass EXCEPT for 61-62, 63-67 327 & 68-72 350 4sspd w/o AC. They were originally aluminum.) and would work great if they had a larger core, were not sealed with simple crimp tabs, and did not have plastic end-tanks, but they are all made this way. With that said, the ideal Corvette Radiator would have a larger aluminum core and be completely welded together to make a complete one-piece unit. Many aftermarket aluminum radiators do cool much more efficiently then the stock Corvette Radiator but will fall into one of two categories: Epoxy sealed and those that are not truly “Direct-Fit”
Epoxy: Some use epoxy to seal the coolant lines running to and from the end-tanks. Though it may seem like one complete unit it can still be highly susceptible to leaks once this epoxy breaks down. When this happens it is back to square one shopping for another radiator all over again. Not Truly Direct-Fit: There are other aluminum radiators manufactured without the use of epoxy and because of the excellent craftsmanship they will keep your Corvette running cool for a long time. The problem is you will not be spending a nice Saturday afternoon installing them. Many will require multiple modifications some even to the extreme of manually bending the brand new radiator to make it fit your Corvette. Although they may be advertised as an “easy fit” they are not truly “Direct-Fit” Radiators.
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Core, Corvette Cooling, Corvette Direct Fit Radiator, Corvette End Tanks, Corvette Overheating, Corvette Radiator, GM, Performance
As with many low riding vehicles, C4 Corvettes are prone to getting cracks and chips in the lower air dam. Though most of the damage goes unnoticed it can have a direct effect on the performance of your Corvette’s Cooling System.
C4 Corvette Lower Air Dams
The purpose of a C4 Corvette Lower Air Dam is to direct air flow into the radiator cavity which begins the process of cooling your Corvette’s engine. If the first stage of the cooling process is interrupted by a cracked or chipped lower air dam the engine will not perform like it should. The reason for this is simple; lower air dams are designed a specific way causing the air flow to move smoothly into your Corvette’s engine. As many of us know; more cool, smooth air means more horsepower. Without a correct lower air dam less air will be directed into the engine ultimately leading to horsepower decreases.
At Zip Corvette we have everything needed to replace the lower air dams for all C4 Corvettes. Our 1984-1990 reproduction air dam kits are available in both the first and second designs. The first design air dams came without stiffening ribs and were used on 1984-85E and 1987-90 W/O Z51 Corvettes. The second design air dams came with stiffening ribs and were originally used on 1985L-86 and 1987-90 w/Z51 Corvettes. All 1991-1996 Corvettes used the same lower air dams.
When replacing your Corvette’s Lower Air Dams take notice of the lower outer retainers, the lower center retainer, and the air dam mounting hardware. If any of these components look a little beat up we have reproduction retainers and hardware kits to mount original style air dams on 1984-1996 Corvettes.
C4, Corvette Cooling, Corvette Engine, Corvette Horsepower, Corvette Lower Air Dam, Corvette Radiator, Corvette Spoiler, Reproduction, Z51
Upgrade your C4, C5, or C6 Corvette cooling system with a Direct Fit Aluminum Radiator:
With a 100% stock 1984-2009 Corvette the factory radiator will work efficient enough to keep the car running cool. As soon as you begin modifying your Corvette you are going to push the factory radiator beyond its limits. The reason for radiator failures in modified Corvettes is a result of the single row core design. The end tanks were made of plastic and held in place with small crimp tabs and a neoprene rubber gasket was used to seal the tanks to the core. Frequent end tank failures and gasket leaks are just a few of the common problems associated with factory radiators installed in modified Corvettes. For complete assurance that your next radiator will not fail consider a Direct Fit Aluminum Radiator. They feature press formed end tanks that are tig welded directly to the double row core, providing a permanent seal.
Stock Single Row vs. Direct Fit Double Row Radiator
At Zip Corvette we offer the best Direct Fit Radiators on the market for C4, C5, & C6 Corvettes. Our Corvette Direct Fit Aluminum Radiators are just what the name implies; a direct fit. Many companies offer replacement Corvette radiators that are considered “direct fit” but in fact most require some alterations. True Direct Fit radiators are designed to install into the stock mounting and use the factory connections without any modifications or adapters. Each Direct Fit Radiator starts with a USA made core that is furnace brazed in a force nitrogen furnace. They feature two rows of 1″ cooling tubes (which will help double the cooling capacity of stock radiators), a serpentine fin, and are epoxy free. Each Direct Fit tank is manually tig welded by expert craftsmen, providing the ultimate in strength and appearance.
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automatic, C4, C5, C6, Corvette Cooling, Corvette Direct Fit Radiator, Corvette Dual Fan Upgrade Kit, Corvette Engine Oil Cooler, Corvette Radiator, Corvette Transmission Cooler, LS1, LS6, Z06, Z51
Another new Corvette Part at Zip. This one for the C5 owner.
If you are looking for a way to upgrade your C5 Corvette’s engine department, consider a silicone radiator hose kit from Zip Corvette. Silicone holds up to deterioration and high temperatures better than your stock rubber hoses and looks much better, too. The 8-piece hose kit is available in red or black and fits both standard C5 and Z06 applications.
C5 Corvette Silicone Radiator Hose Kit
C5 Corvette Silicone Radiator Hose Kit
Upgrade your Corvette’s cooling system and its looks under the hood at the same time!
C5, Corvette Cooling, Corvette Hoses, Corvette Radiator, Corvette Silicone Radiator Hoses
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