Summit radiator installation...

[click]

I got a the summit aluminum radiator probably like 10 months ago and it has been sitting in my room ever since. I'm ready now just before the hot weather of Southern Cali comes to install it. I've just been hesisant because im not sure how easy it is to install.

I'm going to take the radiator to a shop to have them install a petcock, but is there any other tools, brackets, i need. I know i need some kind of inlet tube so the stock overflow bottle tube will work, but which size? I've heard of two different ones from summit. Those blue anodized ones. And what do i need to clip my fan onto the radiator. And could i get it at summit since i will probably buy the inlet adapter from summit tonight or tomorrow. Thanks So Much...

 

[urban96]

subscribing...

 

[HISSIN50]

What size is the fan? AODE or 5 spd car?

You will want to do some fabrication. WHat I did (which you may not have to; I am an oddball and do things for strange reasons) is:

Relocate the CCRM. I Put mine under the MAF meter, though I might put it on the frame near the ABS pump like I think Oink did.

I made a bracket for the overflow bottle. Originally I used the stock bracket with a little U-shaped bracket to extend the bottle to sit against the outer edge of the stock bracket (where the CCRM used to be). This gives one more depth for the radiator. I decided I did not like that funky bracket and ditched it for one I made.

You will want to do some fab work for mounts. Some folks use the lower mounts as they are and reuse a top mount, but flip it around. I did not.

I had the trim the fan shroud a little. And do some other odds and ends like move the wiring harness that sits under the hood latch header.

Good luck.

 

[click]

I have a 5spd so i guess i dont have to aode fan. But do u know which size inlet tube adapter i need?

 

[Methodical]

Send it back to summit and trade for a fluidyne - drops right in. I hate spending big bucks for parts that must be modified to fit. Between running back and forth to the store, the cost of the material and my time it is not worth it. The money we spend on these parts ought to just fit. Just one man's opinion. Peace

 

[HISSIN50]

I actually run an Afco and did not need an inlet adapter, so I am not sure what you mean. Mine came with a 1.5" inlet bung, and the stock hose fits that.

Good luck.

 

[Zero Signal]

Someone already did a writeup on it, well worth the money. Try searching some more.

EDIT: I just realized that thread was at least a year old, so it's long gone.

 

[urban96]

i forget who posted this oridg. but heres the write-up i saved




Ok guys here's how I did it...

First of all it's part #SUM-380428
Size 28 x 19 x 3 1/2

First of all these pics everything was a little dirty anyway what you have to do is there are two mounts that actually hold the radiator in place that have to be removed to get the original out. The top drivers side mount you need to keep. After removing the radiator you slide the new one into place with ease, then that top mount you take the rubber grommet piece and turn it around, basically remove it and stick it back in facing the opposite direction, then you will find a small hole on the bottom drivers side near the radiator tank that you can take a bolt and nut and bolt the old upper bracket to and place the rubber grommet against the radiator to hold it in place, and amazingly the way it fits in there it is snug and does not move at all!! The electric fan is up to you how you want to do that, I used zip ties temporarily but the auto stores sell the special electric fan mounts that go thru the radiator and hold it in place, not sure how to explain but they should know what you mean when you ask for them, comes in a pack of 4. you need a 1/8x3/8 pipe threaded fitting to hook up the overflow line which isn't hooked up in the picture. In order to hook up the overflow bracket you have to cut (to seperate) the upper protruding edges and bend down the small portion that the bracket goes over and you should be good to go, of course you will have to slightly modify everything a little to get it to fit your application how you want it but it does work and great at that!! If you need any other help or ? lemme know.

 

[click]

yeah Methodical i actually though about that but the fluidyne is 200 bucks more, so i dont know. I think i paid 170-180 for the summit last august. So i heard that i can keep the bottom brackets and just flip the top brackets. And what do i need to mount the fan. And what about the overflow bottle. Are there any kits that make this easy? Brackets to buy or some kind of top radiator mount from upr.

 

[urban96]

EAR-984004ERL <- summit part number for the little connector to connect overflow tank. i also bought a 90 degree brass elbow from home depot so it wouldnt be sticking straight out

 

[HISSIN50]

Here is a thread I had saved when I was doing mine.

And here is the thread mentioned above (the post was by Slyvette).

Not sure if this is the kind of thing one was looking for, but it might help.

Good luck.