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Upgraded / all metal radiators?

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99 Grand Prix GT

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Hello everyone; this is my first posting on these forums. I've owned a '99 Grand Prix GT coupe for two years which had a newer 3.8 engine when I got it. It had the pulley housing coolant elbow leaks which I've just replaced with the after-market aluminum elbows. I replaced the thermostat and top radiator hose to discover I also need a new radiator. If I'm going to replace it I'd like an upgrade over stock; preferably something all metal which I've come to learn is quite a pain to find. One guy at a radiator shop I spoke with said it's a matter of finding something that will be the same size and bolt in easily. Apparently my car has two transmission lines going to the rad; is this all? Would anyone have a suggestion for a rad shop that sells such all metal rads for this car at a fair price? If the all metal one isn't possible I'd have to go for one with a plastic tank but would want a thicker one. I've read that certain Cadillacs used a radiator that is twice as thick but bolts in the same way; I also read about later Buicks with series III 3.8s that used better and interchangeable rads. Anyone know what other GM models' rads I should be looking for? I want something better than OEM. If you can please mention brands, model numbers, stores, shops etc. Thanks!
 


just replace it with a stock replacement, if you like you can upgrade to the gtp's i inch rad. the one you have is 5/8 th's.

im using a 5/8 in my sc car, its runs the same temps.
 
no, im telling you put a rad in that dont fit, like what your already trying to do.

it fits. its just a bit thicker in the core.

you dont need a larger rad either, you have a n/a car with a v6. ( not a race car) if your rad is shot a new one will be an improvement dont ya think?

and the engines supposed to run at 210 degrees. thats not over heating. its where it makes its best power and best mpg. aka made to run that hot.
 
I wouldn't replace the plastic elbows with the same junk part nor will I with the rad. All I want is suggestions for better more reliable rads that preferably will bolt in place.
 


good luck on your quest to waste money. you can get a nice new replacement one for like 50 bucks. keep in mind you need a trans cooler and if the lines dont fall in the same place you modding the lines now too. as well as some way to mount it. feel free to make more work for yourself tho.

and theres nothing wrong with the plastic elbows either.
 
Zzp has an aluminum rad, but you will need to also install a trans cooler as the one on that rad is aweful and makes the trans run hot.
 
You get what you pay for. I need to replace my blower motor again because I bought a generic part the last time it needed replacing. I don't want to have to replace this radiator again. If I can go to my local auto parts store and order a better rad from say an '07 Lucerne or something and stick it in place without modification why wouldn't I? I just need to know what models' radiators I could expect to match up. On the other hand I'm sure there's a rad shop somewhere out there that already makes the all metal rad for this car that I really want. I'd settle for the upgraded rad out of another model that used a 3.8.
 
very few bother up grading the rad, why dont they? cause it not needed. last you'll hear from me on this. like talking to a wall.
 


ScottyDoggs said:
last you'll hear from me on this.
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Finally. You don't seem to get that I'm looking to upgrade for reliability rather than performance.

Russosaur said:
Here guy have fun, make sure you add that trans cooler with it
http://zzperformance.com/zzp-oversized-aluminum-radiator.html
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Exactly what I was looking for and unable to find. Sad about needing a trans cooler. I won't go this route since it would be $100 just to ship the rad to me, let alone the extra money and work for the transmission cooler.

What I need to know is what other, perhaps newer GM models had similar fitting yet better radiators? I read somewhere that someone used one out of a later Buick with Series III 3.8. I also heard something about Cadillacs.
 
JamesIvey24 said:
you seem to be hearing alot of things.....but common sense apparently skipped you.
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I don't know why people must waste my time and theirs with such useless replies. If you have a suggestion for a better radiator than the leaky plastic stock junk I currently have thanks, otherwise don't let the door hit you on the way out.
 
Because we are trying to tell you, you don't need an upgraded radiator. There is no benefit for it. Just buy a stock one and move on. If you don't want our opinions/help, then don't ask. Russ already gave you a link so why are complaining?
 


want me to relink the zzp aluminum radiator again? otherwise, go find an all metal radiator with similar physical dimensions and use your mad fabrication skills. This is what we are saying. Other than the zzp, there's not another "drop in" all metal replacement, regardless of what car you "heard" it will fit from.
 
99 Grand Prix GT said:
I don't know why people must waste my time and theirs with such useless replies. If you have a suggestion for a better radiator than the leaky plastic stock junk I currently have thanks, otherwise don't let the door hit you on the way out.
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find another forum then. cause you been told already what to do, but you seem to think theres a better newer rad. and theres not, they are all made with plastic tanks. they all can crack for no reason, get used to crap breaking, you own a grand prix thats how old now? this rad lasted how long? please........


and im locking this dumb thread, good day.
 
unlike my car that is constantly plagued by radiator issues (poor design), the grand prix does not. the stock radiator is more than up to the task of lasting through whatever you'll throw at it for a very long time. why fix something that isn't broken?
 
Keeping opinions aside, please know that if you go with the radiator Eric suggested, you will need a different lower radiator hose. I believe it comes from that same vehicle.


Facts that I have learned working on hundreds of these cars:
The coolant elbows you "upgraded" are actually a downgrade. Years ago GM included the lower elbow into the alternator bracket (you called it a pulley housing). This cast elbow had a nice o-ring on it and GM started seeing a problem and quickly changed to two nylon elbows. The aluminum cast piece would corrode and when someone attempted to remove it, they often broke the timing cover where in enters. A nylon elbow can be wiggled easier in all directions as it has give. If necessary it can be broken and then removed as pieces. Those aluminum elbows, I have seen one break, they aren't super thick and beefy as they appear. Hopefully they don't corrode and cause broken timing covers, it is my hypothesis that they will.

The Caddy radiators are able to be swapped into Bonnevilles (92-99), honestly I doubt you'll get enough benefit from an all metal radiator to be worthwile, but that's my opinion.
 
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