1990 ZR1 radiator

[David C.]

Recently purchased a 1990 ZR1 and found out that it has a replacement all aluminum radiator which of course will not pass NCRS Judging. I have found a new radiator for sale that is said to be correct for "all' 1984 - 1990 Corvettes. My question is, did the 1990 ZR1 use a unique radiator? The GM part number on the radiator for sale is 52453612 and the Delco number is 20461.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 radiator

According to a GM dealer's online catalog the radiators are different. Strange thing the ZR-1 radiator is still available for less than $200, but the standard engine radiator is not available

[Joe L.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 radiator

Recently purchased a 1990 ZR1 and found out that it has a replacement all aluminum radiator which of course will not pass NCRS Judging. I have found a new radiator for sale that is said to be correct for "all' 1984 - 1990 Corvettes. My question is, did the 1990 ZR1 use a unique radiator? The GM part number on the radiator for sale is 52453612 and the Delco number is 20461.

David-----


GM #52453612 is NOT a correct radiator, even as a replacement, for a 1990 ZR1. GM #52453612 is a GM/Delco replacement radiator for a 1984 Corvette only.

The original radiator for your application was GM #3094929. That radiator was discontinued in January, 1991 and replaced by GM #52460411. The latter was available until about 2 months ago when it was replaced by GM #52473260 which remains available.

I don't know how the 3094929 and 52460411 and 52473260 differ. I would expect, though, that the differences are minor. There's no doubt, though, that any of these will SERVICE your application perfectly. I believe the 3094929 and 52460411 have no oil cooler provisions (i.e. for auto transmission) whereas the 52473260 does have oil cooler provisions which would be unused on manual trans applications.

If you want an absolutely correct radiator you'll have to try to find an NOS GM #3094929. At this point in time, that might be difficult since that radiator was discontinued more than 20 years ago.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 radiator

According to a GM dealer's online catalog the radiators are different. Strange thing the ZR-1 radiator is still available for less than $200, but the standard engine radiator is not available

Dick-----


The online catalog is incorrect. The 1990-95 ZR-1 radiators are the same as those used for 1990-96 L98, LT1, and LT4. There were a few different part numbers over the years but all are functionally interchangeable.

[David C.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 radiator

Guy's, Thank you for the information it saved me from making a mistake and spending$$$$ for the wrong part!!

[James W.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 radiator

David

i would join the zr1netregistry. Most of us ZR-1owners are on that forum. Great source for parts and advice. I picked up a spare radiator from a used 90 for a very reasonable price. There are some parts that can be difficult to track down. I stockpile some for future use. Kurt White at whiteracingproduct has a lot of NOS parts, if that's the way you want to go. No cheap, though.

jim

[David C.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 radiator

Jim, Thanks for the input and I did join the ZR1 Registry a while back and have been getting input from both NCRS and the Registry. I have also been getting advise from Tom Barr as he is our Chapter Chairmen in Arizona. As I get further into this car I may be talking to you as I know you have put your car thru the system. Thanks again Dave

[Richard M.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 radiator

I have an original 1990 ZR1 radiator that came out of a friends car, when he rebuilt his engine to a 415 ci, he put in a Ron Davis aluminum radiator, If you are interested in it you can pm me, I will make you a deal on it. Richard Mynatt