1994 Chevy Camaro Z28 Radiator Upgrade - School Is Cool

Back in 2005, GMHTP went old school with a '94 LT1 Camaro, installing a bevy of performance parts, including headers, an exhaust, 1.6 roller rockers, aftermarket opti, new coil and wires, a timing set, and a custom tune. We were rewarded with 48 horses and 31 ft-lbs at the wheels ("Old School," July/Aug. '05). When a high air/fuel ratio was seen on the dyno, a new fuel system and 24-pound injectors were added, and with a new tune, the Z responded with an additional 16 hp ("Old School Fuel," Nov. '05).

Old School has now reached more than 140,000 miles, and is still running like a top; however, this last year saw its cooling system start to break down. As OS spends most of its time in Southern California, the relentless heat has regularly pushed the temp gauge into unsafe territory and 235-plus coolant temps became the norm, despite a 160-degree thermostat and a fan switch. Time for a radiator upgrade.

The solution was Fluidyne and its High Performance Direct Fit radiator for '93 to '02 Camaros and Firebirds (PN FHP11-93CAM). It is a high-efficiency, 38mm radiator with a brazed aluminum core, polished aluminum tanks, and everything necessary for installation, and it retails for $679.

For the installation, we turned again to Robert Barth of Strictly Performance in Van Nuys, California. Barth and his staff know their way around EFI GMs, and made quick work of this radiator swap. Follow along to find out how cool our LT1 became.

	Strictly Performance in Van...        read full caption Strictly Performance in Van Nuys, CA, is one of a very small group of Los Angeles-based EFI GM specialists; we'll be leaving this LT1 radiator swap in owner Robert Barth's capable hands.	The battery is disconnected,...        read full caption The battery is disconnected, and once the car is cool the radiator cap is removed. The Z28 goes up on a lift.
The lower radiator and bypass...        read full caption The lower radiator and bypass hoses are removed, and the trans cooler lines are unscrewed from the radiator.	The Z is lowered and the radiator...        read full caption The Z is lowered and the radiator cover is taken out.	The upper radiator hose and...        read full caption The upper radiator hose and air filter assembly are removed.