Radiator upgrade

[JRSViperRT]

If I am looking to upgrade my 94 RT’s radiator and the hoses to silicone for the Georgia summers, besides say a lower thermostat anything else that should be done while I’m in there?

 

[BoondocSaint]

Couldn't hurt to look at the idler pulley, tensioner, and serpentine belt while you have the access. Cheap and easy to knock out that preventative maintenance.

 

[TEALLIFE]

No need to change the thermostat to a lower temp unit. Especially if you don't have to replace the thermostat at all (i.e. it's working). Radiator and fans(or fan control) is what you want to do. I'd swap out the water pump if it's original while youre doing it.

 

[JRSViperRT]

No need to change the thermostat to a lower temp unit. Especially if you don't have to replace the thermostat at all (i.e. it's working). Radiator and fans(or fan control) is what you want to do. I'd swap out the water pump if it's original while youre doing it.

I thought about a new water pump as well. Is it better to recore the current radiator or get an aluminum 3 core that should fit right in?

I thought about a fan upgrade or replacement due to age and wanted to keep it as easy as possible to not have to modify a lot.

Do I need the whole 5-6 piece hose set that seems to be ~$500 ?

 

[daveg]

I would definitely change the T Stat to a 180 deg. Mine has been replaced and it definitely runs cooler at cruising speeds.
If you drive spirited, it will run warmer than the 180 but will come down to the 180 when cruising again.
No regrets having a 180 at all and would do it again!

 

[TEALLIFE]

I thought about a new water pump as well. Is it better to recore the current radiator or get an aluminum 3 core that should fit right in?

I thought about a fan upgrade or replacement due to age and wanted to keep it as easy as possible to not have to modify a lot.

Do I need the whole 5-6 piece hose set that seems to be ~$500

I only replaced the 2 major hoses on my gen 2.

I would have recored my radiator, but didn't want the down time and couldnt find anyone to do it locally, so I went aluminum. You can't go wrong either way (if it's a good quality aluminum). But i'd recore first if possible.

I believe there are fan kits for gen 1 out there.

 

[TEALLIFE]

I would definitely change the T Stat to a 180 deg. Mine has been replaced and it definitely runs cooler at cruising speeds.
If you drive spirited, it will run warmer than the 180 but will come down to the 180 when cruising again.
No regrets having a 180 at all and would do it again!

"cooler" doesn't necessarily mean better

 

[daveg]

"cooler" doesn't necessarily mean better

Does for Cabin Temps. Tator also recommended it and no regrets.
Just a suggestion, do as you wish!
PS, I know life before and after the 180, ill take the after.

 

[99RT10GTS]

I sell upgraded Gen 1/2/3 billet water pumps if you want to upgrade.

 

[white out]

If you haven't swapped to K&N filters and smooth tubes, it would be an easy time to do that. Like said above, anything pulley related would be easier with radiator out.

I replaced the HVAC after doing the entire system - one sprung a leak. If you are emptying the entire cooling system, I would do the hvac as a 'while you're in there' item moreso than anything else because they likely will not fail, but if they do, you get to drain/fill/burp the system again.

I went with ViperPartsUSA 3 core radiator and my car runs cold on the highway.

 

[JRSViperRT]

I sell upgraded Gen 1/2/3 billet water pumps if you want to upgrade.

Are they direct fit replacements ?

 

[TEALLIFE]

Are they direct fit replacements ?

They look like OEM pumps with the upgraded billet piece. So yes.

 

[99RT10GTS]

Are they direct fit replacements ?

yes