A proper cooling system helps produce horsepower and protects your sizable investment in your LS engine. Don't cut corners; invest in an aftermarket aluminum radiator, water pump, and related equipment that's well suited to your engine. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, SWAP LS ENGINES INTO CAMAROS & FIREBIRDS: 1967-1981. Area = 228.05" 2. Now, for comparison, use the formula below to calculate the surface area of your radiator's core. We'll use our 27-inch tall universal radiator with a core height 22.25 inches; and a core width 18.25 inches for this example. Universal Down Flow Aluminum Radiator. Area = (Height) x (Width) Area = (22.25) x (18.25) Area = 406" 2. Do aluminum radiators need special coolant? Every available coolant will protect aluminum radiators. But you must dilute it with distilled or deionized water to ensure corrosion or other issues don't occur. This type of water should be available at your local grocery store or supermarket. Is ethylene glycol safe for aluminum? Do Aluminum Radiators Need Special Coolant? The key to maximizing the life of an aluminum radiator is not so much the radiator coolant brand as it is the water type. All coolants sold today will protect aluminum radiators. This wasn't always the case, however. Improperly grounded electrical devices can cause electrolysis to occur. 5. If the condition is still present after the grounds have been checked, it may be necessary to add extra grounds to the heater core and engine. A hose clamp can be used to secure a 16 AWG stranded copper wire to the heater core inlet tube. 5. Next, lightly sand the outward-facing sides of the radiator and cover them with fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. (Image credit: Dan Bailey) 6. Now, use a sponge and a bucket of water with a bit of dish detergent in it to scrub down all of the radiator cover parts. Engine Ice and Redline with Water Wetter work by lowering the surface tension of the coolant allowing it to get closer to the surfaces of the water jackets and carry more heat away than would be possible with more surface tension. For a cheap example of surface tension, we've all seen water bead up on a freshly-waxed painted surface. ICx3U.

do aluminum radiators require special coolant