With the front end off our...
With the front end off our Camaro, you can see how the AutoRad core support easily bolts to the frame using urethane bushings and stainless steel hardware.
Building a cool Chevy is one thing. Building your Chevy to be cool and run cool is entirely different. So many factors can contribute to engine overheating, but it will usually boil down to a faulty radiator and cooling assembly. We wanted Project F73's engine to run cool with a reliable and lightweight cooling system. While reliability was our main concern, we also wanted to see if our cooling system could add to the high-performance image of our unique Camaro.
For help with our upgrade, we looked to AutoRad, which manufactures aluminum cooling systems that are in demand for many high-end street rods, customs, and muscle cars. The AutoRad advantage is in the product's craftsmanship and cooling efficiency. All the cooling systems are made from aluminum, including the radiator core, the water tanks, and in the case of our Camaro, the complete radiator core support structure.
We thought the AutoRad cooling system would be perfect for the Camaro so we went with the radiator and core support system, which included a new, brushed-aluminum core support structure, a dual-core aluminum radiator with A/C condenser, and a dual electric fan system with an aluminum shroud. This cooling system is strong and efficient, and as AutoRad explains, the furnace-brazed aluminum radiator core will last longer and won't corrode like standard copper and brass cores that use solder.
A typical system like this one isn't cheap, however; they are handcrafted and custom-fit for each application. A unit like ours will run about $1,900 for the radiator, core support, A/C condenser, and fan system-and headache-free installation. The staff at A&E Motorsports, who are also currently working on our Camaro's suspension system, will attest to that; they didn't have any problems bolting the cooling system in place. And all the factory Camaro pieces, including the front fender braces and hood latch brace, easily bolted in.
The AutoRad aluminum core...
The AutoRad aluminum core support frame is made from box tubing. The aluminum sheet panels are welded to the frame and ground to fit flush with the rest of the core support. Even the bosses are built in, to bolt on the factory hood latch bracket.
Bosses welded into the core...
Bosses welded into the core support provide the boltholes for the rest of the vehicle's front end. AutoRad recommends using a bit of anti-seize on the stainless steel hardware to prevent any accidental galling of the aluminum threads.
In addition to some weight savings, with its incredibly cool brushed-aluminum appearance, there's no price you can put on how the system looks once it's in the car. But more importantly, its cooling efficiency is practically an added bonus. So if you're in the market for a cooling upgrade, the AutoRad setup is a trick way to go.
Quick Notes
What is it
The ultimate cooling system for any second-gen Camaro
Our Thoughts
If you're looking for an all-in-one system, this is it
We ordered our AutoRad radiator...
We ordered our AutoRad radiator with the A/C condenser attached. It's also available with an optional transmission and/or oil coolers.
AutoRad carefully details...
AutoRad carefully details and welds its cooling systems. Ours has a brushed finish, they are also available polished or black anodized.
Our system also came with...
Our system also came with the optional dual Maradyne electric fans mounted in an aluminum shroud. The Maradyne M142K low-profile, S-blade fans are lightweight and efficient. Each produces 2,135 cfm and use 17.2 amps, so they are more than enough to cool F73's powerplant. The wiring can be attached to a Maradyne or Dakota Digital temperature controller and harness, also sold separately.
The radiator/fan one-piece...
The radiator/fan one-piece assembly is very efficient at cooling, while also saving weight.
The AutoRad radiator and fan...
The AutoRad radiator and fan assembly easily bolts onto the aluminum radiator core support with four bolts.
Once the radiator is bolted...
Once the radiator is bolted to the core support, the entire AutoRad cooling assembly is ready to have the front end reinstalled.