well while working on my car last weekend i accidently put a hole in my radiator and that pretty much meens its time for a new one, and i was wondering where i can pick up an aluminum radiator. should i just look around localy or is there anywhere that you guys recomend getting one. the solder is holding for now but this needs to be done soon, so the help is appreciated.

 

Check the junkyards first. Some or most/all of the 2nd gens came with aluminum radiators. They also have a higher capacity, so they cool better than stock...

 

I'm probally going to use the 19x26 radiator that ISC racing makes. But there is a bunch of different routes you could go, ISC also makes a rad that uses the stock mounts.

 

how complicated would it be to install a 2nd gen radiator would there be any fitment issues that i would have to deal with or is it pretty strait forward

 

and this is a little off topic but is it ok for the temp gauge to just barely move into the normal range and stay just to the right of the mark its been like this since ive owned it even in 105 degree weather

 

Yes, that is normal and where you want it. Generally, no more than 1/3 past the 2nd fat hash mark to the thin one. At the 1/2 way point, I begin to worry, if it hits the thin hash, shut it down and find out why it's running hot.

Fwiw, copper tranfers heat better than aluminum and it's cheaper. Downside is they can be heavier and produce more internal corrosion from galvanic reaction due to the dis-similiar metals.

Don't remember the site, radiators.com maybe, less than 125 for a new replacement.

 

im actualy buying another 85 gsl on sunday for $200 i'll probably just use that radiator and rebuild the engine to put in the one i have, thats almost the price of a new radiator so i guess i realy cant go wrong there.

 

The radiator is 2 years older than you are. What kind of shape do you think it's in and do you really want to trust a fresh engine without having it gone through by a shop?

 

If you want an inexpensive aluminum radiator, and you have some fabrication ability, you can do what I did: Buy a generic rad from eBay or Summit Racing or similar, weld L-brackets on the end tanks (mine's a crossflow), and reduce the outlet from 1 3/4" to 1 1/2". It is a little work, but you can get the generic rads for a song.

 

Very NICE ELWOOD!! I was just drooling..!