Thread: Spectra radiators...anyone use them?

so i tried calling a few places to see if they still carried the proliance 1-3/8" core radiators for the 98 monte carlos 3.8 but from what i read they are no longer made. so i called the local pep boys and gave them the product number #432387 and it came up as a spectra radiator that measures 1-1/4" core. im planning on changing my 166K mile radiator as i think its getting clogged inside(doing a few WOT runs my ECT goes above 180*F with a 180* T-stat up to 200*F not to mention my tranny temps goes up to 210*F even though im using a GM auxilary trans cooler as well ). so has anyone ran a spectra lately? they sell them at my store for $124.99 and comes with a lifetime warranty. thanks in advance!

also does anyone know how to remove the feed and drain hoses from the existing radiator? i tried to look at how to disconnect them but they look like it may need to be cut? i tried to read the how to found here but still no good. i dont want to shorten the rubber coolant hose anymore than i need as i have the other ends running to my trans cooler. again TIA!!!!

One of the Regal members said he found the Proliance 432387 in 1 3/8" size at a Pep Boys near Virginia Beach, so they seem to still be out there. I couldn't find any around me in the NJ area, so I contacted Proliance directly and they say that they are still made, but any new 432387 radiators will be only 1", so you have to measure.

I think the 1 1/4" spectra might be the one zzp is now selling. For $125, that seems like a good deal. Where are you located?

im located in PA near/around philly.

I'm surprised you found that 1 1/4" in this area. I had the Pep Boys up here (Lawrenceville, NJ) call around, and they couldn't find any in this distribution area. If you have the 1 1/4" in stock, PM me. I'll come down there and get one.

Originally Posted by BlackGS

I'm surprised you found that 1 1/4" in this area. I had the Pep Boys up here (Lawrenceville, NJ) call around, and they couldn't find any in this distribution area. If you have the 1 1/4" in stock, PM me. I'll come down there and get one.

only after i get this one first as i kinda need it...i'll let u know when another one comes in stock and i'll doublecheck if its 1-1/4"....i gotta doublecheck the one thats at the store right now. even though it says "1-1/4" core" doesnt mean it is in reality.

Originally Posted by fst

only after i get this one first as i kinda need it...i'll let u know when another one comes in stock and i'll doublecheck if its 1-1/4"....i gotta doublecheck the one thats at the store right now. even though it says "1-1/4" core" doesnt mean it is in reality.

No problem, just let me know. I don't need it right away.

Update on the radiator: I got hold of the Spectra and installed.

There were a couple small installation problems. First, the lower hose connection is angled inward, so the stock hose didn't fit right. Fortunately, I had another hose that fit perfect. The hose is from an older w-body (see pic for part number). Second, the fan bolt connection points were shallower on the new radiator, so I need slightly longer bolts (no pic, but you get the idea). Other than these two issues, it fits perfect and has a nicer fin design that is less prone to damage.

Some pics:

good to know. thanks for the pointers. looks like it'll hold and cool alot better.

Right after I installed, the weather turned cooler, so I don't have any tests with 90+ air temps, but I did run a test where I put the A/C on full blast and drove about 25 minutes. Outside temps were around 80. I know with the old radiator that coolant temps would have easily gone into the high 180's or 190's. With the new radiator, they stayed fixed at 180-183. My t-stat is 180, and my fan turn-on temps are 185.

i ended up getting a ready-rad from advanced auto. dunno who manufactures them but googled a few and seems its proliance? someone correct me if im wrong. anyways the rad i got is also 1-1/4" thick. i ended up using some zip-ties to hold the rad in place....ghetto i know but since i took out my ac condenser the 2 upper rad holders are useless. my only issue is the driver side fan blade or rather the plastic circle around it seems to be uneven and it'll rub a section on the fins off the radiator. whats s good way around this? add in washers in between the fan and the rad?

I was checking on RockAuto a few months ago and they have the 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 radiators you initially mentioned. I think the Spectra 1 1/4 is now the same radiator ZZP sells for more.