NikC6

Hi,
I recently noticed that my 2006 corvette was leaking coolant.On checking with the dealership I was told that there is a radiator crack and also need to change the radiator support.The total quote for this was $1160.I wanted to check with the folks on here ,if any of you had to get the radiator and radiator support replaced and how much did it cost.

Thanks a lot for all the info and help.

BSE1956

Can you actually see it?
Did they offer to show it to you?
I would be suspicious of any dealership.
Cracked bottom hose or bad connection is possible too.
Get another opinion before handing them your wallet.

NikC6

Hi BSE1956,
I did get this checked with another corvette shop and they confirmed the same as well.However the dealership quoted price seems on the higher side.

Thanks..

drivinfast

corvetterecycling dot com has the skid plate used for $160. a radiator used or recored is not that bad.

if you can do the work yourself or non corvette shop you could get away with less than $600

RocketDawg

Used to have an Acura Integra and the radiator needed replacing (this was around 2000). The dealer wanted over $700 to replace it. I took it to an independent radiator shop and they used a better radiator, and the cost was about $180. Did a great job.

You might want to consider a radiator shop. That's all they do so they know what they're doing.

WAwatchnut

I was just quoted $1300 for the radiator replacement alone. This was to replace a Z51 equipped C6, so the radiator may be a bit more expensive.

One thing to note - even if you hadn't cracked the radiator and support, there is a high failure rate on the radiators due to GM's radiator design - metal core radiator with two polymer end caps... they tend to leak at the join over time.

You can replace with an OEM, or go for one of the aftermarket all metal radiators (like a DeWitt). They'll be a tiny bit more expensive, but should last longer.

napp e roots

I went with Dewitts for $700 for my 05 Z51 and did the install myself pulled it out from the top just do it yourself pretty easy just takes time

NikC6

Thanks everyone for all the info.I am thinking of going for a aftermarket radiator .

Red08

Dealers ALWAYS charge more for the same service

Gearhead Jim

We had two Bee-Cool radiators in our C5 that starting leaking within a year, despite careful installation by a very good tech. And that installation was a PITA with fittings that didn't match up, shroud that didn't fit, etc.

We put the stock radiator back in and it was still going strong after another 30,000 miles.

Our 2006 had 44,00o miles on the original radiator when traded, and our 2009 now has 61,000 miles on the original radiator. So some of them last quite well.

NikC6

Thanks everyone for response and advise.

Ahmer

Update on this issue? I noticed my 2005 z51 with a crack as well. How long did the replacement take? Also did you replace the oil cooler as well?

bario

I didn't need a new support but I did have my radiator crack this winter.(plastic end cap cracked)
My dealer wanted almost $1000.00 and I would have ended up with the same cheap GM radiator and a 12 month warranty.

I ordered a DeWitts all aluminum radiator during their January sale for just over $500. Lifetime warranty. Unpacking it revealed not simply a radiator but an automotive work of art. It was a shame to install it and have it covered up!

Pulled old rad. Installed Dewitts and new hoses. Did it myself in an afternoon. It's really not hard at all. Far better than the stock rad, half the price, better warranty, and as a bonus the engine runs a tad cooler in traffic and recovers from high temps much faster.

IMHO, Just say no to the dealers quote.

B

Red08

It always pays to get a second opinion

Moose_44

The drivers side plastic tank on my 07 split about two months ago. Picked up a new Z06 radiator for $150 locally (friend owns a shop) and installed myself. Pretty easy job. That's crazy money from the dealer!!

Ahmer

Ok well I have a z51 (so it hass all the coolers). I am pretty good at DIY. Anything I need to be especially careful about other than the typical know-hows. Like A/C adiator removal. I heard thereis a tab I havc to break off.

Also did you guys remove from the top or the bottom? (Procedure?, Pics?)

Ahmer

Ok well I have a z51 (so it hass all the coolers). I am pretty good at DIY. Anything I need to be especially careful about other than the typical know-hows. Like A/C adiator removal. I heard thereis a tab I havc to break off.

Also did you guys remove from the top or the bottom? (Procedure?, Pics?)

Ahmer

ok ordered the part ac delco 21539 GM# 10353889 for z51 MN6.

Moose_44

Take the fan off before you try to remove it, it makes it way easier and you won't need to break the tab off. Two people also make it easier. Fan will come out the bottom very easily, radiator out the top.

Ahmer

Now, how difficult is it to remove those pesky oil / tranny cooler lines off the old radiator AND besides Vice Grips any tips on removing old radiator hoses???