Radiator & Coolant for VY LS1

[mechatron]

Hi Guys, my existing radiator is cracked and I’m in the process of selecting a new radiator, new hoses and coolant and just needed to confirm a few things:

1. Is an ADRAD a good choice for a radiator?

2. A lot of people talk about Nulon products so I wanted to try their coolant. Which coolant am I best off getting out of these two?



OR



3. I haven’t been to the shops yet to read the instruction labels on these coolants, however can I mix with out of the tap water or must I use demineralised water?

4. With a new radiator and everything flushed, how much coolant/water mix do I need? 12L, 14.5L??? And is it generally 50% water, 50% coolant?

Thanks guys

[BLACK 346]

14.3 litres according to Nulon website. Yes the concentrated coolant is 50/50 and I would highly recommend demineralised water. Any reputable radiator shop should be able to supply a decent radiator. Maybe even try Holden to see how much an OEM one is?
Edit: Holmart have radiator for VY V8 for $155.

[mechatron]

14.3 litres according to Nulon website. Yes the concentrated coolant is 50/50 and I would highly recommend demineralised water. Any reputable radiator shop should be able to supply a decent radiator. Maybe even try Holden to see how much an OEM one is?

Thanks for the reply buddy. So does that means I’ll need 7-8L of coolant instead of 6L? Or could I just use 6L of the Nulon coolant and 8.3L of demineralised water? Would that be ok?

[BLACK 346]

I would buy another litre bottle of coolant. Also good chance to change all those horrible hose clamps to the worm gear style if it hasnt already been done

[mechatron]

I would buy another litre bottle of coolant. Also good chance to change all those horrible hose clamps to the worm gear style if it hasnt already been done

Yeah that’s probably a good idea as I just actually found my owners handbook and it did indeed confirm 14.3L for coolant capacity. Thanks buddy

[Micks]

Recommend the red GM oem coolant, not the aftermarket premixed stuff.

[Drewie]

Recommend the red GM oem coolant, not the aftermarket premixed stuff.

I agree with the above, I have had my VX SS for 18 years and always used the original Holden Dexcool coolant, changed ever 5 years. My mechanic carries the genuine Holden coolant, he checks the glycol level of the coolant each service.

[Micks]

I agree with the above, I have had my VX SS for 18 years and always used the original Holden Dexcool coolant, changed ever 5 years. My mechanic carries the genuine Holden coolant, he checks the glycol level of the coolant each service.

I reckon it actually works out cheaper buying this & mixing yourself.

[mechatron]

I reckon it actually works out cheaper buying this & mixing yourself.

Thanks Mick. With the red coolant from Holden, do I just need 5L (of coolant) and fill the rest with water or do I need at least 7L of coolant (with the rest water) to completely fill the new radiator and overflow?

[BLACK 346]

Thanks Mick. With the red coolant from Holden, do I just need 5L (of coolant) and fill the rest with water or do I need at least 7L of coolant (with the rest water) to completely fill the new radiator and overflow?

No different to the Nulon concentrate, it is 50/50. I run the GM stuff in my Calais and Nulon in the other 3 cars plus my old mans. Not sure if you csn get the GM coolant in 1 litre, I bought 10 and had a lot left over.

[Micks]

Thanks Mick. With the red coolant from Holden, do I just need 5L (of coolant) and fill the rest with water or do I need at least 7L of coolant (with the rest water) to completely fill the new radiator and overflow?

Pretty sure it's 4/5L bottle.

[BLACK 346]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Genuine-...-/261909136419
5 Litres and is about the same price over the counter from Holden if my memory serves me correctly.

Hope it isn't the same stuff that they use in the US? Can't seem to find a date on the article even to see how old it is?

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news...m_dexcool.html

[mechatron]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Genuine-...-/261909136419
5 Litres and is about the same price over the counter from Holden if my memory serves me correctly.

Hope it isn't the same stuff that they use in the US? Can't seem to find a date on the article even to see how old it is?

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news...m_dexcool.html

Yes I rang Holden yesterday and they quoted me $65, so very similar.

If I’m replacing the radiator and hoses (& clamps) should I also replace the thermostat as it is 14.5 years old?

[whitels1ss]

Just fixed up the little typo on the thread title for you.

[mechatron]

Just fixed up the little typo on the thread title for you.

Thanks Buddy