I installed the ColdCase radiator today. An alltogether uneventful installation. :-)
I scrubbed the original shroud with soapy water, dried it, and then misted it with SEM Laundau Black vinyl paint and it looks just like new. The radiator went in fine. No issues at all other than the overflow nozzle points down at a 7:00 position when a 1973 and newer Firebird needs it at the 9:00 position for the overflow tube to route to the factory catch bottle properly. Not a big deal but I had to find a different section of hose as it was one size smaller nipple and the original hose was too big.
The car did run at around the same temperature as before - around 195 to 200 with a 160 thermostat. It was 80 degrees outside. I will replace the thermostat tomorrow after I test it in some hot water to see if it is actually opening at the correct temperature. I just tested two old 160 degree units on the stove in some hot water and they didn't open til at least 170 or more.
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