Correct fit/No splice radiator hoses for JTR LS1/FC radiator

[theantirotor]

Through extensive online searching, guess and check, and a nice, patient employee at O'Reilly Auto Parts I have tracked down a nice fitting set of radiator hoses for an LS1 FC with the JTR C4 Corvette radiator kit.

The LS1 waterpump has a 1 5/16" outlet and a 1 1/2" inlet.  The C4 Corvette radiator has 1 5/16" inlet and outlet.

This documentation uses all O'Reillys Auto Parts numbers, prices and links.  That being said, using the vehichle description of each hose you should be able to go to whatever auto parts store you have available and source the same part of whatever brand name they carry.

Also, if you want to follow the JTR instructions and put a petcok or steam vent line in the upper hose, the part numbers listed in the JTR install instructions would be just fine for a 2 piece upper hose.

LOWER HOSE:

Part #: Gates 23045
Original application: 2005 Chrysler Pacifica 3.8L V6 "Lower" hose
Cost: $15.99
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/GAT0/23045.oap?pt=01358&ppt=C0331

This hose has one 1 5/16" end and one 1 1/2" end.  Which is just what is needed for the engine/rad combo.  In stock form its obviously not even close to fitting.  When you trim the ends though, I think it is about as perfect as you are going to get for the application.  On the 1 5/16" end you cut one of the bends off right at the end of a short straight section.  On the 1 1/2" end you cut maybe an inch or so off.

Stock hose



Ends cut off


Installed in car



Hose clamps for lower hose:

Radiator end
1 1/4" I.D. Nominal 1 1/2' - 1 3/4' O.D. Powergrip Hose Clamp
Part #: Gates 32941
Cost: $4.69
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/GAT0/32941.oap?keyword=32941

Water pump end
1 1/2" I.D. Nominal 1 3/4" - 2" O.D. Powergrip Hose Clamp
Part: Gates 32948
Cost: $4.69
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/GAT0/32948.oap?keyword=32948



UPPER HOSE:

Part #: Gates 22147
Original application: 1993 Mercury Villager 3.0L V6 "Lower" hose
Cost: $17.99
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/GAT0/22147.oap?pt=01358&ppt=C0331

This hose has both 1 5/16" ends which is correct for the waterpump outlet and the C4 radiator.  Nice fit with just a little cut off each end.  Maybe 1" off one end and 3/4" off the other.  I might trim it a tiny bit more but that is a pretty good close fit that I am happy with.  Plenty of room for the P/S pulley and cooling fan though mine are not mounted in the picture.

Stock hose



Ends cut off


Installed in car




Hose clamps for upper hose:

Same size both ends
1 1/4" I.D. Nominal 1 1/2' - 1 3/4' O.D. Powergrip Hose Clamp
Part #: Gates 32941
Cost: $4.69
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/GAT0/32941.oap?keyword=32941


Both hoses together, both trimmed to fit.



What I really like about these is with a little careful trimming the hoses fit very well with virtually no stress being put on the radiator at all.  I didn't want to force a hose to fit and have it result in pulling on and cracking the radiator over time.  In the pictures I included with both hoses installed, the radiator is just resting on the lower mounting brackets and not bolted down at all.

So for about $53 you can get both hoses and shrink fit hose clamps for a nice clean setup.  Enjoy!

[willcoop]

Very good find, I  have been thinking about redoing my lower hose and that looks like it would work great.

[AndyD]

Thanks for sharing this info! The set-up looks good - how close is the upper hose to the waterpump pulley?

[theantirotor]

Not very close.  I will have to try to get a better picture in the next couple days I pulled the rad mounts and stuff back out for a while after I took these pictures.

[mayhamfx]

The top hose is the same one I'm using with my 86 'vette rad which I believe is very close to a JTR. I'm using the Dayco version 71751. The lower hose I used is from a 88-91 GM regal/Lumina/Cutlass/Grand Prix V6 2.8-3.1 Lower hose, trimmed similar to yours. Dayco pn 71372.

[theantirotor]

The top hose is the same one I'm using with my 86 'vette rad which I believe is very close to a JTR. I'm using the Dayco version 71751. The lower hose I used is from a 88-91 GM regal/Lumina/Cutlass/Grand Prix V6 2.8-3.1 Lower hose, trimmed similar to yours. Dayco pn 71372.

'86 Corvette rad is still a C4 so should be the same.  I will have to go take a peek in your build thread to see your hoses.

Edit:  Went back and looked and you had apparently already done all the leg work!  I had never even noticed before.

[nothix]

where can I buy this radiator?

[overkill-lt1]

any auto parts store, ask for a mid  80s vette . we sell them for 86.00 bucks all day at my store

[overkill-lt1]

this thread should be made a sticky

[nothix]

Is this the kit that everyone is using?
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_Mazda-RX7-FC-Radiator-Kit.html

Anyway to order it online?

[theantirotor]

?

Notch out what bracket?

[nothix]

sorry dumb question. edited the posted.

Is this the bracket I need?
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_Mazda-RX7-FC-Radiator-Kit.html

[theantirotor]

It could be.  Last I checked he didn't really have it listed on his site.  If you search around on this forum you can find info about it though.  I have one of those kits for sale that I used to make my own from.

If you want to order the kit from him you will have to call them up on the phone.

[nothix]

I just called and ordered a kit and radiator from JTR, and these hoses from Oreilly.  Thanks

[nothix]

what size steam vent T do I need for a 2001 LS1? or should I use a air bleeder?