How to Replace a Radiator in a Chevy Camaro

The powerful V6 engine in a Chevy Camaro will eventually produce residue buildup inside the radiator, and this will cause your engine to overheat. While you can clear the buildup out via a radiator "boil out," it is just as simple and cost effective to replace the radiator.

Things You'll Need

  • New radiator
  • Coolant
  • Jack stands
  • Drive your Chevy Camaro onto a pair of jack stands, giving you room to work underneath it.

  • Let the engine cool and drain the radiator by unscrewing the lower drain plug.

  • Remove the air duct assembly for older model Camaros, as well as the air filter. This is a large pipe attached to the top of the radiator.

  • Pop the radiator trim panel off the top of the radiator. There's also a cooling fan assembly you can remove in one piece, as well as the electrical connections.

  • Detach the upper radiator hose, as well as the lower. If you have a Chevy Camaro with an automatic transmission, there are two coolant lines running from the radiator to the transmission you need to disconnect.

  • Unscrew the two bolts holding the radiator to the radiator support. For older model Camaros, you'll have to work the radiator out from underneath, making sure the right corner clears your refrigerant hose. With a newer model, you'll likely have to try and pull the radiator straight up.

  • Install the new radiator, and reattach every hose and wire. Once you've replaced the coolant, run the engine for several minutes with the radiator cap cracked to bleed and residual air from the lines.