So would having a shop do a RAD flush help it or would it just be more beneficial to replace the damned thing? I know it is the original radiator so it may be due. I don't care about cost as much as I do getting the Big Red Machine running smooth and cool as the other side of the pillow.
Hard to say.
depends on what services are available where you are and how much you would have to pay for a new rad.
Here in canada, a new rad can easily go 500 CAD. But in the states, I’ve seen guys commenting that an oem rad can be had for around 100 usd.
I would say price out a “flush” (assuming they intend to “rod” the corr) and how much a new replacement would cost.
then go with what makes the most sense.
keep in mind, I’m trying to diagnose your overheating issue over the internet. I could be completely wrong here.
Best bet is to take my info and make an informed choice based on what you see.
I would probably try cleaning the outside of the core first to see what it does. Costs nothing to pull the shroud, spray the core with some detergent and run a garden hose through it backwards. if that makes no difference, perhaps try and look in the rad to see if your tubes look like they’re covered in mineral deposits.
Vette’s do tend to run a little warm when sitting still. Nature of the beast with everything scrunched doen as low as it can go and packed tightly under that clamshell. but 210-220 should be where it lives most of the time.
i have an issue with mine as it seems to want to run right at 230, which is too high for me. It runs at 230 because thats where the main and aux fan kick in and hold it there. My cooling sustem needs a good going through. I’ve only had the car about 2 weeks and gawd knows when the last owner gave it some proper maintenance....