V8 HHR Build
#161
Yeah! It Fits
I have the radiator mocked up in the new hole I cut in the front. It fits well, I have to fab and weld in some new sheet metal pieces for the sides and then I have to duplicate the lower radiator mount on the Camaro. Should be easy, just take some time. I'm glad this setup worked, I really didn't want to buy an aftermarket cooling system. Big bucks.
#163
More Radiator Install
Spent the day building the lower radiator mount. I took a left over piece of 2x3 rectangle tube (from the sub-frame) put it on the band saw and made it 5/8 x 3. Made some extensions for the HHR radiator mounts off the engine cradle and welded it together. The driver side is complete because I had the Camaro rubber lower mount for that side. I left the passenger side long because I'll have to get that rubber lower mount from my Chevy dealer. At the same time I'll order the upper rubber mounts and adapt them to the top. The very best news about using the Camaro cooling system (besides 1. the cost and 2. I know it will work just fine) is that all the stock Camaro radiator hoses and the trans cooling lines will fit! ....I have enough design and build items on my plate.
#166
Done Differently
On the question of parts, I think the only future problem may be the rear axle assembly. From what I read on Ls1tech.com, the 10 bolt rear axle is no Ford 9" as far as being able to survive constant launches. I'll cross that bridge at some future time. For now I'll be content on building a Z28 in HHR clothing.