Description
The CSF High-Performance All-Aluminum Radiator is engineered for the 6th Generation Chevrolet Camaro LT1, SS, and ZL1, as well as the 3rd Generation Cadillac CTS-V. These high-performance vehicles are capable of generating substantial heat during track driving, racing, heavily modified applications, increased boost pressure, and aftermarket turbocharger setups. Under demanding conditions, the factory cooling system can experience severe heat soak, potentially causing the vehicle to enter limp mode when maximum power is required.
CSF worked with LT1/LT4 performance experts to develop a high-performance radiator designed to address these cooling limitations while maintaining OEM-style fitment, improved reliability, and factory-like installation.
Key Features
- 20-25% increase in heat transfer efficiency using CSF's 5mm fin technology and Exclusive B-Tube Technology.
- Improved cooling performance for high-performance driving, racing, increased boost pressure, and aftermarket turbocharger applications.
- TIG-welded 100% all-aluminum construction for increased strength, durability, and longevity compared with the factory plastic end-tank design.
- Drop-in installation using the factory mounting points, fan, and shroud.
- OEM-style fit and finish designed specifically for the Camaro and CTS-V platform.
Design & Engineering
When developing this radiator, CSF focused on the key requirements of the Camaro and CTS-V performance community: increased cooling performance, improved reliability, and OEM fit and finish.
The radiator incorporates CSF's latest 5mm multi-louvered fin technology and Exclusive B-Tube Technology. The 5mm fins increase the available heat-exchange surface area while maintaining efficient airflow through the radiator core.
CSF vs. OEM
The original GM radiators for the Camaro LT1, SS, ZL1, and CTS-V utilize aluminum cores crimped onto plastic end tanks. Although the factory design is generally considered durable and effective for normal use, the CSF radiator replaces this construction with a TIG-welded 100% all-aluminum design for increased structural strength and long-term durability.
The CSF radiator uses the latest 5mm multi-louvered fins to significantly increase heat-exchange surface area, improving overall cooling efficiency and heat recovery while maintaining effective airflow through the core.
The radiator core is 16% larger than the original GM OE radiator. This increased core volume is achieved through a thicker 2-row 42mm aluminum core, which increases coolant capacity and improves the radiator's ability to dissipate heat.
CSF's Exclusive B-Tube Technology increases heat transfer by approximately 15% compared with conventional oval welded tubes. Combined with the new 5mm fins, the technology provides up to a 25% overall increase in heat transfer efficiency. The highly efficient multi-louvered fins also maximize airflow through the radiator core for improved cooling performance.
All-Aluminum Construction
The TIG-welded 100% all-aluminum construction increases the overall strength of the radiator while improving durability and longevity under demanding driving conditions.
Factory plastic end tanks and hose fittings can deteriorate over time. As the plastic ages, the tanks and fittings can become susceptible to degradation, while the connection between the plastic tanks and aluminum core can eventually weaken. The CSF all-aluminum construction eliminates the factory plastic end-tank design for a stronger and more durable radiator assembly.
Built-In Transmission Oil Cooler
The CSF radiator features an integrated 4-plate transmission oil cooler built into the driver-side end tank. It uses the original equipment connections for a seamless installation.
The transmission oil cooler can remain disconnected on LT1 and SS models equipped with a manual transmission. The ZL1 and CTS-V models require the integrated transmission oil cooler.
Latest 5mm Fin Technology
CSF introduced its latest 5mm fin technology at the end of 2023 to provide additional heat-transfer surface area and improved thermal efficiency compared with CSF's established 6.5mm fin technology.
Camaro and CTS-V owners frequently subject these vehicles to demanding driving conditions, and the CSF radiator is designed to provide the increased cooling capacity required for high-performance applications.
Plug-and-Play Installation
The CSF radiator is designed as a direct replacement for the OEM radiator. Its plug-and-play drop-in design allows the factory shrouds and brackets to align with the radiator and bolt into place using the original mounting points.
Why Upgrade?
Both the LT1 and LT4 engines generate significant heat, with the LT4 producing particularly high temperatures due to its supercharger configuration. The front-mounted heat exchanger used for the charge-air cooling system is positioned in front of the radiator and also releases heat into the surrounding airflow.
Under demanding conditions, the OEM radiator can struggle to maintain adequate cooling performance. This heat-soak condition can become more pronounced when the vehicle is modified with additional performance upgrades, increased boost pressure, aftermarket turbocharger systems, or other modifications that increase thermal load.
CSF initially developed auxiliary radiators for the 6th Generation Camaro and 3rd Generation CTS-V to provide additional heat-dissipation capacity. However, ZL1 and CTS-V owners continued increasing LT4 power output, creating a greater need for an upgraded primary radiator capable of handling higher thermal demands.
Development & Testing
Performance specialists assisted CSF in evaluating the initial radiator prototype and provided feedback regarding fitment and cooling performance during development. Following initial revisions, a prototype was provided to a member of the road-racing community for additional real-world evaluation.
Fitment
- 6th Generation Chevrolet Camaro LT1
- 6th Generation Chevrolet Camaro SS
- 6th Generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- 3rd Generation Cadillac CTS-V
Product Highlights
- High-performance replacement radiator
- 100% TIG-welded all-aluminum construction
- 2-row 42mm aluminum core
- 16% larger core than the original GM OE radiator
- Latest 5mm multi-louvered fin technology
- CSF Exclusive B-Tube Technology
- Up to 25% increased overall heat-transfer efficiency
- Approximately 15% increased heat transfer from B-Tube Technology compared with regular oval welded tubes
- Integrated 4-plate transmission oil cooler
- Uses OE transmission cooler connections
- Factory mounting points
- Compatible with factory fan and shroud
- Plug-and-play drop-in installation
- Designed for high-performance driving, racing, increased boost, and aftermarket turbo applications
