Anybody know the capacity of the coolant system for the LT1 engine? 10, 16, 20 quarts? Also, do you guys usually do the 50/50 mixture or lean more towards water? I live in CA, and not too concerned about freezing at night.

 

Cooling System

VIN Engine Code P (LT1)
With Manual Transmission . 15.3 quarts (14.5 L)
With Automatic Transmission . 15.1 quarts. (14.3 L)

50/50 is still a good ratio, because it provides good corrosion protection (important with the aluminum radiator) and lubrication for the water pump.

 

Thanks, Shoebox. You never cease to amaze me with all the information you have. You're like the "Cliff Clavin" of Camaros.

I guess with 14 thousand + posts, you've probably seen every question imaginable.

I checked your website and found the procedure, but didn't see anything about how much fluid. I'm glad that you also keep these these minor details, not just the "hot rodding" stuff.

I'm planning to drain the system this weekend, so instead of mixing coolant and H20 before hand. I was just going to add the H20 (1/2 capacity) and then add then filler up with coolant.

Again, thanks for the info....

 

shoebox is one of those rare individuals the i respectfully refer to as

The MAN

 

Draining the system won't get all the coolant out, so I suggest you mix your coolant/water ratio prior to adding fluid. Also be sure to use deionized water (available at any grocery store), not tap water. I live in San Diego and run 30% coolant, 70% water. Never had a radiator issue (146K miles) and the stock waterpump gave out at 40K miles (factory coolant mixture). I'm still on my second water pump (106K miles) with my 30/70 mix.

 

Most things on my pages are driven by posts on various bulletin boards. Since you noticed I did not have the capacities listed, I updated the page to include it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention and making my page better.

I agree with the pre-mixing. It is a good way to know exactly what is in there.

 

I always save my last anti-freeze container. Then when I buy a new gallon of anti-freeze, I pour half of it into the old container and fill both up the rest of the way with water.

If all you're draining is the radiator and what comes out of the water pump and hoses, 2 gallons will be more than adequate.