Performance Radiator for Pontiac Firebird (1993-2002) 5.7L Automatic

High-Efficiency 3-Row Aluminum Performance Radiator for 1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird

What it Does: Replaces failure-prone factory composite cooling units with an all-aluminum crossflow heat exchanger to eliminate thermal saturation and regulate transmission temperatures on 5.7L automatic models.

The Stock Firebird Cooling System Weakness

Factory 4th Gen F-Body radiators rely on plastic end tanks crimped onto a thin single-row core using elastomeric gaskets. Over years of thermal cycling, the plastic degrades, becomes brittle, and fractures near inlet necks and side tank seams. Additionally, the OEM core lacks sufficient surface area to manage the thermal rejection demands of hard-driven LT1 and LS1 small blocks, driving up coolant and automatic transmission fluid temperatures and causing electronic ignition timing retard.

The Engineering Solution

Engineered for maximum thermal dissipation, this crossflow unit features 100% TIG-welded 2 mm AA5052 aircraft-grade aluminum end tanks and a multi-channel vacuum-brazed core. The 3-row design utilizes 3/8-inch fluid row spacing matched with high-density 14-16 fins-per-inch fin packs to optimize heat transfer efficiency under low- and high-velocity airflow. A dedicated internal M12x1.25 transmission oil cooler (TOC) ensures automatic line fluid remains within optimal viscosity thresholds, while a durable brass petcock prevents stripped drain threads.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 1993-1997 Pontiac Firebird Formula / Trans Am (5.7L LT1 V8 Automatic)
• 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula / Trans Am / WS6 (5.7L LS1 V8 Automatic)
• Note: Automatic transmission applications only; does not fit 1982-1992 (3rd Gen) Firebird.

The Pontiac Muscle Caliber

Designed to sustain full-throttle output on demanding drag strips and street courses, this drop-in cooling upgrade provides dependable thermal headroom, shielding your small-block V8 and transmission from heat-induced power loss.