Radiator hoses for 5.3 LS
06-20-2024, 09:41 PM
#1
Radiator hoses for 5.3 LS
Hey all,
im looking at options to help complete my build. I have a 5.3 with truck accessories and a 4th gen radiator all in my 3rd gen Camaro. I see a lot of guys talking about hoses and options for the ls1 water pump but I’m finding nothing for the truck water pump. Surely someone out there has done this and I’d love to know how to get by with an upper and lower radiator hose since I just paid for all new gates water pump and accessories and I’m past the return window.
im looking at options to help complete my build. I have a 5.3 with truck accessories and a 4th gen radiator all in my 3rd gen Camaro. I see a lot of guys talking about hoses and options for the ls1 water pump but I’m finding nothing for the truck water pump. Surely someone out there has done this and I’d love to know how to get by with an upper and lower radiator hose since I just paid for all new gates water pump and accessories and I’m past the return window.
06-20-2024, 10:38 PM
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Re: Radiator hoses for 5.3 LS
The 3rd gen rad fittings are in the same places as they are on a truck. Not sure about the sizes.
Try ones for a 04 Silvy and see where that takes you.
A quick clue from a longtime 5.3 owner: the thermostat housing is VERY prone to warping. When it does, you'll have a GIANT leak that will seem to be the WP and/or front cover gaskets. No need to ask how I know this. Go ahead and replace that (of course with the T-stat) before you put on the WP.
Try ones for a 04 Silvy and see where that takes you.
A quick clue from a longtime 5.3 owner: the thermostat housing is VERY prone to warping. When it does, you'll have a GIANT leak that will seem to be the WP and/or front cover gaskets. No need to ask how I know this. Go ahead and replace that (of course with the T-stat) before you put on the WP.
06-21-2024, 07:05 AM
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Re: Radiator hoses for 5.3 LS
You're best bet is to ask to go behind the parts counter and wade through the hanging hoses in the back of the store. Find the shape you need and prepare to cut the hose to isolate the portion you need. Buy a hose cutter, makes things super easy.
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Benjyc32 (06-21-2024)
06-21-2024, 08:26 AM
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Re: Radiator hoses for 5.3 LS
The 3rd gen rad fittings are in the same places as they are on a truck. Not sure about the sizes.
Try ones for a 04 Silvy and see where that takes you.
A quick clue from a longtime 5.3 owner: the thermostat housing is VERY prone to warping. When it does, you'll have a GIANT leak that will seem to be the WP and/or front cover gaskets. No need to ask how I know this. Go ahead and replace that (of course with the T-stat) before you put on the WP.
Try ones for a 04 Silvy and see where that takes you.
A quick clue from a longtime 5.3 owner: the thermostat housing is VERY prone to warping. When it does, you'll have a GIANT leak that will seem to be the WP and/or front cover gaskets. No need to ask how I know this. Go ahead and replace that (of course with the T-stat) before you put on the WP.
when I bought the new water pump from gates, I bought their recommended thermostat housing to pair with it so all of that is brand new.
06-21-2024, 09:02 AM
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Re: Radiator hoses for 5.3 LS
so even with a 4th gen Camaro radiator
Try ones for a 04 Silvy and see where that takes you.
Last edited by sofakingdom; 06-21-2024 at 09:06 AM.
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06-21-2024, 07:24 PM
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Re: Radiator hoses for 5.3 LS
Radiator hoses are something that seems simple, but in reality, you end up buying a bunch and returning most of them
Truck WP really limits your options with the neck pointing up. A truck upper hose requires a driver side upper rad port
WP lower isn't as tricky as it's roughly the same for all LS. I'd get a truck lower and 98-02 camaro v8 lower. There's a jeep and F150 hose that fit nicely too, search the LS forum for those
An alternative is to switch to a 2010-15 camaro WP. Lower hose won't change, but the upper points forward, instead of up. The hose will be a more traditional Z shape which there are a ton of options
It gets easier if you're willing to splice hoses together
Truck WP really limits your options with the neck pointing up. A truck upper hose requires a driver side upper rad port
WP lower isn't as tricky as it's roughly the same for all LS. I'd get a truck lower and 98-02 camaro v8 lower. There's a jeep and F150 hose that fit nicely too, search the LS forum for those
An alternative is to switch to a 2010-15 camaro WP. Lower hose won't change, but the upper points forward, instead of up. The hose will be a more traditional Z shape which there are a ton of options
It gets easier if you're willing to splice hoses together
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Benjyc32 (06-23-2024)
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