( CSF #7249 )
The last generation of Chevy Camaro (6th Gen) and Cadillac CTS-V (3rd Gen) are impressive performance machines. GM did an amazing job in the design and engineering of both vehicles and they’ve been a big hit among enthusiasts. However, both cars suffer from severe heat soak on track or when heavily modified.
While this might not be an issue for casual owners, it is incredibly frustrating to most enthusiasts. Due to this heat soak issue, the Camaro/CTS-V will go into limp mode when you need power the most. CSF worked with LT1/LT4 experts at Griffin Motorsport and Chamberlain Speed to design a High-Performance Radiator to help remedy this issue.
Design & Engineering
When initially designing the radiator, there were several key features that CSF knew were important to the Camaro/CTS-V community: Increased performance, improved reliability, and OEM Fit & Finish.
Key Design Features:
- 20-25% increase in heat transfer efficiency using CSF’s new 5mm Fin & Exclusive B-Tube Technology.
- Improved cooling performance supports additional heat generated by high-performance driving, racing, increased boost pressure, and/or aftermarket turbo setups.
- TIG-Welded 100% All Aluminum construction offers incredible durability and longevity vs the factory plastic tank design.
- Drop-in fit installation using the factory mounting points, fan, and shroud.
CSF vs OEM
The original Camaro LT1/SS/ZL1 and CTS-V radiators from GM feature aluminum cores crimped onto plastic end tanks. While generally accepted as good quality and durable, this design is significantly weaker than the all-aluminum TIG welded design of the CSF Radiators.
| Feature | CSF #7249 | OEM 86551904 |
|---|---|---|
| # Core Rows | 2-Row | 1-Row |
| Core Thickness | 42mm | 36mm |
| Fin Height | 5mm | 5mm |
| Core Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Tank Material | Aluminum | Plastic |
| Construction | 100% TIG Welded | Crip on Gasket |
The CSF Advantage
The CSF radiators feature the latest 5mm multi-louvered fins. These fins significantly increase the heat exchange surface area improving overall cooling efficiency and recovery while still maintaining good airflow. The core is 16% larger than the original GM OE radiator. This core volume difference comes from the thicker 2-Row 42mm aluminum core. This both increases the fluid capacity of the radiator, and improves the core’s ability to dissipate heat.
CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology increases the heat transfer by approximately 15% over regular oval welded tubes. Combined with the new 5mm fins, heat transfer is increased by up to 25% overall. In addition, the super-efficient multi-louvered fins maximize airflow through the core for the best possible performance.
All Aluminum Construction
The combination of TIG-Welded 100% All Aluminum construction increases the overall strength of the radiator. This improves durability and longevity so you can be confident it will hold up to hard driving conditions.
Like most plastic OE aluminum radiators, the original units are prone to a variety of other issues due to plastic deterioration over time. The plastic from the tanks and hose fittings start to break down after a few years and the bond to the cores generally won’t last more than 10 years.
Built-in Transmission Oil Cooler
The CSF radiator also features a 4-plate transmission oil cooler built into the driver side end tank. It utilizes the OE connections for a seamless installation. It can be left disconnected for LT1 and SS models with a manual transmission. Both the ZL1 and CTS-V require this cooler.
5mm Core Upgrade
CSF always seeks to offer the ultimate cooling solution. The latest 5mm fin technology was introduced at the end of 2023 offers even more heat transfer area and thermal efficiency than CSF’s tried and true 6.5mm fins. Camaro and CTS-V owners are known to push their cars hard and CSF is confident this radiator is ready to take on the most demanding conditions in the world.
Plug and Play Installation
CSF designed these Radiators to easily replace the OEM unit. The Plug-and-Play “Drop-in Fit” installation means all the factory shrouds and brackets will line up and bolt on perfectly. This includes the Engine Oil Cooler on the left-hand side as well as the A/C Condenser on the front.
Why Upgrade?
Both the LT1 and LT4 engine produce a lot of heat, but the LT4 runs especially hot with the supercharger on top. Combine that extra heat with the front mount heat exchanger stacked in front shedding heat from the Charge Air Cooling system and the OE radiator can struggle to keep up. This kind of heat soak is exacerbated when upgrading the Front Mount Heat Exchanger, like the one CSF makes for Dedicated Motorsports (CSF/DMS #8205), from the extra heat shed from the Charge Air System.
CSF initially developed the 6th Gen Camaro & 3rd Gen CTS-V Auxiliary Radiators (CSF #8207) to help remedy the extra heat dissipation. However, ZL1 and CTS-V owners have continued to push the LT4’s power output to such levels that there is now a much greater need for a main radiator upgrade.
Testimonials
I wanted to send over a quick recap following our latest evolution of “The Katech Camaro.”
Dave Schotz
Coming off our third season, highlighted by a GT Class Championship in the Optima Ultimate Streetcar Series and a National Championship in SCCA Solo Nationals, we knew the next step for 2026 was increasing both power and sustained track performance.
We partnered with Zach & Dylin from Chamberlain Speed along with Griffin Motorsports and the team at CSF Radiators to support a significantly more demanding setup: a naturally aspirated Katech 7.1L (433ci), 15:1 compression engine producing 760+ HP, paired with a ZR1close-ratio transmission. This combination added over 130 WHP and 100 lb-ft of torque versus our prior build, making thermal management absolutely critical for consistent lap performance.
The CSF all-aluminum ZL1 radiator has exceeded expectations. Even in 95°F ambient conditions during back-to-back hot laps, coolant temperatures have remained controlled and have yet to exceed 205°F and typically in the 185-195 range.
More importantly, the system maintains exceptional stability lap after lap, eliminating heat soak and allowing us to push the car harder without performance falloff. That consistency directly translates into confidence and repeatable lap times on track.
For anyone building a high-horsepower 6th Gen Camaro—or simply looking for reliable, repeatable performance under demanding conditions—I highly recommend the CSF Racing radiator.
SCCAForums.com
Product Images
6th Gen Camaro LT1/SS/ZL1 & 3rd Gen CTS-V High-Performance All-Aluminum Radiator (CSF #7249) Features:
- 2-Row – 42mm Ultra-High-Performance Core
- Cooling Tubes with CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology
- New 5mm Tall Ultra Efficient Fins with a Multi-Louvered Design for Maximum Surface Area Contact
- Integrated 4-plate transmission oil cooler in the driver side tank
- CNC Machined Mounting Brackets and OEM Style Inlet/Outlet Connections
- 100% All Aluminum TIG-Welded Construction
- Satin Finish
- True Plug-and-Play “Drop-in Fit” Installation Requires Absolutely No Modifications
- Individually Leak and Pressure Tested
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
- CSF Applications:
- 2016-2024 Chevrolet Camaro AT & MT (LT1 / SS / ZL1)
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V
- CSF OEM Part Numbers:
- GM: 86551904
- GM: 86551905
- MSRP / MAP: $749.00 USD
Where to Buy
Preferred Dealer
Coming Soon…
Please contact an authorized CSF dealer or distributor to order.
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