Please check out the pic first, explanation below. This concerns the ZZP front mount H/E for a 2006 Cobalt SS/SC (http://i47.tinypic.com/34ijm0k.jpg)

Hey guys, I have bolted up my ZZP H/E to the bumper using the large "half-circle" brackets welded flush to the top of the H/E, I'll call these the horizontal brackets. There's also two "vertical" brackets that stick up like a set of ears off the H/E. These are long and skinny compared to the horizontal brackets.

Anyway, I managed to bolt up the horizontal brackets very snug to the bumper where the holes line up. No problems there. Now, however, I believe it is impossible for me to bolt the vertical brackets now to the bolt stub (you bolt the vertical ones to an existing bolt that sticks out). This being said, the horizontal hold the H/E like it's welded to the bumper, is it necessary to use the vertical brackets?

Also, is it safe to drive a short distance without hooking up the vertical brackets?

 

Anyone have any experience with just using the horizontal brackets to bolt on? I don't think the vertical ones do anything, except prevent the H/E from dropping if the bolts break on the ones in the bumper, I highly doubt this would happen though with a 6lbs. unit, zip ties could hold the thing on...

 

Bump, looks like the OTTP h/e is EXACTLY the same, yet it only has the horizontal mounting brackets:

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/how-...bumper-221176/

So there ya go, looks like the horizontal ones are all that's needed. From looking at the pic, this is the EXACT radiator I have, just minus the two vertical brackets.

 

Someone help this guy!

 

LoL, thanks bro, the H/E upgrade is surprisingly under-documented compared to all other "how tos"

 

Ive been using the "horizontal" brackets only for about 3 months now

 

But let me add, this site has taught me so much, I've learned how to work on cars from here piece by piece. If someone helps me with this, then that's great, but damn, I've already reaped enough rewards here.

 

Thanks bro, pretty much the experience I am looking for. For me, it's how flush the H/E is to the bumper that sells this mounting style. The H/E has no ability to rock back and forward, it's parallel and stuck flush with the bumper bar.

So, the vertical tabs would only offer support if the horizontal tabs broke. Otherwise, the horizontal tabs prevent the H/E from falling due to gravity, they make it snug to the bumper to prevent rocking back and forth, and they definitely prevent it from getting pushed back toward the stock radiator.

In my mind, that's all angles covered for the physical forces being exerted here. Combined with the fact the unit is 6 Lbs. maybe 10 full of fluid, you have two 13mm hardened steel bolts, capable of 1000 lbs. each, holding the unit on, it's highly unlikely both would break at the same time.

I believe the key here is to check the bolts periodically, or before long runs, to ensure they are both tight.

 

I still have mine brand new in box lol hope I install someday

 

I sat on mine for 4 years, no word of a lie, just got it mounted yesterday. I know, kick myself in the ass. Install is easy as heck except if you try to use the vertical brackets. I easily got it bolted to the bumper by sliding it up between the radiator and the bumper from beneath the car. Heck, I didn't even jack the car up. It fits perfectly in the spot, almost like it was made for it

Now, I have to take the front clip off to connect the hoses to the stock H/E, so, even though you can do it without taking the front clip off, don't, you need to take the front clip off. I have no idea how some people are able to blindly connect the hoses, because you can't see a thing with the front clip on.

Basically, go out, and do it, I'm JUST at the plumbing stage, and I'm stoked to have some great cooling on the way while it's the hottest days of summer. I heard done right, the H/E can make your car feel like it does on fresh start, pretty much 80% of the time. That's wicked.