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Tom often replies here, but this could also be answered by anyone who owns one. My standard replacement C2 Dewitts sits between the bracing that steps out at 90deg pictured here :
Now I know the LS radiator is wider and has the tanks either side of these so does that mean in sits back further to clear them ? Just a bit hard to tell from the website how it actually mounts. Website also says "it will eliminate the stock upper mounting", so how is it held in then ?
64 presuming its original to the car ! The pic I used is just off the internet to show those braces which my car has, but the stock radiator fits between them.
That's what I thought. You need to use the single fan LS radiator designed for the 63-65 small block support. I used it in my 63 and it worked great. Plus, it provides more room for the air intake tube and filter over the 66-67 dual fam LS units from Dewitt's
I've used DeWitts radiators in both a small block support (like you have) and the big block support. The radiator will have two ~1/2" pins on the bottom like the original radiator that you put the stock rubber bushing on which then sits in the two horizontal supports at the bottom. You can then use the stock bracket on top that bolts to the support (for this dewitts will weld a loop on the top plate), or you can make your own support/bracket to hold it in place. For the last car I built I made two stainless steel "L" brackets out of sheet metal about 7" long that went up the side of the radiator to hold it in place. I put a thin piece of rubber between the bracket and the side tank to avoid metal on metal contact. Dewitts will make whatever you want, and the photos on the website are not 100% accurate as to what you will get. Best to call them and discuss. Lastly, check the clearance with your sway bar. You may need to have the bottom neck raised 2-3" to clear it.
You can see the bracket I made on the left side tank here:
The link below says its for a 63-65 SB (assuming that means small block) but the pictures show a dual fan setup and the description says the tanks sit on either side of the opening. However people with them say its a single fan that fits completely inside the opening like a stock one !
It appears they have two different radiators for the 63-65 model support, but the larger dual fan unit must stick out further if it is in front of those L channels. I would go with the single fan unit like i posted in my pictures above...much cleaner look!
I used the larger dual fan set up and it has presented many challenges getting it in the space. I went that route due to the 600hp motor, ac, etc.
i have the dual fan on the 67 convertible and it's a tight squeeze between the engine, air intake, and radiator. I had to pay a fabricator to custom make thecair intake due to the tight tolerances.
Well I guess this begs the question whether the smaller unit is any better than the Dewitts radiator that I already have or is it just the same unit with the fittings to suit an LS.
I was looking at the wider unit with dual fan setup to give me some cooling "headroom" for future mods, but if its a massive headache to fit in I might give it a miss.
Well I guess this begs the question whether the smaller unit is any better than the Dewitts radiator that I already have or is it just the same unit with the fittings to suit an LS.
I was looking at the wider unit with dual fan setup to give me some cooling "headroom" for future mods, but if its a massive headache to fit in I might give it a miss.
obviously the inlet and outlet are different and it has the nipple fitting for the steam vent. I had no issues at all with my 525hp LS3 driving it in the miserable heat and humidity of central Alabama. I had AC on the car as well. The electric fan pulls a lot of air through the radiator. I'm not exactly sure what your current set up is, but the dewitts radiator is certainly worth the money.
It appears they have two different radiators for the 63-65 model support, but the larger dual fan unit must stick out further if it is in front of those L channels. I would go with the single fan unit like i posted in my pictures above...much cleaner look!
That is correct. DeWitts makes both the stock size with a single fan and an oversize one with dual fan. The big one does lay on those angle braces and bolts to the core support with side brackets that are not shown in the web photo. Graphic guy must have brushed them out
That is correct. DeWitts makes both the stock size with a single fan and an oversize one with dual fan. The big one does lay on those angle braces and bolts to the core support with side brackets that are not shown in the web photo. Graphic guy must have brushed them out
I have not been able to find any definitive information on this. What are the parameters (LS engine HP, accessories, etc.) that would determine whether a stock size radiator with a single fan is adequate or whether the larger radiator with the dual fans would be necessary?
That is correct. DeWitts makes both the stock size with a single fan and an oversize one with dual fan. The big one does lay on those angle braces and bolts to the core support with side brackets that are not shown in the web photo. Graphic guy must have brushed them out
Thanks so much Tom for the reply. It would be good to get some dimensions of the big radiator and expected capacity (BTU I guess ?) as a comparison to others.
I actually run a dewitts aluminium replacement for a standard SBC Corvette, looks like its 4100 BTU rated. I just made the plumbing for the LS3 to work and it seems to be doing the job fine. Temps do climb to 215 in summer traffic which is supposedly "OK" for the LS, but the fan is almost always running and I get the feeling it is just getting by rather than dominating the cooling !
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Question about Dewitts LS radiator
