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I'm looking for a new radiator for my 406 Dart block. I've been running with the stock radiator ... which means temps run in the 180 degree range until you spend any sustained period of time with the dials turned up to 11. Driving too aggressively, or medium aggressive uphill and temps start climbing to about 220 until I back off and take the fun level down a few notches.
I had the cores checked in the stock rad... all looks good. I've also added a high-CFM fan, and a higher volume water-pump. I think its more that the old rad is designed for ~300hp SAE, and I'm currently running ... more than that.
I'm looking at a few radiators, and am trying to gather understanding, but am starting from scratch. I've read the basic articles that compare copper/brass rads to Aluminum. I' think I'm pretty clear on the physics; but as with most things in the real world, the physics only get you so far. That said, I believe an AL rad is what I need.
I can't seem to find a PRC rad that's meant for midyear SBs.
The biggest diffs I see are the CFM ratings in the fan (~1300 for Griffin vs ~2300 for Dewitt), the price (~$1060 for Griffin vs $850 for Dewitt), and finally, the Dewitt is tig welded, where as the Griffin appears to use epoxy. They both have 1.25" tube sizes.
I've searched the forums, but can't seem to find anyone with any info on either of these. Anyone have a worthy opinions?
Summit carries them. I'm using a 66 BB dual fan version for my warmed over 355 in my 65. Works great but this one requires a core support change to 66BB.
As soon as I pulled the motor and radiator out of my car last year, I knew the stocker had to go...
I went with the Dewitts (1.25” tubes as well) on my ‘66 with 385 HP crate motor and love it. The 2300 CFM fan makes the car sound like a Harrier, but the temps drop within 30 seconds of it coming on and it dropped right in and wired up easily.
Thanks all. This is what I needed. I'll get this ordered tonight, and installed next week.
I have an electric fan already in place. Believe it or not, the Holley electric fuel pump is far louder. The good news is once you get exhaust coming out the side-pipes... it doesn't really matter.
I just ordered the 4139024M dual fan BB rad sized for the SB bracket. I opted to not go for the Black Ice Coating. My 65 is far from stock, and I like the AL look. I notice the 4139024 rad has 1" tubes rather than 1.25". Should I cancel my order and go for the standard size rad with the larger tubes? Thanks!
Mike.
Last edited by Gonzo_65_L76; 03-12-2018 at 10:22 PM.
I just ordered the 4139024M dual fan BB rad sized for the SB bracket. I opted to not go for the Black Ice Coating. My 65 is far from stock, and I like the AL look. I notice the 4139024 rad has 1" tubes rather than 1.25". Should I cancel my order and go for the standard size rad with the larger tubes? Thanks!
Mike.
call Tom directly, ASAP before they put your order together
Called Dewitts directly to get their advice. For my needs, the BB rad and fan combo of the 4139024M is gonna be the best approach given the motor size and HP. I now know they should have been my first call! I'll update this thread as things arrive and get installed. I'm looking forward to getting my cooling problems behind me.
Many thanks to those that have responded thus far. In my ~25 years with midyears, Cooling always seems to be an issue (stock or mod). I was kinda surprised to not see more forum threads available for how best to address. I'll do my best to document the install and measure results for both stock rad and Dewitt 'Grand Pooba' rad. I'm excited to see results. The bummer is we have ~2 weeks of rain forecasted... which may put a bit of a damper on my testing.
I just ordered the 4139024M dual fan BB rad sized for the SB bracket. I opted to not go for the Black Ice Coating. My 65 is far from stock, and I like the AL look. I notice the 4139024 rad has 1" tubes rather than 1.25". Should I cancel my order and go for the standard size rad with the larger tubes? Thanks!
Mike.
That's not necessary. The 024M is a little different approach as this one is uses a dual fan package. It is designed to put the largest possible radiator in the car without cutting a bigger opening.
Dewitts just built a custom radiator for my 61 corvette to accommodate air conditioning and a top tank expansion tank. really great folks to work with and product is beautiful.
It's hard to beat Tom's expertise and willingness to do what ever it takes to make it work. I have used both brands some people just wont listen when you tell them what to buy. I have only had one problem in 20 years and it was shipping related. They sent out a replacement that I had in 3 days then they changed their packing to prevent it from happening again.
Mark
I got this from DeWitts. It is the bb radiator for sb rad support with dual electric fans. Installation was bolt in, but a few hours making the electric cables and relees look good. It keeps my ZZ502 cool at 180 to 190 degrees.
..... where as the Griffin appears to use epoxy.
Gonzo
Be glad you did not purchase the Griffin. I bought one several years ago and it failed (epoxy seam) exactly one month beyond the warranty period.
Charles
I bought one on ebay under 200 and its made in USA and its beautiful. It just happened to be the right size for my buddys rock crawler so he bought one to. put it in works just as good as a 500 dollar one. Sometimes you pay for the name.
I'm looking for a new radiator for my 406 Dart block. I've been running with the stock radiator ... which means temps run in the 180 degree range until you spend any sustained period of time with the dials turned up to 11. Driving too aggressively, or medium aggressive uphill and temps start climbing to about 220 until I back off and take the fun level down a few notches.
I had the cores checked in the stock rad... all looks good. I've also added a high-CFM fan, and a higher volume water-pump. I think its more that the old rad is designed for ~300hp SAE, and I'm currently running ... more than that.
I'm looking at a few radiators, and am trying to gather understanding, but am starting from scratch. I've read the basic articles that compare copper/brass rads to Aluminum. I' think I'm pretty clear on the physics; but as with most things in the real world, the physics only get you so far. That said, I believe an AL rad is what I need.
I can't seem to find a PRC rad that's meant for midyear SBs.
The biggest diffs I see are the CFM ratings in the fan (~1300 for Griffin vs ~2300 for Dewitt), the price (~$1060 for Griffin vs $850 for Dewitt), and finally, the Dewitt is tig welded, where as the Griffin appears to use epoxy. They both have 1.25" tube sizes.
I've searched the forums, but can't seem to find anyone with any info on either of these. Anyone have a worthy opinions?
Thanks,
Gonzo
Dewitt has a lifetime warranty, not sure if about Griffin,
I bought the DeWitts as well for my '64 going to get a big block swap car.
I thought about going with the Griffin and converting to the 67 big block support and running a shroud and mechanical fan. But by the time I bought all that I had spent what the DeWitts cost and I had to do a LOT more work.
I had them make mine with the 1.25" tubes as well. It looks absolutely beautiful in the box and hopefully it and the motor make it in to the car in 2018...
03-10-2018, 04:27 PM
Aluminum Radiator (Dewitt, Griffin, ???)
Gonzo_65_L76 you made the right choice.
