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I am looking for a better radiator for my 1957. Currently I am running a stock radiator with a 383 stroker and it's just not cutting it. I do have the shroud in place. I suspect it's because the radiator was for an engine smaller than what I am running currently. I've put an aux cooling fan on it as well but I don't think that is helping at all. Thanks in advance
I purchased a DeWitts direct fit from Ecklers. It’s not the original stacked plate version, buts it is aluminum and made with DeWitt quality. Fits well and does a good job. Their stacked plate version has a higher heat rating. I did opt for the black coating. As I remember it is a couple hundred bucks cheaper.
Last edited by kingwoodvette; Jun 17, 2020 at 02:48 PM.
Reason: Add last sentence.
I bought a Dewitt’s combo radiator/fan setup for my ‘’67 327/350 about 7 years ago. It takes care of business even in Florida mid-90 degree temperatures with my A/C going.
I only need the fan in summer traffic jams and only for a few minutes a few times a year.
My 61 is running a 383 stroker. The Dewitt's radiator keeps it nice and cool, even with the factory clutch fan.
My 61 is also running a 383 stroker. My Dewitts radiator keeps it nice and cool, even with the factory clutch fan as well!!! Cry once when you buy it, or cry every time you use it. Your choice!
There are lots of things that can cause over heating if that is your problem. The wrong ignition timing for your engine for example is a big cause for over heating or an overly hot engine. Have you diagnosed the problem as the radiator or is it a guess?
Agree with Sky65, before you spend alot of money try to isolate your problem. Are you running a fan clutch? Is your fan properly fitted in the shroud? Half in half out is best Are you running the timing according to engine makers specs or your own? Are you checking heat with your gauge or an IR gun? Lots of thin gs to consider before spending money only to find you have the same problem.
Agree with Sky65, before you spend alot of money try to isolate your problem. Are you running a fan clutch? Is your fan properly fitted in the shroud? Half in half out is best Are you running the timing according to engine makers specs or your own? Are you checking heat with your gauge or an IR gun? Lots of thin gs to consider before spending money only to find you have the same problem.
This bit of conventional wisdom might need re-examination.
I recently looked at the engine bay of a '78 Corvette. To my great surprise I discovered the engine fan is fully covered by the radiator shroud. It is all the way in.
There has to be a reason the engineers decided to do this and it probably wasn't to reduce the fan's effectiveness.
The first generation 53-60 used a downflow, copper/brass radiator. DeWitts makes a real nice looking aluminum reproduction that cools a lot better than the stock unit and if you order it with the Black Ice coat it will sometimes slip past the judges.
This bit of conventional wisdom might need re-examination.
I recently looked at the engine bay of a '78 Corvette. To my great surprise I discovered the engine fan is fully covered by the radiator shroud. It is all the way in.
There has to be a reason the engineers decided to do this and it probably wasn't to reduce the fan's effectiveness.
The BB and SB C2 clutches had different lengths to make up for the relative length of the two engines. I assume to keep the fan in the same relative location to the shroud.
If you look at the airflow as a system rather than individual components, there could be a reason the C2 is one way and C3 another..
Somebody smarter than me probably has that answer.
This bit of conventional wisdom might need re-examination.
I recently looked at the engine bay of a '78 Corvette. To my great surprise I discovered the engine fan is fully covered by the radiator shroud. It is all the way in.
There has to be a reason the engineers decided to do this and it probably wasn't to reduce the fan's effectiveness.
That's something I've always wondered about. Having the rearward half of the fan blades grabbing at enshrouded makes me wonder about the engineering involved, esp. since the 78 you looked at is different. Hopefully someone knows.
I remember my '58 Biscayne fan/shroud looked like this. Fan was inside the shroud.
I've also read the leading edge of the fan blade is what bites the air while the trailing edge creates a low pressure area that helps pull the air come through the shroud.
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
Dewitts is the way to go. I just put one in my 66 A/C car and it has never overheated. As other members have said, there are lots of other things to consider: shroud, seals, fan, clutch, timing, and probably a few other things that I can't think of right now. Some big block cars even had the license plate moved away from the center of the car to help with air flow.
Radiator recommendation
