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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Aluminum vs Copper/brass....just looking at prices,I know that some copper/brass rads have nearly reached $500....(not all manufacturers).
And Yes..there are some cheapo's out there available in both Alum or C/B...but....
I decided before I invest in a new radiator, my decision will be based on capacity and performance...AND PERFORMANCE TEST DATA.Not a poll..
I learned a few things driving the 78 vette in Amboy for two full days on the performance of the C/B with A/C running in 110 F weather...
With that experience,I now will be interested in more information than just cost....
So I'm still on the fence regarding Alum vs C/B...
By the way...On the trip to Amboy, I put 698 miles on the 78 between Friday-Sunday in ambient temps of 106-110 where ground surface temps reached 150 F (Raytek readings)...
Rich
And Yes..there are some cheapo's out there available in both Alum or C/B...but....
I decided before I invest in a new radiator, my decision will be based on capacity and performance...AND PERFORMANCE TEST DATA.Not a poll..
I learned a few things driving the 78 vette in Amboy for two full days on the performance of the C/B with A/C running in 110 F weather...
With that experience,I now will be interested in more information than just cost....
So I'm still on the fence regarding Alum vs C/B...
By the way...On the trip to Amboy, I put 698 miles on the 78 between Friday-Sunday in ambient temps of 106-110 where ground surface temps reached 150 F (Raytek readings)...
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Aug 1, 2006 at 10:02 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by rihwoods
Aluminum vs Copper/brass....just looking at prices,I know that some copper/brass rads have nearly reached $500....(not all manufacturers).
I decided before I invest in a new radiator, my decision will be based on capacity and performance...AND PERFORMANCE TEST DATA.Not a poll..
With that experience,I now will be interested in more information than just cost....
I decided before I invest in a new radiator, my decision will be based on capacity and performance...AND PERFORMANCE TEST DATA.Not a poll..
With that experience,I now will be interested in more information than just cost....
Rich
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: East Waterboro Maine
I for one found both the original post and Tom's reply very interesting and informative. What's wrong with offering a differing viewpoint? At no point did he make a sales pitch or even that the summit radiators are junk. He simply pointed out a few differences between the two. Why are you all raking him over the coals?
Lets all remember that the purpose of this forum is to exhange ideas and discuss their merits. That means eventually some vendors will chime in to offer their view of the subject. There's nothing wrong with that provided it's done in a respectful and professional manner.
My $0.02, flame me if you must.
Lets all remember that the purpose of this forum is to exhange ideas and discuss their merits. That means eventually some vendors will chime in to offer their view of the subject. There's nothing wrong with that provided it's done in a respectful and professional manner.
My $0.02, flame me if you must.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by Maine Vette
I for one found both the original post and Tom's reply very interesting and informative. What's wrong with offering a differing viewpoint? At no point did he make a sales pitch or even that the summit radiators are junk. He simply pointed out a few differences between the two. Why are you all raking him over the coals?
Lets all remember that the purpose of this forum is to exhange ideas and discuss their merits. That means eventually some vendors will chime in to offer their view of the subject. There's nothing wrong with that provided it's done in a respectful and professional manner.
My $0.02, flame me if you must.
Lets all remember that the purpose of this forum is to exhange ideas and discuss their merits. That means eventually some vendors will chime in to offer their view of the subject. There's nothing wrong with that provided it's done in a respectful and professional manner.
My $0.02, flame me if you must.
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
As far as there being a cheaper way to go, I guess there always is. You said "American Made" and I can assure you at $167 these are not made anywhere in the U.S.A!
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
Most people don't really care about the next owner of the car but I see this part of ownership all the time. People call me with parts not fitting and brackets not lined up and later we find the whole thing was customized.
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
Our warranty is 3 years, theirs is 3 months.
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
So the guarantee is kind of useless, everyone going in knows it isn't going to fit.
I just ordered mine today and will follow up with the results
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Let's take another perspective...i posted recently a thread titled "Aluminum Vs Cooper Brass radiators...in the link was test data that showed at 65 MPH,Aluminum was NOT superior to copper brass..I only posted that because I have never seen "test data" before on that comparison..I was dumb expecting at least a technical discussion about the the merits of the two radiator designs...that DID not happen....
I have an open mind re the two radiators....but no one will sell me on just testimonials alone...
SO...in the interest of getting hard data...
http://www.usradiator.com/testing.htm
BTW..I never have knocked any forum vendors aluminum radiator products....in fact,I have posted many links to Tom Dewitts PDFcooling article in many posts on forum members threads concerning radiator issues with 68-82 Corvettes...
I have an open mind re the two radiators....but no one will sell me on just testimonials alone...
SO...in the interest of getting hard data...
http://www.usradiator.com/testing.htm
BTW..I never have knocked any forum vendors aluminum radiator products....in fact,I have posted many links to Tom Dewitts PDFcooling article in many posts on forum members threads concerning radiator issues with 68-82 Corvettes...
Last edited by rihwoods; Aug 4, 2006 at 09:52 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by rihwoods
Let's take another perspective...i posted recently a thread titled "Aluminum Vs Cooper Brass radiators...in the link was test data that showed at 65 MPH,Aluminum was NOT superior to copper brass..I only posted that because I have never seen "test data" before on that comparison..I was dumb expecting at least a technical discussion about the the merits of the two radiator designs...that DID not happen....
I have an open mind re the two radiators....but no one will sell me on just testimonials alone...
SO...in the interest of getting hard data...
http://www.usradiator.com/testing.htm
BTW..I never have knocked any forum vendors aluminum radiator products....in fact,I have posted many links to Tom Dewitts PDFcooling article in many posts on forum members threads concerning radiator issues with 68-82 Corvettes...
I have an open mind re the two radiators....but no one will sell me on just testimonials alone...
SO...in the interest of getting hard data...
http://www.usradiator.com/testing.htm
BTW..I never have knocked any forum vendors aluminum radiator products....in fact,I have posted many links to Tom Dewitts PDFcooling article in many posts on forum members threads concerning radiator issues with 68-82 Corvettes...
Very well said. Tom has a top notch product. I truly believe there are others out there though
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: East Waterboro Maine
Jclgodale3, there lots of different perspectives here which is what makes this place great! 
Regarding the made in the USA claim, I'm still skeptical about it despite what's stamped on the radiator...
Maybe I'm just being cynical but I think one of two things is going on - Either just the ends are made in the USA (and stamped as such) and then combined with a core made somewhere else, or the radiators are made entirely in the US but by poorly paid illegal aliens. I hope I'm completely wrong, but at the price they're selling for I just can't see how they can be made entirely in the US. When you think of all the costs associated with producing, marketing and distributing a product like that you've got to wonder.
So Greg, how's the setup been working in this heatwave we've been having?
Hopefully everything is holding up!
Regarding the made in the USA claim, I'm still skeptical about it despite what's stamped on the radiator...
Maybe I'm just being cynical but I think one of two things is going on - Either just the ends are made in the USA (and stamped as such) and then combined with a core made somewhere else, or the radiators are made entirely in the US but by poorly paid illegal aliens. I hope I'm completely wrong, but at the price they're selling for I just can't see how they can be made entirely in the US. When you think of all the costs associated with producing, marketing and distributing a product like that you've got to wonder. So Greg, how's the setup been working in this heatwave we've been having?
Hopefully everything is holding up!
Last edited by Maine Vette; Aug 4, 2006 at 11:55 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
....,....,....
and make things work versus the profit? His reputation in the CF answers that. He lives or dies by the sword. I am rather frugal and have never regretted buying a radiator from Tom. Maybe I could have saved some money. If things didn't work out, I have all the confidence that Tom would have done whatever it took to make the problem right. When, if ever, has someone had a complaint?
If you want filet mignon, you got to pay a littel extra.
Tom was one of the few who provided prizes for the Corvette show. That is money out of his pocket. He is not only an asset to the CF but to all vette owners.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by Maine Vette
Jclgodale3, there lots of different perspectives here which is what makes this place great!
Great information here, But perspective and critisism are very different. Greg has posted a follow up thread about how well this radiator worked and cooled his car in the heat he is experiencing. That is why I decided to try one myself
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by mandm1200
If things didn't work out, I have all the confidence that Tom would have done whatever it took to make the problem right. When, if ever, has someone had a complaint?
If you want filet mignon, you got to pay a littel extra.
Tom was one of the few who provided prizes for the Corvette show. That is money out of his pocket. He is not only an asset to the CF but to all vette owners.
If you want filet mignon, you got to pay a littel extra.
Tom was one of the few who provided prizes for the Corvette show. That is money out of his pocket. He is not only an asset to the CF but to all vette owners.
Outsanding product and customer care. But...there are 3 grades of fillet mignon...hence 3 different prices
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
The '68 core support is a unique piece, shared only by the '67 'Vette, I believe. I am going to find a '77 to 79 core support for my '68, so that I too cam use a large aluminum radiator.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Greg
I sent you an email awhile back ref your Rad install and you answered but I lost it
With the after market rad I guess the inlet and out let on the rad were straight out not curved like to orriginal and your were able to get the hose on no problem? I really want to make this work and from what I see a 74 and a 75 use the same rad, mine is a 4 speed also!
Thanks Mike
OBTW Would you send me your phone? With your premission I would like to call and talk to you....500.00 for a Dewitts is too much for me!
Mike
With the after market rad I guess the inlet and out let on the rad were straight out not curved like to orriginal and your were able to get the hose on no problem? I really want to make this work and from what I see a 74 and a 75 use the same rad, mine is a 4 speed also!
Thanks Mike
OBTW Would you send me your phone? With your premission I would like to call and talk to you....500.00 for a Dewitts is too much for me!
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,703
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Originally Posted by Maine Vette
I for one found both the original post and Tom's reply very interesting and informative. What's wrong with offering a differing viewpoint? At no point did he make a sales pitch or even that the summit radiators are junk. He simply pointed out a few differences between the two. Why are you all raking him over the coals?
Lets all remember that the purpose of this forum is to exhange ideas and discuss their merits. That means eventually some vendors will chime in to offer their view of the subject. There's nothing wrong with that provided it's done in a respectful and professional manner.
My $0.02, flame me if you must.
Lets all remember that the purpose of this forum is to exhange ideas and discuss their merits. That means eventually some vendors will chime in to offer their view of the subject. There's nothing wrong with that provided it's done in a respectful and professional manner.
My $0.02, flame me if you must.
Great job Greg and thanks for sharing the info.
Also, thanks Tom for adding your viewpoint. Equally of value and provides another point of view.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 733
Likes: 1
From: Coquitlam British Columbia
Thanks
I for one was glad to read Gregs original posts on this subject and also found Tom's to be informative as well.
Thanks to Greg and Tom for your orginal comments on this subject.
Thanks to Greg and Tom for your orginal comments on this subject.
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
Why?
It seems the rules for posting opinions are different for vendors. I don't see anything in my post that was offensive but others can call my comments "vendor BS" without a peep from anyone. Hey, I own a 1980 and I'm a C3er just like anyone else. I donated $1000 to your internet show and that didn't "surprise" anyone.
Did I tell the truth when I said the uni-rad was a manual only, No drain, and U channel? Yes. These were just observations that I noticed and I thought I would share them. Just maybe someone with an automatic would like to know that.
Now that someone posted a photo, I have a couple more observations but I dare not say anything. Maybe the best thing is for me to just sit on the side line and watch from now on.
It seems the rules for posting opinions are different for vendors. I don't see anything in my post that was offensive but others can call my comments "vendor BS" without a peep from anyone. Hey, I own a 1980 and I'm a C3er just like anyone else. I donated $1000 to your internet show and that didn't "surprise" anyone.
Did I tell the truth when I said the uni-rad was a manual only, No drain, and U channel? Yes. These were just observations that I noticed and I thought I would share them. Just maybe someone with an automatic would like to know that.
Now that someone posted a photo, I have a couple more observations but I dare not say anything. Maybe the best thing is for me to just sit on the side line and watch from now on.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: SAN DIEGO(SANTEE) CA.
Yes
Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
I guess it's a matter of opinion. It's why I chose to buy a C3 "used" and needing work vs buying one in perfect condition that someone else built.
****? Maybe...sensible? Absolutely! I get to "do it my way" and save money at the same time
****? Maybe...sensible? Absolutely! I get to "do it my way" and save money at the same time