Radiator Question

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Jan 4, 2013 | 10:02 PM

johnnyw

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 259

Likes: 6

Radiator Question

My 71 convertible which is a 400 SB has a few leaks in the radiator and it looks to be a copper radiator. If I were to just replace it which is best for cooling Copper or Aluminum? I know it's not the original motor, the radiator has a couple of electric fans mounted in front of the radiator and I plan on leaving them on the car after replacing the radiator. It runs right at 200 deg. when hot and the fans keep it just below that when I cut them on. I would like to see it a little cooler than that. Also what is the best temp for a new thermostat? Thanks for any help.

Jan 4, 2013 | 10:09 PM

59LesPaul

Intermediate

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 43

Likes: 0

From: Over The Hills And Far Away

One word...DeWitts, check them out. They make a great radiator and their customer servcie is second to none.

Jan 4, 2013 | 10:16 PM

johnnyw

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 259

Likes: 6

Thank you, I sure will.

Jan 4, 2013 | 10:16 PM

gflash67

Heel & Toe

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

i agree i put a dewitts rad with the dual elect fans in my 71 454 vette which used to run a little hot in summer and it runs cool now even in high 90 degree weather

Jan 4, 2013 | 10:19 PM

Jeffery73

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 1,164

Likes: 1

From: Port Clinton Ohio

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13

As far as I am concerned, Dewitts is the only answer. My car used to overheat with the stock radiator. I put in the Dewitts and I can leave it sit idling all day and it won't heat up. I drove in the 4th of July parade here in town last summer. Temp was near 100 that day and I had no problem.
http://www.dewitts.com/

Last edited by Jeffery73; Jan 4, 2013 at 10:22 PM.

Jan 4, 2013 | 11:15 PM

johnnyw

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 259

Likes: 6

Thanks for the good advice. I checked out Dewitt's site and I think I will go with the radiator and fans comb and get rid of the old clutch fan and shroud both.

Jan 4, 2013 | 11:17 PM

F4Gary

Race Director

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 11,415

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From: Grapevine Tx

2018 C3 of Year Finalist

2016 C3 of the Year Finalist

Tom DeWitt makes the best Corvette radiator, bar none. And when you need to talk to customer service, you talk to Tom.

Jan 4, 2013 | 11:47 PM

3JsVette

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 14,998

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From: NYC NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyw

Thanks for the good advice. I checked out Dewitt's site and I think I will go with the radiator and fans comb and get rid of the old clutch fan and shroud both.