Radiator for Big Block
03-02-2018, 09:57 PM
#1
Heel & Toe
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Radiator for Big Block
Where can you get a OEM style radiator for a '71 Corvette with a 454. Mine has a aftermarket aluminum radiator that doesn't even fit the car. Someone just stuffed it in and didn't even bolt it down. It's too big for the mounts and is rubbing the frame rails. It's only a matter of time before it rubs a hole in the tank. Just want to go back stock with one that actually fits.
03-02-2018, 10:02 PM
#2
Safety Car
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2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I'd check with Wilcox here on the forum in the WTB parts section or call him directly.
He has allot of nice original stuff and probably has a reproduction that will fit better than the cobbled together one in there now.
Marshal
He has allot of nice original stuff and probably has a reproduction that will fit better than the cobbled together one in there now.
Marshal
03-02-2018, 10:23 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
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Where can you get a OEM style radiator for a '71 Corvette with a 454. Mine has a aftermarket aluminum radiator that doesn't even fit the car. Someone just stuffed it in and didn't even bolt it down. It's too big for the mounts and is rubbing the frame rails. It's only a matter of time before it rubs a hole in the tank. Just want to go back stock with one that actually fits.
I have a 71 BB and it fits perfect-the top supports fit without an issue- the bolts line right up.
The original hoses fit without an issue-
https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...minum-radiator
Really nicely made- in the USA.
The following 2 users liked this post by Richard454:
2tired (03-02-2018),
marshal135 (03-03-2018)
03-03-2018, 06:43 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
Dewitts.... The only way to go.
I have one in my 71' 454, my dad's 65' 396/425hp, and a 66' L79. The C2s we had Dewitts paint them black and do the repro oem stickers etc.
Great quality, oem fit and work perfect. Spend the money once.
I have one in my 71' 454, my dad's 65' 396/425hp, and a 66' L79. The C2s we had Dewitts paint them black and do the repro oem stickers etc.
Great quality, oem fit and work perfect. Spend the money once.
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marshal135 (03-03-2018)
03-05-2018, 09:39 AM
#10
Safety Car
make sure you have the wider core support to match the radiator.
Also be sure to have the same width shroud and use it, with the seals.
I run the wide 27.5" stock type replacement radiator and that cools my BB 180 rock solid.
Also be sure to have the same width shroud and use it, with the seals.
I run the wide 27.5" stock type replacement radiator and that cools my BB 180 rock solid.
Last edited by 69Vett; 03-05-2018 at 09:39 AM.
03-05-2018, 11:40 AM
#11
Team Owner
DeWitts is the gold standard IMO don't spend your money anywhere else. Not cheap but outstanding product with OEM look & fit.
03-06-2018, 10:43 AM
#12
Pro
Dusty older photo of a DeWitts installed in my '68 with a 454. Also a tiny peak at the end of a McJack shorty header. Both products, not cheap, but worth the bucks if you want non OEM stuff to fit well. I am one of those guys who generally prefers OEM, not just for originality because IMO in the majority of cases OEM is better than aftermarket. However, here are two instances when that really isn't the case. Same goes for the Lunati full roller in the engine. Sometimes modern is just better.
03-17-2018, 10:07 PM
#13
Instructor
I have a 68 big block radiator that I took out and replaced with a aluminum radiator. It worked fine with no leaks. Sitting around in my garage for about four years.
