Mike H.

I purchased my '70 about three weeks ago and now in the process of dealing with some issues. I noticed a radiator leak that seems to have grown. It is a 350 manual, with the small radiator. It seems logical to purchase a new aluminum that to rely on the 48 year old one. My real question is, should I move up to the 26" A/C size knowing that I will need to replace the core support and shroud as well? Is it worth the extra cooling capacity?

Thanks, Mike

resdoggie

If the cost isn't that much greater, then why not? Maybe a few years from now you may want a BB 700 hp swap. You'll want the larger rad then.

Mike H.

I do plan on a HP rebuild in the near future. By looking at the catalogs its minimally another 6 to 700.00 for a new shroud and support.

drwet

I haven't done the research, but I suspect someone like DeWitts could set you up with a rad that would both fit what you have, and provide better cooling.

gleninsandiego

subscribed

I have the same question for a 69

What is the difference in supports?

7T1vette

No. A 3-core modern aluminum radiator of the same size as the stock unit has MUCH more cooling capacity than came with that car when new. Save the grief of swapping the rad support, etc.

If you wanted to add A/C....maybe. But if you didn't live in hot areas of the country, that might not even be needed.

terrys6t8roadster

Glen, the easiest way to see the difference is to look a Dewitts web site, you can see the different size radiators offered for the 69s. The small OEM aluminum radiator and the larger brass one. The opening in the core support corresponds to the radiator size. Also the schrouds are different one is steel for the aluminum rad and the other is a 2 piece composit. T

derekderek

Just remember. GM went with the larger rad even as they went lower and lower hp in subsequent years. Kind of admitting small rad was a bad idea in the first place.

Mike H.

Looking over the swap cost and the comments regarding DeWitts radiators, I think for now I will try the stock size aluminum. It definitely helps to have other's opinions and thoughts. Thank you for the replies

Mike.

7T1vette

A 2-core radiator in the stock size may not do the job. You definitely need a 3-core unit, if you go with stock dimensions.

derekderek

It is a little bubbaesque, but couldn't the rad support side pieces be cut out so it will take a larger radiator? The. You just need top and bottom saddles.

doorgunner

I replaced my clogged/leaking/accident-damaged small-block brass radiator with a slightly wider aluminum unit that fit snugly. My overheating problems vanished

The13Bats

And they even added electric fans, both my 81s had them,

While purists can make great arguements im wrong the simple fact of the way i feel about it from owning many vettes over 35 years is c3s are old design cars and even when new the cooling systems were to me marginal because the least little hiccup and it might have overheating issues,

In my case florida, its hot here, i run a step up from mild 454 and plan to have at some point ac,

So with the price of aluminum radiators very low i feel about it the same way i geel about guns or condoms , better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it,

Why deal with a marginal cooling system when one can get a nice larger aftermarket aluminum radiator and have peace of mind.

I dont care if you buy champion, dewitts or ??? Any good aluminum unit is going cool head and shoulders better than stock.