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If you want to keep it stock check with Paragon as they are sticklers about Correct Replacement Parts. They are located in Michigan. No idea on the cost, if you want the correct date code, you may have to go with a company that sells salvage Corvette parts. In any case You will need to know if your car is a small block, or big block, has AC, and is automatic transmission or manual.
Pretty tough to beat DeWitts. Made in Michigan and a Forum Supporter. I have bought a couple over the years, never any problems and they fit. As an added bonus, they are 15 minutes from my work so I can pick up at their place.
Pretty tough to beat DeWitts. Made in Michigan and a Forum Supporter. I have bought a couple over the years, never any problems and they fit. As an added bonus, they are 15 minutes from my work so I can pick up at their place.
I put a Dewitt's in our 427/435, with a 180 degree stat, rebuilt water pump, new hoses and belts, new fan clutch, and a full seal set - it runs right at 180 on 100+ degree days in traffic. Amazing quality and fit. "When you buy quality, you only wince once".
And congrats on your new car! Pics, details, etc.............. Paul
I put a Dewitt's in our 427/435, with a 180 degree stat, rebuilt water pump, new hoses and belts, new fan clutch, and a full seal set - it runs right at 180 on 100+ degree days in traffic. Amazing quality and fit. "When you buy quality, you only wince once".
And congrats on your new car! Pics, details, etc.............. Paul
ordered Dewitt natural finish, would have preferred black. But mostly want it to work
1982 original paint n decals
friend had it for 29 years
After you get it installed: you might consider adjusting your coolant's pH afterwards. Adjust it to be in the proper 'safe' range, therefore you'll be sure to extend the life of your radiator/heater core. Of course use filtered or distilled water. Most out-of-the-jug antifreeze mixed with water, or the pre-mix isn't going to be in the correct pH range and therefore the metal objects in your system are going to act as the 'sacrificial anode' ....i.e. your heater core and radiator (since they are the thinnest elements they will fail first). There are a lot of articles published on this stuff (Google it). In industrial settings where failures cost production downtime (big bucks), they monitor critical pH readings quite frequently as a preventative measure. In buildings with boilers and many unit heaters, pH is tested/adjusted daily. Test with an inexpensive tester like below (I suggest getting the 3-pack ph sample tester for better readings). I have one and it works really well: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-PH-...AAAOSwRTZfFGSL
You could consider having your existing radiator re-done by a shop .... I've repaired several radiators myself over the yrs. Usually it's pretty simple issue. Once I figured out what NOT to do, they've all held really well. Radiator shops repair them all the time for big trucks and construction equipment .....vehicles where a new radiator is prohibitively expensive. Like a skid loader radiator, good luck finding one under $500-$600 bucks! But they can do car radiators just as easily. I've had a couple repaired back in the day. (in case you want to keep it 'original').
.....or Dewitts too.
That's what I did for 2TONE82 back in 2015 - recore the original as I want to keep her as stock as possible. It was an SOB to get out but we finally figured out the trick - removing the bolts for the radiator support that are UNDER the fenders allows the support to pivot and you gain that other 1/2" of clearance needed! I documented at this link if anyone is interested. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-on-82-a.html
Champion radiators are really good. Theres a wide range of applications. A lot of people use them on classics no problems, They are priced nicely too. Ive used them on old impalas and bel airs.
havent used dewitts, they get a lot of praise around here, and seem to spend more time on quality and details than most manufactures, for better fit and performance.
Probably the biggest difference you will notice is the tanks. Champions have boxy sides and dewitts spent more on manufacturing oem looking pressed tank rads.
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On my recent replacement on my 77 I wanted the pressed tank look, used a cheaper ebay one i picked up for 160$. Its a 3 row by KKS. It comes with nice stamped tanks, welds look good . and looks oem once painted. It fits nice, just need to use the larger rubber cusion mounts.
The drain plug is a little hard to get to. but it is very nice for the price. I havent had any problems 383, 2 years in sunny california. Not for everyone and not 4 rows, but i aint complaining at half the cost.
Radiator help needed
I put a Dewitt's in our 427/435, with a 180 degree stat, rebuilt water pump, new hoses and belts, new fan clutch, and a full seal set - it runs right at 180 on 100+ degree days in traffic. Amazing quality and fit. "When you buy quality, you only wince once". 
