DeWitts Radiator std or HP - which one?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 874
Likes: 115
From: Round Hill Virginia
DeWitts Radiator std or HP - which one?
I'm going to be replacing my OE 4 core brass/copper radiator with a new one from DeWitts. I want the direct fit OE style. My car is a 69 L46 with AC. I'm adding power steering and power brakes. DeWitts has two (a standard version and a HP version and the only difference is the cooling tubes are 1" and 1.25" respectively) and have been told both are the correct replacement. The HP version is a few hundred more and I'm wondering if it's worth it or not beings I do have AC and FWIW the engine is being rebuilt and I plan to keep running the 180* thermostat. Thoughts one what's the appropriate version?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,755
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From: Lafayette Louisiana
I think either is good.
I always buy the HP version since I add Vintage Air and live in hot Louisiana. Plus big block is another good reason to buy HP.
Otherwise, the standard model is likely plenty good. You might contact DeWitts too for advice.
I always buy the HP version since I add Vintage Air and live in hot Louisiana. Plus big block is another good reason to buy HP.
Otherwise, the standard model is likely plenty good. You might contact DeWitts too for advice.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
I think either would be sufficient for your application, BUT if you ever decide to add some performance upgrades under the hood, the additional cooling from the HP would be nice.
Plus having the HP might be nice it you are stuck in traffic on a hot day or move to a hotter climate.
Plus having the HP might be nice it you are stuck in traffic on a hot day or move to a hotter climate.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Aug 4, 2021 at 04:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 874
Likes: 115
From: Round Hill Virginia
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 874
Likes: 115
From: Round Hill Virginia
I think either would be sufficient for your application, BUT if you ever decide to add some performance upgrades under the hoof the additional cooling from the HP would be nice.
Plus having the HP might be nice it you are stuck in traffic on a hot day or move to a hotter climate.
Plus having the HP might be nice it you are stuck in traffic on a hot day or move to a hotter climate.
So, I'm hoping the brain trust of the CF will offer some field experience with both units and if there's been any issues?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Long Island
If you get stuck in traffic the HP is better for you feet, that is what I went with..
Just watch the lower rad hose, you may have to shim the sway bar 1/4 inch, which is no big deal. I also have A/C.
Just watch the lower rad hose, you may have to shim the sway bar 1/4 inch, which is no big deal. I also have A/C.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 874
Likes: 115
From: Round Hill Virginia
My understanding is that dimensionally they're the same, and same as the original copper radiators. Is that not the case? Is the HP larger? Just measuring mine the "core is 26", maybe an 1/8" over, and 26.5" from center to center on the tank ends where the fit in the top and bottom core support brackets. For reference I'm looking at the 1239070M and 12439070M
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 874
Likes: 115
From: Round Hill Virginia
So, not a direct fit? I really don't want to shim anything. Did you go with the painted version...any photos?
Last edited by nix1981; Aug 4, 2021 at 04:52 PM.
Race Director
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From: Long Island
I went with the non painted.
They do cool much better. The quality is also fantastic..
Last edited by BLUE1972; Aug 4, 2021 at 05:16 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Michigan
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
OP,
When you purchase a DeWitts your are buying the best.
The best quality, the best materials, the best construction and the best customer service.
Are they a perfect fit, yes they are and this is the first time I've read that anyone has had to do anything to make one fit.
Keep in mind that our C3's are 40 to 50 years old and who knows why Blue 72 had to shim his sway bar.
As Tom stated above the standard size will probably be all you need, but if you want to plan ahead for any future upgrades go with the HP.
Worst case, you never need the additional cooling, best case, you have it when you need it.
Either way, it will be a huge improvement over the oem radiator.
Read through this sticky in C3 Performance and you will get all the information you need.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ed-topics.html
When you purchase a DeWitts your are buying the best.
The best quality, the best materials, the best construction and the best customer service.
Are they a perfect fit, yes they are and this is the first time I've read that anyone has had to do anything to make one fit.
Keep in mind that our C3's are 40 to 50 years old and who knows why Blue 72 had to shim his sway bar.
As Tom stated above the standard size will probably be all you need, but if you want to plan ahead for any future upgrades go with the HP.
Worst case, you never need the additional cooling, best case, you have it when you need it.
Either way, it will be a huge improvement over the oem radiator.
Read through this sticky in C3 Performance and you will get all the information you need.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ed-topics.html
Last edited by OldCarBum; Aug 4, 2021 at 06:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 874
Likes: 115
From: Round Hill Virginia
OP,
When you purchase a DeWitts your are buying the best.
The best quality, the best materials, the best construction and the best customer service.
Are they a perfect fit, yes they are and this is the first time I've read that anyone has had to do anything to make one fit.
Keep in mind that our C3's are 40 to 50 years old and who knows why Blue 72 had to shim his sway bar.
As Tom stated above the standard size will probably be all you need, but if you want to plan ahead for any future upgrades go with the HP.
Worst case, you never need the additional cooling, best case, you have it when you need it.
Either way, it will be a huge improvement over the oem radiator.
Read through this sticky in C3 Performance and you will get all the information you need.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ed-topics.html
When you purchase a DeWitts your are buying the best.
The best quality, the best materials, the best construction and the best customer service.
Are they a perfect fit, yes they are and this is the first time I've read that anyone has had to do anything to make one fit.
Keep in mind that our C3's are 40 to 50 years old and who knows why Blue 72 had to shim his sway bar.
As Tom stated above the standard size will probably be all you need, but if you want to plan ahead for any future upgrades go with the HP.
Worst case, you never need the additional cooling, best case, you have it when you need it.
Either way, it will be a huge improvement over the oem radiator.
Read through this sticky in C3 Performance and you will get all the information you need.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ed-topics.html
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
They fit every bit as good as the Dewitt and are very close to the specs of the Dewitt HP but cost a lot, lot less. Enjoy your Dewitt. I really enjoy my Cold Case.
Last edited by resdoggie; Aug 4, 2021 at 09:25 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,428
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From: Napa Valley California
The speed/ machine shop I deal is a Cold Case retailer.
He has a cross section cut out on his Cold Case radiator display and looking at it you can see that they also make a quality radiator.
He has a cross section cut out on his Cold Case radiator display and looking at it you can see that they also make a quality radiator.