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Radiator recommendations

Old Mar 2, 2005 | 01:53 PM
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Default Radiator recommendations

Took mine in to get rebuilt and it was apparently beyond repair. So that being said, what would y'all recommend as far as a new radiator? Preferably one that won't break the bank?!

BTW... it's for a '79 L82, with AC.
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 01:56 PM
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Buy a DeWitts aluminum rad best buy for your vet and fits like a glove.
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 01:59 PM
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no need to look any further than DeWitts
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by C3w4sp


no need to look any further than DeWitts
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 02:20 PM
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Yikes... checked their website and it's $500 for their aluminum.... that's a little pricey.
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by buffed1978
Buy a DeWitts aluminum rad best buy for your vet and fits like a glove.

It's worth the dollars !!!

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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 02:42 PM
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Spend the money, get the right part. Why buy a part that is a generic fit and not correct in rejecting the engine's heat so you are constantly fighting an overheat situation.

With the proper maintenance, it will last 35 years or more.

Don
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 02:43 PM
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Hmm... they do have one with dual fans for $400... that I could do.


Edit: whoops, thats for just the fans

Last edited by Chumpzilla; Mar 2, 2005 at 02:53 PM.
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 02:47 PM
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I would go with the DIRECT FIT......
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 04:27 PM
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There have been a number of posts recently for radiator recommendations and they have all said to go with a Dewitts. Maybe we can get Tom to offer his famous forum discount to get all of us ready for summer.

Regards,

Jay
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 04:34 PM
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Its up to you but when I was shopping for a radiator, Toms were waaaaaaay out of my price range.
I bought a Griffin NASCAR universal Rad for under $180. The thing cools great. Installation was a snap and I saved over $300 bux to boot.
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Stewart's74
Its up to you but when I was shopping for a radiator, Toms were waaaaaaay out of my price range.
I bought a Griffin NASCAR universal Rad for under $180. The thing cools great. Installation was a snap and I saved over $300 bux to boot.
did you run an external tranny cooler?
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 04:42 PM
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Default Dont by junk.Get a DeWitt Rad.

I bought a DeWitt rad for my 78 it is one of the best things I have done for the vette.My car has about 400hp and it always would run about 210 to 215 no matter what I did.I put the new DeWitt rad in and it never runs hotter then 190.So spend the extra $$$$ and get the good one you wont be sorry you did. Buffed.
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by JRODDVETTE
did you run an external tranny cooler?
Yep....biggest one that I could find at Summit.
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 04:49 PM
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I have a 4spd, not an automatic. And I don't have anywhere near 400hp. And I sure like $180 over $500. Hmmm.....
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 05:02 PM
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When my radiator crapped out on me 2 summers ago, I was able to get an exact copper replacement through the parts store I worked at (alas I don't work there anymore, and can't get the deals I used to...on to bigger and better things)...even there it was $330, and that was with my employee discout of 10% above cost. However, it fit in right the first time, with all the seals and the fan shroud matching to where they should be. Personally, having the right part that fits the first time is worth more then a constant battle with an improvised part. Plus it's a corvette, and doesn't it deserve a little more then just your everyday car?
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Old Mar 2, 2005 | 05:47 PM
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Ordered a 4 core brass replacement for my 77 from auto zone,3 years ago no problems,fit perfect, will stay 190 all day. believe it was around $250. Only had to recut my rubber cushions to fit the thicker 4 core.
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