Generic Alum. Radiator Replacements
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Generic Alum. Radiator Replacements
Anyone using a generic alum radiator (31"x19") If so, what are you doing to address the straight rad. necks?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,726
Likes: 1,379
Take a look at my pics for what I did...
just shortened it a bit. Pictures aren't very clear but I think you'll get the idea. Mine is a 68 so keep that in mind.
for my small block 77 Corvette upper radiator hose and trimmed it to fit.
for the lower hose, you use a 1990 Ford Bronco radiator hose, or trim your original and put a 90 degree elbow in it.
here's a link to an old discussion
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...um_id=3&arch=1
for my small block 77 Corvette upper radiator hose and trimmed it to fit.
for the lower hose, you use a 1990 Ford Bronco radiator hose, or trim your original and put a 90 degree elbow in it.
here's a link to an old discussion
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...um_id=3&arch=1
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I'm installing a Griffin 31X19 in my '70 SB. I don't plan on doing anything with the necks - I'll just find some hoses that fit. 
carriljc -
I like the idea of using the Bronco hose for the lower. Do you know if it has a spring in it??
carriljc -
I like the idea of using the Bronco hose for the lower. Do you know if it has a spring in it??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
I run a Griffen 31x19 and went to the local parts store with the old hoses and matched up what I needed.The upper is a stock hose,the lower one looks like a Catipiller tractor engine hose,with the internal spring and nice yellow stripe.I did not trim or modify the radiator in any way to hook up the hoses.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 1
I put one in my car and did a write up here...
http://www.corvettefaq.com/listing.asp?group=1&sub=3
see the article titled "Griffin Generic Radiator and Dual Fan Install in 1971 Corvette"
http://www.corvettefaq.com/listing.asp?group=1&sub=3
see the article titled "Griffin Generic Radiator and Dual Fan Install in 1971 Corvette"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by Z-man
I'm installing a Griffin 31X19 in my '70 SB. I don't plan on doing anything with the necks - I'll just find some hoses that fit.
carriljc -
I like the idea of using the Bronco hose for the lower. Do you know if it has a spring in it??
carriljc -
I like the idea of using the Bronco hose for the lower. Do you know if it has a spring in it??
I just got my Griffin 31x19 1.25". I'm wondering how much i will have to mod my core support and shroud. The Griffin core is about 1.5" narrower than stock and 1/2" taller. I hope it ain't gonna take too much work to make it fit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I use a generic '89 camaro V8 rad, same size, aluminum single row, plastic tank, only 150 bux available locally....and because my car is such a hotrod amalgamation of everything, I routed the hoses with splices and copper plumbing pipes...
not totally pleased with the single row, wish it was 2x over what it is but it works adequately enough...
GENE
not totally pleased with the single row, wish it was 2x over what it is but it works adequately enough...
GENE
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by VETDRMS
I have the griffin 31x19" radiator in my car and it required no modifications. I just got flexible radiator hoses. It has been on there for almost 3 years now without a single problem.
Did you have a 4 core brass before and how much cooling difference did you notice?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
Turtle: I think I should mention I am using electric fans so I did not use the stock shroud, I did not even attempt to test fit it.
As far as cooling, I got the radiator when I built the 406. The car runs at 180 degrees, sometimes 185 when over 3500rpm on the highway. 100 degree weather it might get up to 190. The electric fans I am using are only rated to 250hp, but they have worked just fine since I got them.
As far as cooling, I got the radiator when I built the 406. The car runs at 180 degrees, sometimes 185 when over 3500rpm on the highway. 100 degree weather it might get up to 190. The electric fans I am using are only rated to 250hp, but they have worked just fine since I got them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by VETDRMS
Turtle: I think I should mention I am using electric fans so I did not use the stock shroud, I did not even attempt to test fit it.
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