new radiator with new engine
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
new radiator with new engine
If installing a new higher HP engine should I go with new aluminum or can I get by with haveing the old one flushed. I have spent so much I need to stop somewhere, but I don't want to save a little and then lose it all from trash in engine & trans. from old rad.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
If you dare, look at the Dewitt's website. There is an interesting article that essentially says that a higher HP engine doesn't necessarily generate more heat than a stock engine. I say 'if you dare' because after you see the pics of the Dewitt's radiators you are going to want one! You could start with the radiator that you have now and if you run into heating problems change to a Dewitt's with an electric fan.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
Thanks Rick. I have looked at Dewits They have nice stuff. The electric fan set up like you have would really show off my March pulley kit, I think I will take your advise and get the car running with my OE rad. Then trade up later this summer
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If your present radiator has been working hard for several years, you might want to take it to a reliable radiator repair place. They can check it out and pressurize it for leak checks. If you find it has some damage or is just old, they can probably re-core it for less than the cost of a new one. On the other hand, if you just want a modern aluminum radiator, DeWitt's has a good product.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I upgraded to a 4-row aluminum core radiator when I replaced the stock 190 HP with a 330 HP crate engine. I bought it on eBay and lucked out with a perfect fit and honest high-rating seller. I am SO glad I upgraded. The only time I had an overheating problem (one day only) is when I had not installed the spoiler/deflector under the front. My bad. I got impatient and did not finish the job before I took it out for a long, SSLLOOWW cruise on a warm day. I was trying to save some $$ at the time, otherwise I would have chosen Dewits or BeCool.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
I only had issues with my old radiator with my 327 if caught up in slow moving traffic on a hot day. When I removed it, I noticed how much "gunk" was in it blocking the tubes, so I bit the bullet and bought an alloy rad from Dewitts. #A66M.
It really is a Direct Fit! Looks awesome and original with the black finish.
It's been exceptionally hot here for the past week, and continuing to be hot all next week.... 39*C today (102*F)
I've been out in the vette....
I now have a new 383 / 475hp crate engine.
Temp is stable and rock steady at idle, in slow traffic, and whilst cruising, with needle on thermostat temp of 180*F.
This is with stock mechanical fan and original shroud.
Temp rises on gauge when I shut down to about 200*, but as soon as I fire it up it drops again to 180*.
I guess you can reuse your existing radiator if it is performing OK, but if you notice any issues, seriously consider a new one. The alloy rads are about 30% more efficient.
It really is a Direct Fit! Looks awesome and original with the black finish.
It's been exceptionally hot here for the past week, and continuing to be hot all next week.... 39*C today (102*F)
I've been out in the vette....
I now have a new 383 / 475hp crate engine.
Temp is stable and rock steady at idle, in slow traffic, and whilst cruising, with needle on thermostat temp of 180*F.
This is with stock mechanical fan and original shroud.
Temp rises on gauge when I shut down to about 200*, but as soon as I fire it up it drops again to 180*.
I guess you can reuse your existing radiator if it is performing OK, but if you notice any issues, seriously consider a new one. The alloy rads are about 30% more efficient.
Last edited by OzzyTom; Mar 8, 2008 at 07:06 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i think you should take the old radiator out and have it cleaned and pressure checked.....if it passes that test then just reinstall it.....then you will have done it right.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Boonville Missouri
Don't forget all the foam pieces around the rad. I had problems with heat before and after I overhauled mine. The foam around the rad. made a diff. But I still wasn't satisfied with the temp. Bought a Dewitts, and no electric fans. No more problems.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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