New rad help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: WV
New rad help
Hey everyone I am looking at buying a new rad to help solve some overheating problems. I am not looking to spend a fortune but want a good product and I am little confused. I know I want an alumminum rad but how many rows should it have? do number of rows effect cooling capacity... anyone try any of the rads off of ebay any luck? or how about the proliance rad summit sells? looking for some guidance here
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,269
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Dante,
I think that DeWitts is a good place to check for an aluminum radiator. They're not the cheapest, but are very knowledgeable people and a reputable company.
Regards,
Alan
I think that DeWitts is a good place to check for an aluminum radiator. They're not the cheapest, but are very knowledgeable people and a reputable company.
Regards,
Alan
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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They are the best. Radiators aren't a good place to try and do it on the cheap. I know, I'm great at spending other people's money 
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
This aluminum radiator topic is very controversial and tends to get personal and off track. Do a search on "dewitts" and you will find all kinds of opinions.
Last edited by Tom@Dewitt; Jul 5, 2010 at 11:21 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,269
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Tom,
I remember well when you came out with your reproduction small block aluminium radiator.... it was something that I really didn't think I'd ever see.
I'd had my original repaired several times because of 'weepy' lower corners. The material looked as though it had become about the same thickness as aluminium foil.
Regards,
Alan
I remember well when you came out with your reproduction small block aluminium radiator.... it was something that I really didn't think I'd ever see.
I'd had my original repaired several times because of 'weepy' lower corners. The material looked as though it had become about the same thickness as aluminium foil.
Regards,
Alan
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
This question can't be answered without knowing hp goals, and engine size.
Small block with, say, 300hp on tap, all you need is a factory replacement, which autozone sells for about 350$, and they come with a pretty decent warrenty.
Just my opinion, though.
And bare in mine, I have a thread about overheating!
Small block with, say, 300hp on tap, all you need is a factory replacement, which autozone sells for about 350$, and they come with a pretty decent warrenty.
Just my opinion, though.
And bare in mine, I have a thread about overheating!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Zone aluminum for $350 ? I think Dewitts has one around $450.
Apples and Apples , before you fall for the lower price compare them 1 on 1.
I'm sure you "will" be happy with the Dewiits but the one from the zone might be a crapshoot unless you know someone that has had one in his car for awhile.
These rads are not the most pleasant to get out and put in , so I doubt you want to do it more than once. If I did a comparison and found them to be equal in performance , which won't happen, I would still choose the Dewitts for $100 more.
Apples and Apples , before you fall for the lower price compare them 1 on 1.
I'm sure you "will" be happy with the Dewiits but the one from the zone might be a crapshoot unless you know someone that has had one in his car for awhile.
These rads are not the most pleasant to get out and put in , so I doubt you want to do it more than once. If I did a comparison and found them to be equal in performance , which won't happen, I would still choose the Dewitts for $100 more.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Zone aluminum for $350 ? I think Dewitts has one around $450.
Apples and Apples , before you fall for the lower price compare them 1 on 1.
I'm sure you "will" be happy with the Dewiits but the one from the zone might be a crapshoot unless you know someone that has had one in his car for awhile.
These rads are not the most pleasant to get out and put in , so I doubt you want to do it more than once. If I did a comparison and found them to be equal in performance , which won't happen, I would still choose the Dewitts for $100 more.
Apples and Apples , before you fall for the lower price compare them 1 on 1.
I'm sure you "will" be happy with the Dewiits but the one from the zone might be a crapshoot unless you know someone that has had one in his car for awhile.
These rads are not the most pleasant to get out and put in , so I doubt you want to do it more than once. If I did a comparison and found them to be equal in performance , which won't happen, I would still choose the Dewitts for $100 more.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
Second Dewitts purchase!
I have a BB car so cooling is marginal at best. I have a Dewitts direct fit radiator. As the engine is out I am going to upgrade to an electric fan set up. I was so pleased with the first radiator I am going to order a direct fit radiator with the fan set up complete. I know I could make it work; i.e. retro fit the fans, but I have little time on my hands and need to have a shop do the job. I am trying to make it as easy as possible on them.
Its a job that is not fun; hence spend the money and do it once.
carbster
Its a job that is not fun; hence spend the money and do it once.
carbster