Early C3 Radiator question, recore? New? Clean?
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Crusing the roads of the great USA
Early C3 Radiator question, recore? New? Clean?
In regards to an original radiator, aluminum or copper/brass.. , when a shop boils it out to clean it what exactly is done? Is there really that much gunk in a 40 year old radiator that cleaning it can make it run noticibly cooler? Will it damage it being it maybe so worn and thin in spots it will leak?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,527
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From: East London/SW Essex UK
In regards to an original radiator, aluminum or copper/brass.. , when a shop boils it out to clean it what exactly is done? Is there really that much gunk in a 40 year old radiator that cleaning it can make it run noticibly cooler? Will it damage it being it maybe so worn and thin in spots it will leak?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
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From: Brighton
In regards to an original radiator, aluminum or copper/brass.. , when a shop boils it out to clean it what exactly is done? Is there really that much gunk in a 40 year old radiator that cleaning it can make it run noticibly cooler? Will it damage it being it maybe so worn and thin in spots it will leak?
If you have an original copper/brass radiator you have more options. You could have them "rot" it out which an aggressive acid boil, and it might blow a hole. Or you would simply have the radiator re-cored with a new one, as long as your end tanks are in good shape. Most of the replacement cores are different than the stock GM and if you are looking to keep it stock we do make correct replacement cores for this. Finally, you could upgrade to an aluminum Direct Fit model.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
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From: North Easton Mass
The 72 that we bought had been sitting for 10 years. It had the original 350 base engine aluminum radiator. As soon as we got the engine running the radiator turned into a tea kettle - steam and leaks everywhere. I replaced the original radiator with a DeWitt's and SPAL fan and even though the car is now running a LS1 with 400+ HP the temps are very well controlled.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,527
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From: East London/SW Essex UK
Mine with 500+ hp is using a Dewitts rad with stock fan & shroud - runs around 175/180 degrees no problem.
