Need a new radiator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Need a new radiator
I find myself in need of a new radiator and I would like it to be aluminum. I have run a few searches and most of them always come back to DeWitts. Bottom line is I just can not afford one of theirs if I want to eat for the next 6 months. I am a college student. I have about 300 to spend on a new one. Does anyone have any recommendations on a quality inexpensive radiator/fan combo or aluminum radiator? Notice I didnt say cheap just inexpensive. It has to last me a while. I may even upgrade to a Dewitts in a few years when I can afford it but since I have 2 weeks to get my car running again it isnt an option to just save up and get one. The money I have is the maximum amount I can spend. Can anyone point me in the right direction with the ones you have used or have good reputations? Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
You can MAKE-fit something like this $300 piece w/ integral trans cooler; it will NOT drop right in Nor bolt right up but a clever fellow can do it. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-380457/
same MAKE-fit conditions for this $145 piece BUT also REQUIRES a separate/aux trans cooler for auto trans. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-380331/
both above & similar often known as "universal fit". Many old threads cover this aspect. G'luck!
Regardless, DeWitt offers unequalled proper fit, quality & service.
same MAKE-fit conditions for this $145 piece BUT also REQUIRES a separate/aux trans cooler for auto trans. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-380331/
both above & similar often known as "universal fit". Many old threads cover this aspect. G'luck!
Regardless, DeWitt offers unequalled proper fit, quality & service.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 22
From: Crystal Lake IL
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
i'll go against the grain here and say there's nothing wrong with a standard copper radiator. I've had good luck with the one I got from Rockauto for about $250 shipped.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
I found myself in exactly the same boat; I was able to do the whole thing for right at $300. I went the separate trans cooler route, and replaced the hoses & thermostat as well.
I'm pretty sure I have part numbers etc written down somewhere, feel free to PM me.
Good luck!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-300-pics.html
I'm pretty sure I have part numbers etc written down somewhere, feel free to PM me.
Good luck!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-300-pics.html
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
517-548-0600
john@dewitts.com
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
Replacing the radiator is not something you'll want to do more than once. It's a pain in the a** to remove the fan shroud, fan, hoses, etc. You only want to do it once and do it the right way. I installed an aluminum radiator from DeWitts a few years ago and it fit perfectly. Works great. Haven't had any problems. I suggest you contact Tom and see if you can work out a deal. He's been a long time supporter of this forum and he runs a top notch company. I'm sure he'll do his best to help you.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
Oops, I forgot to mention....
I understand your funds are tight, but you may also want to repair/replace other components once you have access to the front of the engine when the radiator is off. Consider all new belts and hoses, and maybe a new water pump and fuel pump. And maybe also replace the timing chain too. Like a said in the previous message, you don't want to disassemble this part of the engine more than once.
I understand your funds are tight, but you may also want to repair/replace other components once you have access to the front of the engine when the radiator is off. Consider all new belts and hoses, and maybe a new water pump and fuel pump. And maybe also replace the timing chain too. Like a said in the previous message, you don't want to disassemble this part of the engine more than once.
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Race Director
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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I had the money for a DeWitts but wanted to keep a stock appearance. I bought a 4 row heavy duty from Advance Auto Parts for $240.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
I bought a three row aluminum Champion brand off eBay for $189 plus freight. All welded, correct inlet/outlet, integral trans cooler and a billet fill neck. Even came with a new cap. I have not installed it yet as the engine is not finished, but I am quite impressed with the apparent build quality, and their shipping was fast and damage free. YMMV.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: Niceville Fl
If you really want the aluminum but can't afford it now, I have the original copper out of my 72 that I'm replacing with the DeWitt's. Pay this shipping and I'll give it to you. You'll have a radiator to keep you going until you can save the money for the aluminum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Keep in mind, copper actually transfer's more heat per sq/in, but aluminum is lighter and what most manufacturer's are now using. Most modern design's are longer 2 core row's vs older 4 core making them even smaller/lighter. If on a buget, probably just have the stocker recored, and nothing at all wrong with that.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Alberta
When I rebuilt my 76, I decided on a BECOOL Aluminium rad with a flexalite dual puller electric fan combo. The trans cooler is built in to the rad. I also upgraded to a Edelbrock aluminium highflow water pump. With this setup I have no issues with overheating while driving slowly in the city, or autocross.
The only problem I have is that the fuel in the carb will boil when the engine is hot and I have been idiling.
Good Luck
The only problem I have is that the fuel in the carb will boil when the engine is hot and I have been idiling.
Good Luck
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Darcy: GM makes an aluminum plate, for their aluminum intake, that goes in between the carb & the intake, It comes with both gaskets already attached. This will stop the boiling of the gas in the carb. I have one on my El Camino & Corvette, & an extra one hanging on my wall for a future project. I'm not sure if the New GM still handles these though. Call Your local GM dealer, Than Summit, I could make you one out of cardboard & you could have one made up. Vette5.5 You are right on the money, Brass is the best cooler of the two. Have a great day. Gene
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
I was able to get ahold of johnat DeWitts and he had a floor model he was willing to sell to me at a slight discount I had to borrow a little moneyto make it happen but I think it will be worth it. He said it was in fair condition but it was not shiny anymore. but neither is anything else in my engine bay lol. Thank everyone for your advise and offers of your older used radiators and thank you DeWitts for for bieng willing to work with us broke folks.