What radiator to get
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Cedar Springs MI
What radiator to get
Is Aluminum worth the $$$$
I saw one OE for about 150.00 and most places they want 499 to 899. for aluminum and brass.
I dont know what the original is 3 or 4 core but it is 2.5 inches wide at the top.
I just got it ome from the shop after putting new rear wheel bearings in to find a nice puddle of green under the front.
Drove to Grand Haven Mon in the 90 degree heat and was stuck in traffic for about 2 hrs but it didnt overheat, got to about 220 though.
oil about 260.
Might have been too much to bear.
I saw one OE for about 150.00 and most places they want 499 to 899. for aluminum and brass.
I dont know what the original is 3 or 4 core but it is 2.5 inches wide at the top.
I just got it ome from the shop after putting new rear wheel bearings in to find a nice puddle of green under the front.
Drove to Grand Haven Mon in the 90 degree heat and was stuck in traffic for about 2 hrs but it didnt overheat, got to about 220 though.
oil about 260.
Might have been too much to bear.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
If everything is in great condition, fans, clutch, radiator, tuning, timing, mixture, seals etc, the stock cooling system will work fine. However, the technology of 81 was not anywhere near the technology of a proper 2 row aluminum radiator and electric fans for cooling. Search the threads, go to www. dewitts.com site and do the research. A new copper brass radiator , and the goodies will easily run you $500-600. Compare.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Is your coolant leak from the radiator? Has the car been overheating? 220 in June in traffic is not running hot. Are your support and shroud seals in good shape? Still have the correct shroud and the auxillary fan?
Have your original radiator cleaned and recored. Much cheaper than an actual replacement.
Have your original radiator cleaned and recored. Much cheaper than an actual replacement.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Cedar Springs MI
Is your coolant leak from the radiator? Has the car been overheating? 220 in June in traffic is not running hot. Are your support and shroud seals in good shape? Still have the correct shroud and the auxillary fan?
Have your original radiator cleaned and recored. Much cheaper than an actual replacement.
Have your original radiator cleaned and recored. Much cheaper than an actual replacement.
I just got it out the bottom hose was a PITA!
looks like it is 2.5 in wide 31H. Im not sure how you tell the amount of cores.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Cedar Springs MI
If everything is in great condition, fans, clutch, radiator, tuning, timing, mixture, seals etc, the stock cooling system will work fine. However, the technology of 81 was not anywhere near the technology of a proper 2 row aluminum radiator and electric fans for cooling. Search the threads, go to www. dewitts.com site and do the research. A new copper brass radiator , and the goodies will easily run you $500-600. Compare.
The coolant was shooting out of the middle of the radiator.
When you get it re cored is it basically like new?
I dont want to bother if it is still going to be weak in spots.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
I went to the best shop in the Dallas area and they quoted $325.00 for an offshore new that would require an adjustment to the lower hose connection, $300.00 for recore of my original tanks. This is for the same amount of cooling as stock. Since I live in TX and run the A/C, I went with the Dewitts direct fit. A couple of hundred more but 25% more cooling capacity. mike...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Cedar Springs MI
just ordered aN ALUMINUM 3 core from Autopartswarehouse.com for 243.00 shipped!
prety good price I think. hopefully its easier to put in that take out.
probably less messy. the old one looked pretty bad, rust on the bottom so I decided to fore go the re core. I also kind of bent up the bottom gooseneck getting off the hose.
prety good price I think. hopefully its easier to put in that take out.
probably less messy. the old one looked pretty bad, rust on the bottom so I decided to fore go the re core. I also kind of bent up the bottom gooseneck getting off the hose.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
When I built my motor, I had the copper and brass radiator redone but this time using what is called a "high-efficiency core". This has a much higher fin count per inch as well as larger tubes inside the core. Combined with a pair of SPAL electric fans, this keeps my 383 at 195* max with the air conditioner on.
It is been 25,000 miles now, and I see no need spend anymore money on the cooling system as it works perfectly well.
It is been 25,000 miles now, and I see no need spend anymore money on the cooling system as it works perfectly well.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
DeWitts makes great stuff.
I installed a BeCool aluminum radiator with Spal fans about 10 years ago in mine. 180 thermostat and it never runs over 180/185 unless in traffic. Then the fans come on at 195, it cools off, and fans shut off. I have driven cross country twice with 100 degree temps in summer and never had an issue.
Thinking about a BBC swap, so I will say, yes it is worth it.
I installed a BeCool aluminum radiator with Spal fans about 10 years ago in mine. 180 thermostat and it never runs over 180/185 unless in traffic. Then the fans come on at 195, it cools off, and fans shut off. I have driven cross country twice with 100 degree temps in summer and never had an issue.
Thinking about a BBC swap, so I will say, yes it is worth it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 39,390
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From: Into the Mystic And yet, despite the look on my face, you're still talking TN
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '25
two words......De Witt
I put one in my 79 two summers ago and it completely solved my overheat problems. No sweat with the installation. Aluminum painted black to look stock.
Can't go wrong
I put one in my 79 two summers ago and it completely solved my overheat problems. No sweat with the installation. Aluminum painted black to look stock.
Can't go wrong
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The radiator has a leak.
Yes, and usually guaranteed by the radiator shop. It is possible they could clean and repair your existing radiator without requiring a complete replacement.
...When you get it re cored is it basically like new?...
