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72 vs 73 radiator

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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 09:34 AM
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Default 72 vs 73 radiator

Will a 72 big radiator fit in a 73 that had the big radiator. I see there is a different listing for the two and not worried if it is an exact fit but what would be the difference between the two. Looking to sell my 72 Dewitts rad to 73jst4fun and then put in the Dewitts LS radiator for my car.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 10:21 AM
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Gordon-

I think the difference is the size. The 73-76 radiator had a 27.5" core, I think the 68-72 is 26" I'll have check this.

Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Aug 5, 2011 at 10:23 AM.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 05:09 PM
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WHAT?!? You mean size matters????

Sorry, couldn't resist!
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Gordonm
Will a 72 big radiator fit in a 73 that had the big radiator. I see there is a different listing for the two and not worried if it is an exact fit but what would be the difference between the two. Looking to sell my 72 Dewitts rad to 73jst4fun and then put in the Dewitts LS radiator for my car.
The 72 could have had (3) three different radiators

A. 3155316 was the aluminum one (uses surge tanks) Small block
B. 26" Copper with filler neck (no surge tank) Small block with options
C. 27.5" Copper no filler neck (uses surge tank) Big block only

If you have item C, it is identical to all 73 radiators except the 73 will have a filler neck. I often have people wanting to use the 73 radiator in the 69-72 to eliminate the surge tank but if you want to use the 72 in a 73 you'll have to add the surge tank.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
The 72 could have had (3) three different radiators

A. 3155316 was the aluminum one (uses surge tanks) Small block
B. 26" Copper with filler neck (no surge tank) Small block with options
C. 27.5" Copper no filler neck (uses surge tank) Big block only

If you have item C, it is identical to all 73 radiators except the 73 will have a filler neck. I often have people wanting to use the 73 radiator in the 69-72 to eliminate the surge tank but if you want to use the 72 in a 73 you'll have to add the surge tank.
Tom... I'm pretty sure Gordon is taking option B. I don't think Gordon has a big block car. He might but I don't think so, and I feel pretty sure he's not running the Aluminum rad.

You did save me from looking it up!
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 10:48 PM
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Was the 71 the same as the 72, I have option B.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by eagle275
Was the 71 the same as the 72, I have option B.
Yes.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 11:08 PM
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Nothing is ever easy Gordon...
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
Yes.

thank you!
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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 06:04 AM
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My car is originally an LT1 car so it is option B.
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