All 'OEM Replacement' C3 Radiators are NOT created equal
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
All 'OEM Replacement' C3 Radiators are NOT created equal
I got a killer deal on a replacement radiator. Taking my radiator out of the car for the roller cam swap, I really tore the core up (it was stubborn coming out... surprised me as it came out much more easily the last time).
Well, I got a line on a replacement from Auto Zone. Price was right (under $200 delivered).
It arrived. Two things I saw right away:
The upper inlet is not all one diameter. It is small and then steps up to the dimension of the inlet on my modine (now out of business) radiator I got from Western Auto back before they became Autozone. Not sure how my OEM hose would stay put (it won't).
The top bar where the air dam seal should attach with two clips is not pre-drilled for the push-in clips.
I am considering having my radiator core replaced than to install this unit.
Well, I got a line on a replacement from Auto Zone. Price was right (under $200 delivered).
It arrived. Two things I saw right away:
The upper inlet is not all one diameter. It is small and then steps up to the dimension of the inlet on my modine (now out of business) radiator I got from Western Auto back before they became Autozone. Not sure how my OEM hose would stay put (it won't).
The top bar where the air dam seal should attach with two clips is not pre-drilled for the push-in clips.
I am considering having my radiator core replaced than to install this unit.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
I hear you!
Ted: Years ago when I was upgrading my cooling system,
I had my rad recored from a 3 to a 4 locally.
I think it was about $200.
Not only that, but I had a **** added for draining.
That combined w/dual spals has been great.
I was next to a C-5 who asked me "How hot?
in a traffic jam. I told him 205*, he was 230*.
R
I had my rad recored from a 3 to a 4 locally.
I think it was about $200.
Not only that, but I had a **** added for draining.
That combined w/dual spals has been great.
I was next to a C-5 who asked me "How hot?
in a traffic jam. I told him 205*, he was 230*.
R
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 1,121
From: North tonawanda NY
Higher temps were for emissions purposes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,459
Likes: 979
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Higher temps for emissions was also the reason for the 78/79 L-82's running 225-230 routinely and for the cracked 882 head phenomenon. No emissions now, Dewitts radiator, aluminum Stewart Stage 2 water pump and 180 thermostat today and the car runs 175-180 all day.
