My new 1979 vette L82 that is stranded at the dealership needs a new radiator. I ordered a 3 row that was drop shipped (we were told was stock by the radiator website) and it arrived at the dealership yesterday. This am the mechanic called and said when he pulled out the old one to replace, it was a 4 row, which makes me think the PO changed out and had modified? Was a 4 row stock that came with the car new? My question is, do we just put the 3 row that we ordered in or should we have a 4 row ordered and send back the 3 row? My mechanic thought with our weather (can be hot in summer) that we should get the 4 row now so we don't have to put more money in later when we decide we want a 4 row after all. I originally didn't get aluminum as the website says you have to modify car to fit it, and I didn't want to change anything. It costs up to a couple hundred more when you add fans, etc that is on the site. Now I'm thinking if the cars already been modified, what diff does it make whether I get whatever is best for the car when the modification has already been done? Does anyone think I should just put in the 3 row that is at the dealer now, or should I order the 4 row (aluminum or brass/copper) and wait another week for the transport to get the car to me after I have to wait for another weekend to go by and wait for another radiator to get to the dealer? Thanks. Everything about this car so far has been a headache.

 

I've found rows alone don't dictate cooling capacity. I will say I would get the Dewitts and call it done though.

http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...num-radiator-1

Several Sponsors sell it and you should be able to get it quick.

 

return it and get an aluminum direct fit radiator from here, contact them if you have questions

http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...num-radiator-1

 

I also like the DeWitts direct fit aluminum radiator. But, even if you don't go that route, give them a call and explain your situation. They'll give you good advice. Given where you live, you're going to need the best cooling system possible for summer time driving.

DC

 

Keep the 3 row? Order a 4 row? Get a Brass/Copper or get an aluminum?

With a DeWitts there is zero guessing. They simply work.

Hope you're on the road again soon and enjoying your 79. Good luck.

 

I too went with a Dewitts aluminum rad but replaced my stock fan with dual electric SPAL fans. Everything fit good and works good.

The only issues I had was that the drain petcock interfered with the rad mount frame so I needed to add a street elbow to allow ease of access to the drain petcock but that is minor considering everything else fit.

I also needed to adjust the mounting location of the fans to the rad as they interfered with the drivers side upper A-arm, but that was quite easy to do.

 

Unless you have a radical engine, I would use the stock replacement brass/copper radiator. GM considered it to be adequate for their warranty coverage and it should be fine for your use. I have a modified engine and went to a four row because another forum member gave me a good deal in it, but my factory three row in very bad condition still cooled my car adequately as long as I watched the coolant level. The aluminum ones touted by other members are great choices if you have the cash and the need for that level of cooling. Just be sure to install all the foam seals between the support and the radiator as specified.

 

In Texas, I wouldn't mess with anything less than a 4-row (if staying with copper) but the ultimate solution would be to go aluminum.
It's only money..

 

Not to hijack a thread but I am curious. For those of us not having the funds for a Dewitts at the moment, it seems aluminum is the way to go. But.....a 4 core or a 2 core with 1" tubes? I have heard the aftermarket 4 core, which sound "cool" have 3/8" tubes which only adds up to 1 1/2" of cooling tubes.

 

I would get the Dewitts and call it done though.

http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...num-radiator-1

Several Sponsors sell it and you should be able to get it quick.[/QUOTE]

I agree. I selected the Dewitts. Perfect fit and it works well !

 

If your '79 is an L-82 w/AC then it had a 4 row radiator from the factory.....I replaced my radiator about 6 years ago with a Modine 4 row for my application, it fit perfectly. I have a '78 L-82 4/speed car. I think I paid about $280 for it. It has been great, no problems at all. I'm in South FL and drving around in the summer with the A/C on my car runs between 190-200 degrees....Good Luck...

 

 

Like others have mentioned buy Dewitts radiator. I purchased mine on a Carlisle special. I originally purchased an ebay aluminum radiator which did not fit worth a darn or really cool good at high rpm's with the A/C on so I bit the bullet and bought the best and never had a cooling problem after that and you know how hot it is here in Texas

 

 

Another happy DeWitts aluminum user from Texas.