Aluminum Radiator
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Aluminum Radiator
Greetings; I have had a brass radiator in my 1982 ( 200.00 ) for the last 8 years. I have had it out a couple of times & had it repaired by the radiator shop I bought it from. Now the fins are starting to fall out between the tubing. I see that both Corvette Central ( Direct Fit ) & Eckler's ( Be Cool ) have what they are calling a ( Heavy Duty models ) & I have read about the Dewitt's, being the ( Cat's Meow) , What is the best one to buy??? The Aluminum ones from the internet, Champion, I think, bend with just palm & finger pressure. Which one will last the longest??? Does anyone know the weight of them, or does that make a difference??? Which ones are made in the U. S. A??? Or do I need to keep buying the cheap brass ones or go to the high dollar brass one??? I know the cheap brass one I have now, I am afraid to go Route 66. Thanks for your help, I Appreciate. Gene
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
I'm going to bet that most people will vote for the Dewitts direct fit. The main advantage of Aluminum is that it weighs less and cools better. But Your asking about durability and tuffness. The Fins will bend easyer and I will say the whole thing will be a little most fragile than a brass one. But no so in such a way that it should be a concern for normal use.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
I'm going to bet that most people will vote for the Dewitts direct fit. The main advantage of Aluminum is that it weighs less and cools better. But Your asking about durability and tuffness. The Fins will bend easyer and I will say the whole thing will be a little most fragile than a brass one. But no so in such a way that it should be a concern for normal use.
DeWitts.....
Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 517
Likes: 20
From: Scroggins Tx
I have a Champion 3 row alum in my 75 with A/C and even in the Texas heat It never gets above 200. It was a direct, perfect fit and less than $200 shipped. They do not bend with thumb pressure.
Last edited by oledave60; Aug 20, 2013 at 09:43 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Gene,
I highly recommend this more affordable Dewitts version that Zips sells. It's only $400 and you can use a coupon code to get it for around $360 plus shipping. I'm using it in my car and it is of the highest quality and fits perfect. It's the same as the more expensive Dewitts but without the polished top and bottom braces.
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&
I highly recommend this more affordable Dewitts version that Zips sells. It's only $400 and you can use a coupon code to get it for around $360 plus shipping. I'm using it in my car and it is of the highest quality and fits perfect. It's the same as the more expensive Dewitts but without the polished top and bottom braces.
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 15
From: Bennington VT
I put a Griffin in my '70 BB along with a Edelbrock High Flow water pump and 160 degree thermostat. The car never runs over 180 degrees and has been great. It's a little pricy, put I am very happy with the result. The old brass radiator struggled to stay under 200 degrees.
