Radiator worth it?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 448
Likes: 3
From: Olathe KS
Radiator worth it?
There is a local guy here selling an aluminum Champion radiator w/dual 12" fans. Anyone know if these are worth it or not? They are WAY cheaper than BeCool and anything else you could find in Ecklers, etc.
I am wanting to get rid of my flex fan, and curious if this would do the job.
I am wanting to get rid of my flex fan, and curious if this would do the job.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 337
Likes: 7
From: South Bend IN
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have a Champion in my stock '79 L-48 with the stock fan setup and it cools well. People will tell you to buy Dewitts, which makes a superior product, but when I had to change mine I couldn't afford one. It's been 2 years and all is well so far.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 448
Likes: 3
From: Olathe KS
FYI, I have a 180* thermostat and whether I am driving, or sitting at a light/parking lot for 20 min, it doesn't go above that. I would however like to ditch the flex fan because the noise (esp since I have a TH400 with only 3 gears). I know my radiator has been changed at some point, but I believe it is a stock replacement.
Would the electric fans on an aluminum radiator keep the engine as cool?
Would the electric fans on an aluminum radiator keep the engine as cool?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Radiator
I know they cost more, but I put a Dewitts direct fit radiator in my 69 350/350 several years ago and it worked great. I live in Texas and it never ran over 180 degrees in the summer without having to resort to things like auxilliary fans.
Last edited by dan1495; Sep 4, 2013 at 08:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
FYI, I have a 180* thermostat and whether I am driving, or sitting at a light/parking lot for 20 min, it doesn't go above that. I would however like to ditch the flex fan because the noise (esp since I have a TH400 with only 3 gears). I know my radiator has been changed at some point, but I believe it is a stock replacement.
Would the electric fans on an aluminum radiator keep the engine as cool?
Would the electric fans on an aluminum radiator keep the engine as cool?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
My Champion radiator works well,keeps motor cool.However it was full of shavings and fit poorly.I had to modify the mounts to secure radiator .I'll use this one till I need a replacement and will definitely go with a Dewitts next time.Don't forget you'll need to upgrade your electrical system,larger Alternator & larger cable to starter.Some reading material for you. http://www.madelectrical.com/ The mechanical fan with stock shroud works very well,& keeps things simple.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 19
From: arlington TX
Hi,
Bought a Champion off E-Bay (179.00, I believe, but no fans) about 4 years ago for my 74 small block. Basically, it fit ok (bottom hose fitting had the bend needed for the lower hose and stock mounts worked ok). Only problem was that the drain plug was on the driver side and hit the frame - no way it would work. Luckily had a friend that likes challenges and he moved it to the passenger side. I talked to the Champion and sent pics and they actually reimbursed me for the fix!!. I think the later Vette radiators had the drain plug in the right place.
Worked just fine in my 74 - mostly drag racing it. But, again, I used a flex fan not the electrics. Hope this helps.
Good luck
walt
Bought a Champion off E-Bay (179.00, I believe, but no fans) about 4 years ago for my 74 small block. Basically, it fit ok (bottom hose fitting had the bend needed for the lower hose and stock mounts worked ok). Only problem was that the drain plug was on the driver side and hit the frame - no way it would work. Luckily had a friend that likes challenges and he moved it to the passenger side. I talked to the Champion and sent pics and they actually reimbursed me for the fix!!. I think the later Vette radiators had the drain plug in the right place.
Worked just fine in my 74 - mostly drag racing it. But, again, I used a flex fan not the electrics. Hope this helps.
Good luck
walt
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
I just bought the 4 core champion with 2 fans off ebay. So far so good but I havent driven the car much because I have been redoing the body and paint. The radiator was a tight fit but I didnt have to modify anything. They brackets fit alright and you have to really watch how your mount the fans. I put the first one on the lower R bottom and had to move it to the top so the hose wouldnt hit.