eBay Aluminum Radiators
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
I have used the Champions...Go to the web site and buy direct.They are quality and fit was fine on my 78. I also have one in my 53 prostreet PU.
If you have lots of money and want to go TOP SHELF..by all means
Champion is a quality product
GOOD LUCK
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
the when it is out, you cut it about 1/2 way up each side, making a top/bottom 1/2.....on the bottom 1/2 you take some aluminum bar material and make a sandwich with fingers sticking up to slide the top 1/2 in place, that makes it align and keep in position....two of those finger slots per side.....I have done this on several cars, works fine, and was on my '72 vette for years also....
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 294
Likes: 10
From: Palmer Alaska
I looked at these and the pics others had taken of them. Seem hit and miss and quality is no where near acceptable. I saved the extra cash, waited for the sale and ordered my Dewitts. Just not into putting low end stuff into the car. Would have just kept my original rather than a less than aluminum. If its a needed replacement, and equal or less than $$ than a stock radiator that might be the only time I would get one. For me it was the cooling I was looking for.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 46
From: Lebanon OH
OK. I've said this before...unless you are concerned about weight, copper dissipates heat better than aluminum. I doubt that many out there are racing at a level where the weight difference between aluminum and copper is a factor.
Zip corvette sells a 2 5/8" (four core) brass and copper radiator for a 79 vette (my year) for $400. An aluminum replacement from the same company is $500...
Zip corvette sells a 2 5/8" (four core) brass and copper radiator for a 79 vette (my year) for $400. An aluminum replacement from the same company is $500...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 294
Likes: 10
From: Palmer Alaska
Direct from Dewitts was a bit over $400 with their sale and the issue is not only dissipation but design, and manufacturing quality. Just seems a ton of satisfied customers with testimonials counts for something. Will be sure to post my experience here. My entire cooling system is good and this is the only change so if I get a temp drop we can safely say it is the radiator swap that can be credited. Current one is not damaged or plugged. That being said would be good to see a direct comparison between like products with the only difference being the materials.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
I put a Champion in my 80 when it had the engine and trans in my signature in it. Fit right in and I used the stock shroud and mechanical fan. Ran cool, never hot.
I bought a Champion for my 75 and test fit it before I took the car apart. It fits as well as any other aftermarket radiator I have seen.
I bought a Champion for my 75 and test fit it before I took the car apart. It fits as well as any other aftermarket radiator I have seen.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
You see an aluminum radiator is made differently than a copper one. Aluminum radiators use a much shorter fin height, which results in more rows of tubes in the same given space. The tubes are also wider, creating more tube-to-fin contact, and finally the aluminum radiator is 100% aluminum. The copper radiators are bonded together with lead, which is a poor conductor. This greatly reduces the heat transfer from the tubes to the fin.
It's more than aluminum vs copper.
Last edited by Tom@Dewitt; Feb 6, 2014 at 09:49 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
Hey Tom! The rad you made for me arrived today. The thing is a work of art. I have never seen welds that nice and it fits like a glove. Sure beats that fleabay Champion I made the mistake of buying....
Thanks!
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 46
From: Lebanon OH
True, copper disapates heat better than aluminum...and that's why it creates confusion when us radiator guys tout the performance improvements.
You see an aluminum radiator is made differently than a copper one. Aluminum radiators use a much shorter fin height, which results in more rows of tubes in the same given space. The tubes are also wider, creating more tube-to-fin contact, and finally the aluminum radiator is 100% aluminum. The copper radiators are bonded together with lead, which is a poor conductor. This greatly reduces the heat transfer from the tubes to the fin.
It's more than aluminum vs copper.
You see an aluminum radiator is made differently than a copper one. Aluminum radiators use a much shorter fin height, which results in more rows of tubes in the same given space. The tubes are also wider, creating more tube-to-fin contact, and finally the aluminum radiator is 100% aluminum. The copper radiators are bonded together with lead, which is a poor conductor. This greatly reduces the heat transfer from the tubes to the fin.
It's more than aluminum vs copper.
Tom, thanks for the reply. I like the forum because it always teaches me something. Today i learned a little about radiator construction and the difference between aluminum and copper.
Currently, there is brazing technology that replaces the lead solder and has much better heat transfer properties. I don't know whether its being used by the common vendors, but i doubt it.
Regardless, the three articles i read after getting your post indicated that radiator design was more important than materials and that both metals had their pros and cons. Thanks.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
Any reviews for HPI racing alu radiators ? For example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROW-ALUMIN...NUib0X&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROW-ALUMIN...NUib0X&vxp=mtr
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Any reviews for HPI racing alu radiators ? For example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROW-ALUMIN...NUib0X&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROW-ALUMIN...NUib0X&vxp=mtr
Take it easy on the new guy
To answer your question it will probably do the job.the only way you will know if it works in your case is to try it.I've had a champion for several years now and have no complaints.if other manufacturers want to stay in buisness long they will have to make a decent product.