Installing a Griffin Radiator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Van Buren AR
Installing a Griffin Radiator
I purchased a "universal fit" GRI-1-55272-X Griffin Radiator from Summit to install in my 78. I know that several of you have installed this radiator with very few modifications. Could someone please tell me what these mods are or give me the location of a thread that will tell me. Thanks,
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (Arkansas Flash)
I installed mine with virtually no modifications. The only problem being the lower radiator hose. I had to trim it to fit on the radiator since the universal lower mount is not angled up like the Corvette specific radiator is. A little triming and it went on fine. Definitely not worth the extra $$$ for the Corvette specific radiator.
By the way, I have never exceeded 190 even when running AC on city streets. (before it would climb and climb)
Russ
By the way, I have never exceeded 190 even when running AC on city streets. (before it would climb and climb)
Russ
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Van Buren AR
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (77-4speed)
Russ, on my new radiator, the pressure cap is straight up and not angled like the origional. It looks to me like it will hit the hood.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (Arkansas Flash)
The cap won't hit the hood. It will hit the top bracket but you will still be able to operate it. I used the stock hoses (trimmed the bottom one). I wasn't able to use the rubber cushions that fit in the upper brackets. I just used sections of 3/8 fuel hose that was cut in half.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (burners)
I don't know how much $$$ one of those universal Griffin radiators are but I got a direct replacment one from Griffin for my 71 and it fit like a glove. It was only a little more than $500 but I didn't spend any money on asprin and didn't have to trim any hoses :D :D :D :D . On something that critical to engine life, I always go with a direct replacement or repoduction.
John
John
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 1
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (Arkansas Flash)
http://www.corvettefaq.com/redir.asp?site=358
That might be what you're looking for.
good luck
-terry
That might be what you're looking for.
good luck
-terry
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (burners)
I'm with burners, I used the Universal Griffin and now I have $300 left in my wallet :cheers:
If you have unlimited funds,(which I dont) go with the direct replacement.
Stew
If you have unlimited funds,(which I dont) go with the direct replacement.
Stew
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Lonoke Arkansas
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (Arkansas Flash)
I purchased the direct fit Griffin for my '79. I have not installed it yet, but I am very disappointed with the lack of mounting provisions. There is just a length of sharp-edged "C" channel aluminum at the top and bottom of the core across its full width. Nothing to fit inside the stock rubber inserted saddles (like the tank seams on the stock radiator) and nothing to prevent side-to-side movement. I thought about welding short pieces of aluminum round stock to the channel in the proper locations to fit the stock saddles, but the thought of having to modify a $600 custom fit radiator to secure it properly makes me sick. I faxed Griffen drawings showing them what their radiator lacks, but no response. Of course, if I weld on it, I void the warranty. But, if it shifts and rubs against something until it makes a leak, thats not covered undrer warranty either, is it. Now I'm mad all over again!!! :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (vettery)
I installed the Griffin direct fit radiator in my '74. My car was in a front end accident many years ago. Unknown to me when they replaced the radiator support and radiator they used one for a '77. So now about 10 years later I order a Griffin direct fit radiator. Well it doesn't fit. After doing a little investigating I discover that I have the radiator and support for a '77. I exchanged the '74 radiator for one for a '77. It fit like a glove. A direct fit '74 radiator will not fit a '77 support. Moral of the story is - don't ASSUME all the parts on your car are correct for your year.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (Stewart's74)
My next purchase is going to be a radiator. I was wondering why you have to pay so much more for a direct fit? Is that universal radiator basicly the same as the direct fit? Thats a lot of cash savings. My C3 is a money pit, but if I can save 3 bills Im doin it.. Are these radiators, rather it be direct fit or universal, 2 row 1" cores? So the only difference is the bottom hose angle?
Very cool...you just saved me 300 bucks!! Thanks
Joe
Very cool...you just saved me 300 bucks!! Thanks
Joe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
Re: Installing a Griffin Radiator (tiresmokin75-427)
A direct fit is just that. No modifications. Check with Tom Dewitt he is a supporting vendor and is a dealer for Griffin. He will give you a good price. http://www.dewitts.com.
:chevy
:chevy
