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Griffin Radiator - which one???

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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 06:03 PM
  #1  
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Default Griffin Radiator - which one???

Well - I know the dimension that I will need (27 1/2 x 19) but I don't know if I should get the one with 1 1/4 inch tubing or 1 inch tubing.. The one with 1 1/4 inch tubing is $100 more expensive... It it worth it???

The cheaper one is $182 and the expensive one is $282...

:cheers:

Olivier
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 06:14 PM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

Olivier

I think you made the same mistake I did the first time I ordered an alum rad, you measured the fin area not the total width of the radiator which is 31 inches unless your 68 is diff than my 73. I went with the Summit name brand which is $169.95. One thing, the over flow outlet is thread with 1/8 inch pipe threads and no fitting is supplied.
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 06:16 PM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (Fevre)

Olivier

I think you made the same mistake I did the first time I ordered an alum rad, you measured the fin area not the total width of the radiator which is 31 inches unless your 68 is diff than my 73. I went with the Summit name brand which is $169.95. One thing, the over flow outlet is thread with 1/8 inch pipe threads and no fitting is supplied.
YES - 68 radiators are different from all other years .... another 68 only... :mad :mad :mad :mad
I cannot use a bigger radiator than 28 inches because it would hit the radiator support :( :(

:cheers:

Olivier
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 06:19 PM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

YES - 68 radiators are different from all other years .... another 68 only... :mad :mad :mad :mad
I cannot use a bigger radiator than 28 inches because it would hit the radiator support :( :(

:cheers:

Olivier
DUH! Man GM really screwed you 68 owners. :(
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 06:57 PM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

I went with the 1 1/4" tubing. From what I've read here, it may be overkill, but it definately won't hurt. I also was willing to sacrifice the $100 knowing that I would not have to rip it out in the middle of summer with it's 100+ degree heat and then spend $280 for another one.
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 11:59 PM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (Chris A)

I went with the 1 1/4" tubing. From what I've read here, it may be overkill, but it definately won't hurt. I also was willing to sacrifice the $100 knowing that I would not have to rip it out in the middle of summer with it's 100+ degree heat and then spend $280 for another one.
I think that I will go with the larger tubing too... However - I have to find out first if I will have any clearance issues with the lower radiator hose mount.. Looks awfully tight down there.....

Are there any 68's out there that use the universal Griffin Radiator???

:cheers:

Olivier
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 12:09 AM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

A forum member suggested rebuilding the stk rad w/extra cores. My stk3 core was shot so I had it rebuilt w/4 core. It fits perfect and looks orignal. Aftermarket rads will require fitting and fiddling. This take time/money that a rebuilt orignal won't.
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 12:14 AM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (Taijutsu)

A forum member suggested rebuilding the stk rad w/extra cores. My stk3 core was shot so I had it rebuilt w/4 core. It fits perfect and looks orignal. Aftermarket rads will require fitting and fiddling. This take time/money that a rebuilt orignal won't.
Well - my 68' is as far from original as it gets.. The engine is pretty radical and I need some additional cooling... The Griffin radiator should be able to keep my Vette cooler!! My only worry is if there's enough space for the lower radiator hose... The rest should be a pretty easy fit...

:cheers:

Olivier
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 01:14 AM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

Don't know the difference with the '68, but I went with the 1 inch core radiator in my '76 support. I do have the big-block installed---but still haven't fired her up---I hope it stays cool----I'll let you know (hopefully soon). I also installed a dual remote oil filter (along with the original filter) and an oil cooler-----so I'll have about 7 quarts of oil in the motor!
One thing I have been told about the EPOXY CORE radiators is that you have to be extremely careful not to get air pockets in the cooling system as they can cause the epoxy to melt if hot steam hits it !!! An over-flow can is a must ! In my Camaro I went with an AFS aluminum radiator, which has a fired core (soldered in) and their price was $179.00 ---but I already had the Griffin for the vette-----so it's in there !!! Rick :chevy


YOU HAVE ONE AWSOME RIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 01:41 AM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

Well - I know the dimension that I will need (27 1/2 x 19) but I don't know if I should get the one with 1 1/4 inch tubing or 1 inch tubing.. The one with 1 1/4 inch tubing is $100 more expensive... It it worth it???

The cheaper one is $182 and the expensive one is $282...

:cheers:
Olivier
I have the 1.25" tube Griffin and haven't had a problem running AC so far and that's been on a really hot day in FL. If I remember right, you don't have AC on your vette? With your clutch fan helping out I think you would be okay with the smaller tubes. You might want to try the larger ones just in case though. What could be worse? Spend $100 and have it working right, or take the gamble and have to loose $100 or more trying to sell the thing on ebay... :crazy:
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 11:12 AM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (FroDaddy)

Well - I know the dimension that I will need (27 1/2 x 19) but I don't know if I should get the one with 1 1/4 inch tubing or 1 inch tubing.. The one with 1 1/4 inch tubing is $100 more expensive... It it worth it???

The cheaper one is $182 and the expensive one is $282...

:cheers:
Olivier

I have the 1.25" tube Griffin and haven't had a problem running AC so far and that's been on a really hot day in FL. If I remember right, you don't have AC on your vette? With your clutch fan helping out I think you would be okay with the smaller tubes. You might want to try the larger ones just in case though. What could be worse? Spend $100 and have it working right, or take the gamble and have to loose $100 or more trying to sell the thing on ebay... :crazy:
Would be interesting to see if I would be able to run without the mechanical fan - which is not a clutch fan. It's a regular - no clutch - plastic fan. I ordered already the one with 1.25 tubes!!! Will see if it will keep me cool... What temps are you running with the A/C on with the Griffin?
And yes - you remember right - I don't have A/C or any other option.. My Vette is pure SHOW AND GO!!!!

:cheers:

Olivier


[Modified by GrandSportC3, 10:17 AM 8/3/2002]
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 11:32 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

It didn't go over 200. My 2nd spal fan kicks in at 195, so I'm sure that's what really held the temperature in check.
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 11:39 AM
  #13  
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (FroDaddy)

It didn't go over 200. My 2nd spal fan kicks in at 195, so I'm sure that's what really held the temperature in check.
I hope to keep mine below 200 too!!! Will see. I hope that the radiator will arrive before Brutus (Bob) arrives - because I will need assistance to install it. Did you install the radiator yourself or did you have someone install it??

Olivier
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 04:22 PM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (GrandSportC3)

It's a 2 person job, but my father and I did it ourselves. Just take your time and be creative :)
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Old Aug 3, 2002 | 04:43 PM
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Default Re: Griffin Radiator - which one??? (FroDaddy)

Together with Bob - it shouldn't take us more than 2 hours to swap the radiator - especially because my Vette is a pleasure to work on with the tilt front!!!

:cheers:

Olivier
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