Radiator Suggestions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 562
Likes: 20
From: Milford, CT
Radiator Suggestions
1977 stock 4spd. My existing radiator seeps at the bottom. Its probably one of the only parts I didn't change when I completely rebuilt my car! I would like to get an aluminum radiator and leave it natural aluminum color. It needs to be direct fit and I don't need anything fancy. My car is a stock L48 with headers and side pipes. No AC. With the stock leaking radiator my temp never got over 180 for over an hour of driving around town. The most important things I am looking for in a new radiator is direct fit and aluminum. I used the search feature on the forum but not much came up besides expensive radiators. I would like to be around the $200 mark.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
I'm looking to I've seen some speak of Champion. Summit has some to. I would love a Dewitt's but just can't see dropping that much money. I've read reviews but, like everything what can you believe
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 562
Likes: 20
From: Milford, CT
Dewitts are indeed awesome. My motor is a stock L48. I really don't need to spend $500+ for a radiator. I am not racing and I don't live in Texas. Its not really that hot in Connecticut most of the time. I was looking at the Champion brand. They sell them on Ebay. I am thinking I only need a 2 row but I am not sure. Its a stock car with a 4spd. The most important thing is fitment. I want to be able to pull my old radiator out and drop the new one in and use my original stock radiator shroud. I don't want to modify anything.
http://www.championradiators.com/Che...tors-1977-1982
http://www.championradiators.com/Che...tors-1977-1982
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,631
From: Draper Utah
I bought a cheaper radiator, and than when it didn't properly I sent it back and bought a DeWitt that did fit correctly. Lesson learned, you get what you pay for. I would have been way ahead to buy the DeWitt to begin with.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 562
Likes: 20
From: Milford, CT
Funny... I was told that if I ask a question about a new radiator I would get slammed by Dewitts users! I do appreciate Dewitt and how they chime in and answer questions and are USA made but I can't swing $500-$600 for a radiator. I have a specific budget for this car and that kind of money is not in it. I need to be in the $200 range. Champion has 2 core aluminum for $160 delivered and 3 core for $200 delivered. I just need to find out which one is the best choice for a direct fit in my stock 77 L48 4spd. I don't have AC, I don't even have heat. Its just a stock SBC. Even my leaking 37 year old stock radiator keeps the motor at 180 for over an hour of driving. I am using my stock clutch fan and stock radiator shroud. I could probably get by with the stock plastic/aluminum radiator that Auto Zone has in stock right down the street from me for $160 but I really don't want to use plastic. I would prefer aluminum because I like the way it looks. I am not concerned about cooling performance on a 200hp SBC!!! 180 degrees is fine for me.
Last edited by jgcable; Apr 29, 2016 at 10:08 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 955
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Funny... I was told that if I ask a question about a new radiator I would get slammed by Dewitts users! I do appreciate Dewitt and how they chime in and answer questions and are USA made but I can't swing $500-$600 for a radiator. I have a specific budget for this car and that kind of money is not in it. I need to be in the $200 range. Champion has 2 core aluminum for $160 delivered and 3 core for $200 delivered. I just need to find out which one is the best choice for a direct fit in my stock 77 L48 4spd. I don't have AC, I don't even have heat. Its just a stock SBC. Even my leaking 37 year old stock radiator keeps the motor at 180 for over an hour of driving. I am using my stock clutch fan and stock radiator shroud. I could probably get by with the stock plastic/aluminum radiator that Auto Zone has in stock right down the street from me for $160 but I really don't want to use plastic. I would prefer aluminum because I like the way it looks. I am not concerned about cooling performance on a 200hp SBC!!! 180 degrees is fine for me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 93
From: shelbyville West Michigan
I had a be-cool, equivalent in cost to a Dewitts. It rotted out. I went with a champion which is verrry affordable. the fit and finish is as good or better than the Be-Cool. Not knocking Be-Cool, but I figured if the expensive ones can rot out then may as well get a cheap one and save the cash, since the expensive one didn't last anyway.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 562
Likes: 20
From: Milford, CT
I am definitely going to go with Champion. I am just trying to figure out if I want 2 core with .75 tubes or their 3 core. My budget can handle either. The 3 core is around $200 shipped. The only one I know I don't want is their 4 core because I have read it has fitment issues. Apparently... Champion has been making (distributing, importing) or whatever you want to call it radiators for a REALLY long time and most of the reviews on line are good. I will take my chances considering they are offering a lifetime replacement warranty.
I went on the Dewitt Website to check out their radiators and the one for my car is over $500.00 which I am sure must be an amazing radiator. I really don't need amazing. I just need good.
I went on the Dewitt Website to check out their radiators and the one for my car is over $500.00 which I am sure must be an amazing radiator. I really don't need amazing. I just need good.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 562
Likes: 20
From: Milford, CT
I had a be-cool, equivalent in cost to a Dewitts. It rotted out. I went with a champion which is verrry affordable. the fit and finish is as good or better than the Be-Cool. Not knocking Be-Cool, but I figured if the expensive ones can rot out then may as well get a cheap one and save the cash, since the expensive one didn't last anyway.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,091
Likes: 4,016
From: New Braunfels Texas
Dewitts are indeed awesome. My motor is a stock L48. I really don't need to spend $500+ for a radiator. I am not racing and I don't live in Texas. Its not really that hot in Connecticut most of the time. I was looking at the Champion brand. They sell them on Ebay. I am thinking I only need a 2 row but I am not sure. Its a stock car with a 4spd. The most important thing is fitment. I want to be able to pull my old radiator out and drop the new one in and use my original stock radiator shroud. I don't want to modify anything.
http://www.championradiators.com/Che...tors-1977-1982
http://www.championradiators.com/Che...tors-1977-1982
l-82/auto and it worked and fit very well.
Just make sure you have new rubbers and you may have to trim them a bit.......worth it for the price.
They are cheaper on E-bay if you shop.
Would I put one in my car? No. If it is an original look you want...this is not the unit.
Jebby
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 562
Likes: 20
From: Milford, CT
I installed a Champion 2-row in a 76' around Christmas for a customer....
l-82/auto and it worked and fit very well.
Just make sure you have new rubbers and you may have to trim them a bit.......worth it for the price.
They are cheaper on E-bay if you shop.
Would I put one in my car? No. If it is an original look you want...this is not the unit.
Jebby
l-82/auto and it worked and fit very well.
Just make sure you have new rubbers and you may have to trim them a bit.......worth it for the price.
They are cheaper on E-bay if you shop.
Would I put one in my car? No. If it is an original look you want...this is not the unit.
Jebby
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,091
Likes: 4,016
From: New Braunfels Texas
It is a great choice for a custom street machine....
My car is well modified, but keeps an original theme....
Not a big deal....just personal preference....
Jebby
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Funny... I was told that if I ask a question about a new radiator I would get slammed by Dewitts users! I do appreciate Dewitt and how they chime in and answer questions and are USA made but I can't swing $500-$600 for a radiator. I have a specific budget for this car and that kind of money is not in it. I need to be in the $200 range. Champion has 2 core aluminum for $160 delivered and 3 core for $200 delivered. I just need to find out which one is the best choice for a direct fit in my stock 77 L48 4spd. I don't have AC, I don't even have heat. Its just a stock SBC. Even my leaking 37 year old stock radiator keeps the motor at 180 for over an hour of driving. I am using my stock clutch fan and stock radiator shroud. I could probably get by with the stock plastic/aluminum radiator that Auto Zone has in stock right down the street from me for $160 but I really don't want to use plastic. I would prefer aluminum because I like the way it looks. I am not concerned about cooling performance on a 200hp SBC!!! 180 degrees is fine for me.
I like to discuss tech freely without being belittled.
I bought a dewitts, even custom upgraded, and for several reasons I wish I had bought champion,
and the very much reduced cost for an import unit that will do the job is just one small reason,
do not get me wrong dewitts is a work of art.
