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Ok, I am going to be replacing my plastic/aluminum radiator with an all aluminum Champion model # CC1655 Radiator. I chose this route for cost as well as function. I am not going the Dewitt route though I have read at length the benefits of a Dewitt radiator I will not go that route at this time. I'm curious if anyone has installed the Champion CC1655 recently and if they needed to modify the mounts still to have it fit. From what I can see it appears that Champion has modified the upper and lower portion to directly fit.
Thanks,
Frank
P.S. I really don't want this thread to devolve into a Dewitts vs everything else argument as most of these threads seem to eventually go... I just want to know about the fit.
I just recently replaced mine. Not the very same model as your looking, I have a 77. I did end up trimming a bit off the rubber mounts but other than that it fit just fine.
I used a 3 row champion I bought 2 years ago for my 74 (dont remember model# sorry) It fit fine... was a little tight with the upper brackets but it did end up fitting and no issues with performance.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Jun 12, 2016 at 08:39 PM.
what is the best cooling Radiator for a high HP engine ?
thanks
It might help to know what you mean by "High hp engine" thats kinda vague man.. mines somewhere between 375 and 400hp and I wouldnt call it high HP myself but its not stock for sure.The 3 row I have is more than enough. A 4 row radiator should be more than enough for most.. especially without AC.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Jun 12, 2016 at 08:40 PM.
I have a champion it's been in about 3 yrs with no issues went right in.I will be interested to see what they changed.
I get tired of the radiator troll.I know he has a big following and if I need him I know where to find him and bee cool and griffin.....
sorry if I disrupted this link ...a newbie I'll figure it out
I'm installing a 383 510 ponies it does have a aftermarket A/C now
P.S. anyone know if an air gap manifold with Holley fit under a 66 big block bubble hood ?
Champion Cooling Systems 3-Row Aluminum Radiators
Champion Cooling System Champion Core Radiators have three rows of 5/8" tubes. Their cooling capacity is approximately 600 to 800+ horsepower. Each radiator is manufactured at an ISO-certified facility to the highest standards and workmanship, and only the best aluminum is used. All Champion Radiators are built with 100% welded seams brazed core technology and absolutely no epoxy.
Features •All-Aluminum Design with 3 Rows of 5/8" Tubing
•Welded Seams Brazed Core Technology (No epoxy)
•Approximately 600 to 800+ Horsepower Cooling Capacity
•Standard Radiator Cap Included
Now if you do not believe any of that data please drop Jegs/Champion an email or call as I do not care and flaming me for it will only get
Last edited by The13Bats; Jun 13, 2016 at 02:50 AM.
I've been putting off since Jan. reading all the stuff on here.I'd truly like to see how this goes. 3 row?
Yes 3 Row for me, I'll post pics if I end up buying it. I got an email back from the Amazon seller saying that minor trimming of the rubber brackets would be required. I may take mine to a rad shop and see if they can repair it. I think it's a leak from the reservoir on the driver side. Either way I'll post it up if/when I do it.
Yes 3 Row for me, I'll post pics if I end up buying it. I got an email back from the Amazon seller saying that minor trimming of the rubber brackets would be required. I may take mine to a rad shop and see if they can repair it. I think it's a leak from the reservoir on the driver side. Either way I'll post it up if/when I do it.
I can say that even though my stock radiator was ok and not leaking (I dont know how plugged it was) The new 3 row champion seemed to cool better BUT (and a big But) at the same time I replaced my stock engine with the new one I built as well as added the lower air deflector... I am missing the side rad seals and havent needed them.
I dont remember what I did to make it fit, I bought new rubber pads to the top supports but cant remember if I trimmed them.
Yeah, I should have mentioned that I have a replacement 76 350 engine in my 69. So keeping it numbers matching and original is not a concern for me. I want something that'll keep my engine cool and remove concern of overheating from the equation.
Bit the bullet and ordered it today. I'll post pics and issues as things move along.
Because I was strapped at the time for funds I chose to take a chance on this radiator. It ate up some time to modify the top and bottom brackets for the radiator in order to prevent them rubbing through the tank. I also used heavy rubber strips to protect the radiator tanks as well. So far so good. Recently saw the Dewitt's version and will order next time. It is a direct fit, finish is nice also! Good luck!
Same reasons here. Glad to hear it's working out so far. Glad I ordered it. The leak didn't stop like it had previously after the radiator wasn't under pressure. Woke up to this:
After it was sitting for a day. Either way I think this will be a good replacement and cost effective.
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Champion CC1655 radiator
