FJC

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.

c3_dk

I'm also looking for a new radiator for my 69 Coupe SBC 427
So please tell about when you get it.

Please upload some pictures, when you have it......

Where will you buy it?

FJC

Will do, Amazon has them for the same price as eBay so I'll go that route if I end up buying it.

fradrums

what is the best cooling Radiator for a high HP engine ?
thanks

danh77

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.

augiedoggy

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.

augiedoggy

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.

fradrums

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 ?

croaker

I've been putting off since Jan. reading all the stuff on here.I'd truly like to see how this goes. 3 row?

7t9l82

If you have a 66 your in the wrong place. If you meant 68 I would think it should fit you may need a dropped base air cleaner.

The13Bats

well according to the Jegs ad for that unit,


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

FJC

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.

augiedoggy

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.

FJC

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.

FJC

Bit the bullet and ordered it today. I'll post pics and issues as things move along.

cam68

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!

FJC

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.

Knerf

CC615 is what i put in my 68, i didnt modify the mounting at all and have not had any issues to speak of what so ever.

Jebbysan

I put a Champion 2 row in a 76' in December......I had to modify the upper and lower rubber in the brackets....they needed squaring off.

Jebby

c3_dk

Great looking forward hearing from you, and seeing some pictures....