Cooling issue
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,656
Likes: 1,357
Penelopegirl - hopefully your cookie sheet shroud plan works. However, if it does not, then take a look at this thread. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1587817315
Per your discussion I would not expect you to enjoy wandering around a pick-a-part (I do
) and these mid 90's Camaro fan assemblies are all put together with a shroud. In the post above F22 even shows dimensions with a tape measure. Great post with F22.
Per your discussion I would not expect you to enjoy wandering around a pick-a-part (I do
) and these mid 90's Camaro fan assemblies are all put together with a shroud. In the post above F22 even shows dimensions with a tape measure. Great post with F22.
Last edited by carriljc; Mar 2, 2019 at 10:51 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,173
Likes: 7,960
From: Napa Valley California
Call Dewitts Radiator, they are a forum vendor.
Usually Tom DeWitt will chime in when he sees threads regarding cooling and radiators.
You might just send him a PM.
I researched cooling through many manufacturers and found Dewitt’s had by far the best quality radiator in the business.
They also advertise their radiators are “direct fit” with no modifications to the vehicle needed.
Everything I have read shows this is true.
Their web site is great and I would suggest looking at their direct fit, aluminum, HP, combo unit for your 383.
Two rows of 1.25” tubes, with no epoxy, and the combo kit comes with the dual spal fans, all wiring, relays, and the shroud.
I just ordered my combo kit for my 496 build and I believe their 15% off sale is still running which knocked over $200.00 off my order.
This set up should be more than adequate to cool you build.
In your photos it looks like you have an auto trans which is also additional heat into your cooling system because the trans fluid is cooled in the side tank in the radiator.
If I’m correct and you do have an auto trans make sure you order the correct radiator.
The other option is if you want the natural finish or painted black from their factory.
I opted for the natural finish as I think it just looks cool over the black and the natural finish is cheaper.
Usually Tom DeWitt will chime in when he sees threads regarding cooling and radiators.
You might just send him a PM.
I researched cooling through many manufacturers and found Dewitt’s had by far the best quality radiator in the business.
They also advertise their radiators are “direct fit” with no modifications to the vehicle needed.
Everything I have read shows this is true.
Their web site is great and I would suggest looking at their direct fit, aluminum, HP, combo unit for your 383.
Two rows of 1.25” tubes, with no epoxy, and the combo kit comes with the dual spal fans, all wiring, relays, and the shroud.
I just ordered my combo kit for my 496 build and I believe their 15% off sale is still running which knocked over $200.00 off my order.
This set up should be more than adequate to cool you build.
In your photos it looks like you have an auto trans which is also additional heat into your cooling system because the trans fluid is cooled in the side tank in the radiator.
If I’m correct and you do have an auto trans make sure you order the correct radiator.
The other option is if you want the natural finish or painted black from their factory.
I opted for the natural finish as I think it just looks cool over the black and the natural finish is cheaper.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Jan 20, 2019 at 11:44 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,716
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
Post #15 shows the foam core support to hood seal along with the seal between the top of the radiator and the core support.
Neal
Neal
Last edited by chevymans 77; Jan 20, 2019 at 12:38 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,716
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
Do a search on google using "C3 corvette radiator seals", look in images and a large number of pics will show the seals and them being installed.
Neal
Neal
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,716
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...uide-pics.html
look through this thread, while not the exact same year the idea is the same as to the seals.
Neal
look through this thread, while not the exact same year the idea is the same as to the seals.
Neal
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,026
Likes: 659
From: FL
Radiator seals here.
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/cool...ort-seals.html
Since you are in SE Florida, recommend a drive up to Titusville and talk directly to folks at Ecklers.
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/cool...ort-seals.html
Since you are in SE Florida, recommend a drive up to Titusville and talk directly to folks at Ecklers.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,688
Likes: 41
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Radiator seals here.
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/cool...ort-seals.html
Since you are in SE Florida, recommend a drive up to Titusville and talk directly to folks at Ecklers.
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/cool...ort-seals.html
Since you are in SE Florida, recommend a drive up to Titusville and talk directly to folks at Ecklers.
Hey Penelope, have you taken the thermostat out yet? Very simple job, first get a gasket from auto parts store for $4, take the two bolts off on the housing, remove thermostat and put in garbage, make sure both sides of metal are clean, put housing with new gasket on and tighten the 2 bolts. 10 minute job.
Last edited by Doug1; Jan 20, 2019 at 01:49 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,688
Likes: 41
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,688
Likes: 41
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Mine seeped from day 1, removed the oring and filled it in, used various gaskets no dice. Finally after sitting for a few yrs its corroded itself shut.
They warp when you tighten them who wants to risk a motor to that? Buddys oring failed on his, cooked an 8k motor his 2nd day out.
Summit may still sell the cast aluminum housing that goes on their crate motors. Its plenty strong and $10. Smooth finish so polishes up real easy if you like bling.
Throw that cheap stuff in the trash. Its not if, its when.
They warp when you tighten them who wants to risk a motor to that? Buddys oring failed on his, cooked an 8k motor his 2nd day out.
Summit may still sell the cast aluminum housing that goes on their crate motors. Its plenty strong and $10. Smooth finish so polishes up real easy if you like bling.
Throw that cheap stuff in the trash. Its not if, its when.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,656
Likes: 1,357
I don't think that it lasted one year (1). Never felt right, and I tried to reseal it, finally just sh*t-canned it and got a cast iron puppy. Never leaked again. My new engine looks to have a cast aluminum unit which doesn't leak either. I'll never get another chrome P.O.S.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: SE Florida
Call Dewitts Radiator, they are a forum vendor.
Usually Tom DeWitt will chime in when he sees threads regarding cooling and radiators.
You might just send him a PM.
I researched cooling through many manufacturers and found Dewitt’s had by far the best quality radiator in the business.
They also advertise their radiators are “direct fit” with no modifications to the vehicle needed.
Everything I have read shows this is true.
Their web site is great and I would suggest looking at their direct fit, aluminum, HP, combo unit for your 383.
Two rows of 1.25” tubes, with no epoxy, and the combo kit comes with the dual spal fans, all wiring, relays, and the shroud.
I just ordered my combo kit for my 496 build and I believe their 15% off sale is still running which knocked over $200.00 off my order.
This set up should be more than adequate to cool you build.
In your photos it looks like you have an auto trans which is also additional heat into your cooling system because the trans fluid is cooled in the side tank in the radiator.
If I’m correct and you do have an auto trans make sure you order the correct radiator.
The other option is if you want the natural finish or painted black from their factory.
I opted for the natural finish as I think it just looks cool over the black and the natural finish is cheaper.
Usually Tom DeWitt will chime in when he sees threads regarding cooling and radiators.
You might just send him a PM.
I researched cooling through many manufacturers and found Dewitt’s had by far the best quality radiator in the business.
They also advertise their radiators are “direct fit” with no modifications to the vehicle needed.
Everything I have read shows this is true.
Their web site is great and I would suggest looking at their direct fit, aluminum, HP, combo unit for your 383.
Two rows of 1.25” tubes, with no epoxy, and the combo kit comes with the dual spal fans, all wiring, relays, and the shroud.
I just ordered my combo kit for my 496 build and I believe their 15% off sale is still running which knocked over $200.00 off my order.
This set up should be more than adequate to cool you build.
In your photos it looks like you have an auto trans which is also additional heat into your cooling system because the trans fluid is cooled in the side tank in the radiator.
If I’m correct and you do have an auto trans make sure you order the correct radiator.
The other option is if you want the natural finish or painted black from their factory.
I opted for the natural finish as I think it just looks cool over the black and the natural finish is cheaper.
Yes I do have auto. I think I’m days away from dumping what I have and starting over. I’m just trying to look at what I have and cost to replace right now. Thanks much. 
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: SE Florida
Radiator seals here.
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/cool...ort-seals.html
Since you are in SE Florida, recommend a drive up to Titusville and talk directly to folks at Ecklers.
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/cool...ort-seals.html
Since you are in SE Florida, recommend a drive up to Titusville and talk directly to folks at Ecklers.
I just realized they’re only 110 miles away but my Penelope sure ain’t going there. She’s overheating 3 miles from home.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
Ignition retarded
Carb is lean.
Water pump is incorrect rotation
Thermostat is bad.
Bad hose
Something along those lines.....
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,026
Likes: 659
From: FL
Honestly, if you are overheating in three miles when it only 60 degrees out, I would honestly consider the possibility that you have a standard rotation water pump with the reverse rotation serpentine setup.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: SE Florida
Runs hot
Ok so I exaggerate just a little but she is running way too hot. New thermostat 195 he tells me. Fans are coming on but don’t seem to bring the temp down. After the new thermostat I drove her 3-4 miles test run went up to 200 stayed there so I headed home was 230 when I got home. That’s too hot for me. The fans seem to run all the time now so what’s going to happen when it really gets hot. I’m afraid they threw parts at her buying for a 78 Corvette with no consideration for the 383 so I know this is going to get worse as weather heats up.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: SE Florida
Water pump
How do I find that out for sure? I know it has the March pulley system so how do I find out about the pump?