Radiator upgrade
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 13
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Radiator upgrade
Ok guy, I think there are known issues with the stock radiators on the C3 vettes.. I'm looking to upgrade mine to an aluminum with dual electric fans. What is everybody's experience with this upgrade? Who makes the best one and is there a vendor here that sells them?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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Not sure what known issues you are referring to but if you want to go aluminum try the link below
https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...inum-radiators
https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...inum-radiators
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Not sure what known issues you are referring to but if you want to go aluminum try the link below
https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...inum-radiators
https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...inum-radiators
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Well I say known issues... Guess what I should have said was, I have read that some people as myself are having overheating issues with factory radiators. I just purchased my car a few weeks ago and it has gotten hotter than I would like one day just riding through a big subdivision at low speed. So with that being said this will be my first mod to the car along with possibly a new more efficient carburetor with electric choke, that is if the rebuild kit on the Quadra jet doesn't do much good. I'm not interested in an all original car, I'm much more a custom kind of guy and just want a beautiful car I can reliably drive anywhere.
Now get ready for people to start listing overheating possibilities....
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
What year is your Vette and are you sure you have the original radiator? My '72 has the original aluminum "Harrison" radiator and I have no overheating problems. If you replace it, go with the aluminum.
Duane
Duane
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 971
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Dewitts aluminum....cured the hot issue with the OEM L-82 at SPEED, not idle. Great radiator and excellent quality...that and my Stewart Stage 2 aluminum water pump effortlessly cool the rebuilt/upgraded 425+ Gross HP 355 L-82 with ease....
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
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From: Brighton
Exactly! C3'ers take note...this generation offered (6) six different models from 68-82. The aluminum one mentioned about and several different C/B models, with and without filler neck and/or surge tanks. You cannot begin to discuss C3 without all the details of the OP model.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
I went from a stock radiator to a 4 core copper radiator and it worked for many years. A few ago, radiator gave up and local, quality shop installed an aluminum radiator. Not a DeWitt, just a "generic" aluminum radiator. Now, hardly ever goes over 200 and only for a moment. Then heads down to about 185 and stays there, even in hot summer Houston days. Aux fan never comes on. At this point, don't even know if it works. Aluminum only way to go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,725
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I've had a summit aluminum radiator for about a dozen years in my 68. I squished the biggest one I could between the framerails - YES, I made my own support brackets - easy for me so I did it. I have a Lincoln Mark VIII fan. This maintains my temperature wherever I decide to set my fans. I have a 180°F high flow thermostat (with small drilled holes).
The Radiator has been just wonderful; I'm glad I did it, but you might be better off (easier-depending on your fabriation capabilities) getting a so-called "direct replacement" from a generic store, or if you want the best (just read up on this forum) take a look at all the positive comments about Dewitts on this forum.
The Radiator has been just wonderful; I'm glad I did it, but you might be better off (easier-depending on your fabriation capabilities) getting a so-called "direct replacement" from a generic store, or if you want the best (just read up on this forum) take a look at all the positive comments about Dewitts on this forum.
Last edited by carriljc; Nov 28, 2017 at 09:41 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,187
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From: Long Island
I agree on checking the settings and setup of the engine.
I would recommend Dewitt's direct fit, with the dual fans. It lowered the operating temp of my 71 by 10 degrees.
I used because I re-cored the original and it lasted 1 year, as the new cores are junk - real thin.
The Dewitt's fit well and works very well.
I would recommend Dewitt's direct fit, with the dual fans. It lowered the operating temp of my 71 by 10 degrees.
I used because I re-cored the original and it lasted 1 year, as the new cores are junk - real thin.
The Dewitt's fit well and works very well.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
1980
Exactly! C3'ers take note...this generation offered (6) six different models from 68-82. The aluminum one mentioned about and several different C/B models, with and without filler neck and/or surge tanks. You cannot begin to discuss C3 without all the details of the OP model.
Last edited by wplouque; Nov 28, 2017 at 10:49 PM.
Race Director
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From: SW Florida.
the seals and the chin spoiler that acts as an air scoop funneling air into radiator that would otherwise continue by under the car.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
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From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Hmmm, I removed most of my seals. Getting a lot more cooler air flowing over the engine at cruise. But I live in a more moderate climate.
For the OP, if you have a big budget, spend the $1000+ for a radiator upgrade like the guys are recommending. But bear in mind, it may be over kill and that money could be better spent elsewhere. As already mentioned, are there issues with C3 cooling? I don't have any but I also don't sit in traffic with a/c on and its 100F outside. Otherwise, a rad upgrade might be required and I too would opt for aluminium.
For the OP, if you have a big budget, spend the $1000+ for a radiator upgrade like the guys are recommending. But bear in mind, it may be over kill and that money could be better spent elsewhere. As already mentioned, are there issues with C3 cooling? I don't have any but I also don't sit in traffic with a/c on and its 100F outside. Otherwise, a rad upgrade might be required and I too would opt for aluminium.