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I have a 78 Pace Car. L48 engine, auto. I want to replace the radiator as the original one looks like barnacles on the inside. Has anyone got any good recommendations for a replacement?
Also, should there be an water overflow reservoir in there somewhere? I don't have one and don't see where it would go. Any insight would be great.
Check out Dewitt’s radiators it’ll be last one you’ll ever need for the car. Well made.
There is an overflow coolant tank under the front right fender next to the ac box. It mounts to the inner fender. You’ll have to order the tank cap too.
Last edited by speedreed8; Jul 29, 2019 at 08:51 AM.
Anyone using the under $200 Champion radiators? just wondering is the extra $400 for a Dewitt is worth it given the car only gets maybe 3000-4000 miles a year on it?
I thought about that, but from what I read, the new radiators have better cooling and weigh 50% less. So, Im thinking it's a good thing to just replace it. Of course, flushing and cleaning the system that's there so I have a good clean system when done.
Do you think different? Let me know. I may be missing something to consider.
see my posts #15 and #17 regarding GM TSB and Instructions #99-06-02-012D
the GM / Prestone HD Cleaner referenced is NOT available any longer. It is Oxalic acid powder ... see Hardware store Wood Bleach ... yes I've done this
If your rad looks like "barnacles" inside ... the inside of your block , heater core etc do also.
Suggest any new rad or heater core be Both rinsed out & pressure-tested Before any install.
Takeaway
The cleaner is a strong caustic and can hurt you. Wear Eye protection & gloves. ... It will also burn lawn/grass.
Plan for a half-day. First simply flush out system w/ tap water & drain.
Job takes hours, mostly cooling down between stages & hi Idle.
Mix cleaner (powder crystalline Oxalic acid) into a bucket of hot tap water.
Let cleaner get hot & run at high idle for 2-3 hours, drain, cool down, flush w/ water, neutralize w/ soda mix for an hour at hi idle, drain, cool down, flush w/ water.
Then fill w/ your antifreeze-distilled water & a new t'stat & rad cap.
I have a 78 Pace Car. L48 engine, auto. I want to replace the radiator as the original one looks like barnacles on the inside. Has anyone got any good recommendations for a replacement?
It's important to note when replacing the radiator whether the car had options that required heavy-duty cooling such as A/C (C60) and/or the trailer package (RPO VN1).
Sir, I respectfully disagree. You're comparing apples and oranges ... rather sterling and electroplate.
What I'd love to know is what people think of the aluminum radiators? There seems to be one out there that's under $200 that looks nice... any comments on these?
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Originally Posted by jackson
Sir, I respectfully disagree. You're comparing apples and oranges ... rather sterling and electroplate.
Well, two items that do the same job, but do it differently and, with the associated huge difference in cost. But, I base my thoughts on friends who have gone the Dewitts route and those, including myself, who have not. I know my radiator dropped right in and worked so well I had to change the thermostat! I know friends struggled to get the Dewitts, or other ally items, to fit, and some still have cooling issues.... Considering what I saved in cost and time, for a rad that has worked perfectly and still looks almost new after 15 years now, there is no contest.
Anyone using the under $200 Champion radiators? just wondering is the extra $400 for a Dewitt is worth it given the car only gets maybe 3000-4000 miles a year on it?
Ive been using one of the 3 core rads for about 6 years now with zero issues...
What I'd love to know is what people think of the aluminum radiators? There seems to be one out there that's under $200 that looks nice... any comments on these?
there is a whole thread in the sticky section full of testimonials of folks that went both ways... bottom line is either radiator work well at cooling the engine as long as the correct model is chosen. one is made in the USA one isnt.. Again its a personal choice to weigh these factors.
I have a champion in my 74 and it dropped in and fits great with no issues but ive heard some years have clearance issues with the lower hose fitting.
78 L48 - Radiator
