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better radiator?

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Old Sep 17, 2020 | 09:40 PM
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Default better radiator?

as some may know (if anyone has been following me *doubtfull*) but i have a 1980 c3 vette that i've been working on restoring and i have gotten to the point where i need a new radiator. i've got the old radiator out so i already know how that goes and the minor problems i have to fix that come with that. it is an automatic so it does have the upper and lower tranny lines to deal with. but my question is, what is a good radiator thats above stock quality but i dont want to spend 700$ on one...unless i reaaallllyyy have to. or unless it raises the value of the car.
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Old Sep 17, 2020 | 10:14 PM
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I put a Champion 3 row in for my BP 383. $250 ..Works great.
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Old Sep 17, 2020 | 10:35 PM
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I also run a Champion radiator. Also, of you want top quality American made. Zip has a good price on the DeWitts Radiators.
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Old Sep 18, 2020 | 02:24 AM
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DeWitts sells $400- radiators through Zip.

https://www.zip-corvette.com/instant...a-232%20ra-233
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Old Sep 18, 2020 | 06:48 AM
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Have you considered having your original cleaned\recored?
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Old Sep 18, 2020 | 11:28 PM
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I just put a DeWitts in my 1970 and am very happy with it!
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Old Sep 19, 2020 | 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by gjohnson
I put a Champion 3 row in for my BP 383. $250 ..Works great.
same here put mine in in 2013... when I built a 355 and dropped it all in together.
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Old Sep 21, 2020 | 04:04 PM
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sounds like i will end up getting a champion radiator. i guess my follow up question would be, would that be fine with my original fan?
i have considered getting the one i currently have cleaned and re-cored but if it would cost around the same amount for a new one, shouldn't i just go new?
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Old Sep 21, 2020 | 04:09 PM
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I bought a new one and kept the original. In the event I sell the car to a purist, they may want that original one to rebuild.

(my wife loves this idea)
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Old Sep 21, 2020 | 07:45 PM
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thats actually a really good idea. i haven't gotten rid of any part i've pulled off due to the time it takes to find another part as oppose to fixining the original (when i can)
thank you all so much for the advice and tips! as always everyone is much appreciated for their input and advice!!
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Old Sep 21, 2020 | 07:56 PM
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so it seems that the champion radiators work just fine as a replacement and will last longer. But the zip radiators are much higher quality and will be best performance wise and potentially raise the value of the car?
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Old Sep 21, 2020 | 08:39 PM
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It wont raise the value one penny but is defintely a nice perk when a buyer is considering
Youll see the difference in your temps thats where the value is.
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Old Sep 21, 2020 | 09:45 PM
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this is good to know! thank you for the tidbit
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Old Sep 22, 2020 | 10:08 AM
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I'd recommend going with the electric fans. I have the DeWitts radiator with the electric fans and never have to worry about running hot.
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