Replacement Radiator for 1977 L48 Auto
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 15
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Replacement Radiator for 1977 L48 Auto
so the radiator on my stock 1977 L48 Auto transmission car has given up it's ghost. Car also has AC.
Car is driven weekends, not really super hard or anything. It's kind of the bagel and ice cream run car. Every now and then I commute with it just because.
Reading the Alum Radiator Sticky, it seems like the champions are a bit of a pain to install, the cold core seems like an easy install, doesn't rub the sway bar, and costs like $400 on their website (I usually assume another vendor will have a bit cheaper). DeWitt 1139077A is like $700, but may be the bees knees.
I just stumbled across something made by Liland Global on Rock Auto. Prices range from $165 for a two row to $220 for a wide tube three row.
A shop I am friendly with is going to do the install, so at the end of the day I want to give them something easy to install. We all know enough other headaches will probably creep up with this job.
Anything else out there I should be looking at? Is it worth the price difference between the DeWitt and the Cold Core? Has anyone use that Liland Global thing?
-Vick
Car is driven weekends, not really super hard or anything. It's kind of the bagel and ice cream run car. Every now and then I commute with it just because.
Reading the Alum Radiator Sticky, it seems like the champions are a bit of a pain to install, the cold core seems like an easy install, doesn't rub the sway bar, and costs like $400 on their website (I usually assume another vendor will have a bit cheaper). DeWitt 1139077A is like $700, but may be the bees knees.
I just stumbled across something made by Liland Global on Rock Auto. Prices range from $165 for a two row to $220 for a wide tube three row.
A shop I am friendly with is going to do the install, so at the end of the day I want to give them something easy to install. We all know enough other headaches will probably creep up with this job.
Anything else out there I should be looking at? Is it worth the price difference between the DeWitt and the Cold Core? Has anyone use that Liland Global thing?
-Vick
Last edited by vickv; Jan 11, 2021 at 10:54 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 1,121
From: North tonawanda NY
I have installed a 3 row champion in my 74, 7 years ago (its actually out right now because im changing the cam and converting to electric fans) and in my uncles 76 about 3 years ago. I have had no fitment issues myself.
You can get a economical dewitts through Zip corvette for less $ ive read here and it seems to be a popular choice
You can get a economical dewitts through Zip corvette for less $ ive read here and it seems to be a popular choice
Last edited by augiedoggy; Jan 12, 2021 at 07:30 AM.
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
I have the Cold Case rad. No fitment issues. Be aware that the Cold Case rad uses the bigger 1-1/4" tubes which is the same as Dewitts HD rad which sells for considerably more money than their universal type rad which only has the 1" tubes. Not sure what Champion has but do your research on tube sizes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 1,121
From: North tonawanda NY
Assumptions aside from those with no first hand experience, There are Lots of folks like myself running $175-200 aluminum rads like the champion for years with no issues. as far as fitment issues its relitive to the year and the expectations of the owner... if your looking for an exact oem looking fit only aluminum you will want a reproduction style like the higher end dewitts choice.
The 3 row champion uses smaller 5/8" tubes... That said even a 2 row 3/4" tube champion is designed 2 handle 400 to 600hp. I put a 2 row in my uncles car and a 3 row in mine. The cold case tube size (and dewitts) varies depending on the specific model radiator as well. Many are 1"
I will say you can get a new 3 row champion which is somewhere between 30-40% more efficient than oem, for as little as $130 shipped or as much at $300+ shipped from some the larger name corvette retailers we all know.
The 3 row champion uses smaller 5/8" tubes... That said even a 2 row 3/4" tube champion is designed 2 handle 400 to 600hp. I put a 2 row in my uncles car and a 3 row in mine. The cold case tube size (and dewitts) varies depending on the specific model radiator as well. Many are 1"
I will say you can get a new 3 row champion which is somewhere between 30-40% more efficient than oem, for as little as $130 shipped or as much at $300+ shipped from some the larger name corvette retailers we all know.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Jan 13, 2021 at 07:50 AM.
