Griffin Radiator Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Griffin Radiator Question
I installed the Griffin Universal Radiator in my C3. I have a Big Block and I'm having trouble with the top radiator hose. Has anyone performed this upgrade on there Big Block? How did you compensate for the close clearance with the alternator? I purchased hoses for a 74 454, but they are not even close. Any thoughts would be a great help.
Thanks
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (smokin75-427)
I had a universal fit hose on small block when I got and it works nice. It looks kinda like an accordian and I believe it may have wire molded in it to keep it from collapsing. I tightened the hose clamp on the rad then rotating the hose before tightening the clamp on the thermostat housing. By rotating the hose it caused it to bow a little away from the alt and alt belt. With the accordian design you do not have to worry about it kinking. Worked so well I bought one for my lower hose too. You can buy stainless steel flexible line but it is high $. Hope this helped.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (Fevre)
That won't work, but thanks for resposnding.
It appears I need a 90' silicone coupler. I may end up having to fabricate something the same way Monty did on his TT.
[Modified by smokin75-427, 12:58 PM 12/24/2002]
It appears I need a 90' silicone coupler. I may end up having to fabricate something the same way Monty did on his TT.
[Modified by smokin75-427, 12:58 PM 12/24/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (smokin75-427)
I installed the Griffin Universal Radiator in my C3. I have a Big Block and I'm having trouble with the top radiator hose. Has anyone performed this upgrade on there Big Block? How did you compensate for the close clearance with the alternator? I purchased hoses for a 74 454, but they are not even close. Any thoughts would be a great help.
Thanks
Thanks
:cheers:
Olivier
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 13
From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (GrandSportC3)
I have a big block, Griffin radiator set up. I bought a crome o-ringed goooseneck (?) that rotates in any direction. I just pointed it at the top radiator fitting and run braided hose. No problem with clearance
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (69 N.O.X. RATT)
Try these, Upper radiator hose 238, lower radiator hose is XL060 from AutoZone. These worked great on my sbc, maybe they'll bet you what you need for your bb :) .
I installed a long bolt into the upper alt bracket which was required to pass safety spec at the local track in case I threw the belt, maybe this would help support your hose also if need be ;) .
I installed a long bolt into the upper alt bracket which was required to pass safety spec at the local track in case I threw the belt, maybe this would help support your hose also if need be ;) .
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (GrandSportC3)
GS3- It is so tight in between the top hose and the alternator, I don't know what Im gonna do. I even tried cutting the top hose mount off a stock corvette radiator that was no good anymore trying to change the angle by using a small piece of radiator hose which couples from the top of the radiator to the curved mount off the stock unit. It was to TIGHT to make the turn in between the alternator. I think the flexable metal hose would still not be able to turn the corner at the right angle. Man, this is gonna be fun. I worked on it till 4:00 a.m. just trying diffierent combos and well, Lets just say my hands are sore..but Im not :cry I just want it to work correctly.
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (69 N.O.X. RATT)
69rat, Yea Ive seen those waternecks (thermostat housings) that rotate. Right now the problem is where the top radiator hose comes out of the Griffin Radiator. It comes straight out of the radiator, almost points downward because of the angle of the factory radiator core suppport. There is only about 3" of clearance between the end of the top hose outlet and the alternator. :( I wish I could post a pic. I will work on it. Thanks, Man
smoked tires: Thanks, any help would be appreciated, I know the small blocks pretty well, I've got a small collection off hoses, but this tight turn is whats got me.
smoked tires: Thanks, any help would be appreciated, I know the small blocks pretty well, I've got a small collection off hoses, but this tight turn is whats got me.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (smokin75-427)
I did the universal rad. install on my small block. I know it may be different, but I know the angle you are talking about; upper inlet is pitched downward and needs a 90 degrees turn in the hose otherwise it hits the alt. belt on mine. I tried different hoses until I found one at Kragen that fit perfectly, no trimming or bends, I mean PERFECT. The Kragen part number for the top hose is E70862. Hope this helps. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (R. Bruno)
Bruno, Well I don't have a Kragen here, but I will try to cross the number. I have spent a small fortune on hoses!! Oh well never have to buy another one.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: winnipeg manitoba
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (smokin75-427)
I just checked some references and i think a hose the same as used on a 71 LS-6 could work it's got a big u-bend in it it might work of course this is a guess without seeing your car, i would check with the reproduction hose suppliers or even check with Griffin.
Ken :cheers:
Ken :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (smokin75-427)
smokin- ah, same problem I had. Smokedtires gave me an autozone # and I couldn't cross reference and had none out here. I tried the flex hose first also, and although it made the bend it hit the belts. I feel your pain but you will find it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (smokin75-427)
Mine's a smallblock,and the upper stock hose fit fine,the lower ended up a universal hose I got from a NAPA store. I used my old hose and matched one they had for length and diameter.Looks like a Catapiller tractor hose. 
The thermostat housing is a Summit chrome O-ring deal. There has been no clearance problem or leaks yet. Merry X-mas! :cheers:
[Modified by The Money Pit, 8:50 PM 12/24/2002]
The thermostat housing is a Summit chrome O-ring deal. There has been no clearance problem or leaks yet. Merry X-mas! :cheers: [Modified by The Money Pit, 8:50 PM 12/24/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (smokin75-427)
Hi
Find a good alu welder and get him to weld a 90 angle to the outlet.
That's what I plan to do once I receive the universal alu radiator for my 68 big block.
This can't be more expensive than buying O-ring universal necks and lots of rubber hoses. :smash:
Good luck and merry Christmas.
Gunther
Find a good alu welder and get him to weld a 90 angle to the outlet.
That's what I plan to do once I receive the universal alu radiator for my 68 big block.
This can't be more expensive than buying O-ring universal necks and lots of rubber hoses. :smash:
Good luck and merry Christmas.
Gunther
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Re: Griffin Radiator Question (WESCH)
Hi
Find a good alu welder and get him to weld a 90 angle to the outlet.
That's what I plan to do once I receive the universal alu radiator for my 68 big block.
This can't be more expensive than buying O-ring universal necks and lots of rubber hoses. :smash:
Good luck and merry Christmas.
Gunther
Find a good alu welder and get him to weld a 90 angle to the outlet.
That's what I plan to do once I receive the universal alu radiator for my 68 big block.
This can't be more expensive than buying O-ring universal necks and lots of rubber hoses. :smash:
Good luck and merry Christmas.
Gunther
