Dewitts HP Rad for a BB ?
Thread Starter
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 4,396
From: Marlton NJ
Dewitts HP Rad for a BB ?
Looking for any BB C3 experience with either a regular Direct Fit Dewitts Rad or the HP version.
Building a 500HP 454 with A/C
Is the HP needed?
Only want to buy this once!
Building a 500HP 454 with A/C
Is the HP needed?
Only want to buy this once!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,193
Likes: 7,793
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I understand that Dwiitts is the best in the business. That said they have always been too rich for my budget.
None the less. Particularly in a C3, any C3. I believe that you can't put in to much radiator. You put in the biggest rad you can possibly stuff in there.
High power, AC, that's a lot of heat in a car that is notorious for having issues getting rid of heat.
I don't have any idea of the cost differences. But I would still recommend the biggest radiator you can shoehorn in there.
None the less. Particularly in a C3, any C3. I believe that you can't put in to much radiator. You put in the biggest rad you can possibly stuff in there.
High power, AC, that's a lot of heat in a car that is notorious for having issues getting rid of heat.
I don't have any idea of the cost differences. But I would still recommend the biggest radiator you can shoehorn in there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
I have the HP version and Spal brushless fan in my 69 and couldn't be happier with both. There was a little interference with the fan shroud and sway bar but easily rectified. Runs cool as can be. Highly recommended. I previously had the dual Seal fans and those worked great too. My 502 is making 660 horsepower and in 100 degree heat, runs cool. As to if the HP is needed, I can't help there, but this is the second HP I have had and they both did the job beautifully.
Racer
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 390
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
For those power levels it should be great. I couldn’t get the HP to cool my supercharged 540 and tried a number of more powerful fans and larger shrouds. I ended up going to a setup from C&R that worked. But again, for closer to stock output they are great.
I’ll also add that the C&R was even more expensive, but it actually holds temp in my application. I fully acknowledge dewitts works for most applications.
I’ll also add that the C&R was even more expensive, but it actually holds temp in my application. I fully acknowledge dewitts works for most applications.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 922
Likes: 164
From: Hudson NH
I have the HP version and Spal brushless fan in my 69 and couldn't be happier with both. There was a little interference with the fan shroud and sway bar but easily rectified. Runs cool as can be. Highly recommended. I previously had the dual Seal fans and those worked great too. My 502 is making 660 horsepower and in 100 degree heat, runs cool. As to if the HP is needed, I can't help there, but this is the second HP I have had and they both did the job beautifully.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,339
Likes: 8,143
From: Napa Valley California
I recently installed my Dewitt’s hp radiator and dual Spal electric fans with their shroud.
I didn’t have any issues or interference when I installed them.
The shroud is really nice and has the rubber flappers that allow more air to pass through at highway speeds but close at slow speeds to force more air through the radiator.
I did purchase their heavy duty rubber mount cushions.
They were really nice but the oem reproductions weren’t as tight and actually made the installation better so I used them instead.
I didn’t have any issues or interference when I installed them.
The shroud is really nice and has the rubber flappers that allow more air to pass through at highway speeds but close at slow speeds to force more air through the radiator.
I did purchase their heavy duty rubber mount cushions.
They were really nice but the oem reproductions weren’t as tight and actually made the installation better so I used them instead.
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