Big Block Radiator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: South Beloit IL
Big Block Radiator
I got some questions about the big block radiators. My 72' originally came with a small block but now I'm replacing it with a a big block 427 which should make some where in the area of 550 hp. When switching to a big block radiator do you have to replace the radiator core support with a big block core support ? Is that all you have to do is switch the support or is there other modifications to go with it ? I suppose I couldn't get by with the small block set-up and an aftermarket small block radiator ?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Big Block Radiator (fastpig)
When I switched to the bigblock I tried the small block radiator but found the heat gage creeping up and it wouldn't come down.
I replace it with a griffin 2 row 3 inch aluminum rad and never had a problem since.
To me the rad supports are the same since they clamp on the tank, not the core and a 3 inch rad has the same tanks as a 2 core rad.
It should work.
I replace it with a griffin 2 row 3 inch aluminum rad and never had a problem since.
To me the rad supports are the same since they clamp on the tank, not the core and a 3 inch rad has the same tanks as a 2 core rad.
It should work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Re: Big Block Radiator (Todbo)
Some small block cars had aluminum radiators, unless it is a ZR-1 car (which had the L88 aluminum radiator) the radiator need to be changed. The LT-1, LS-5 (454) and C-60 (air conditioned) Vettes had the copper/brass radiator. DeWitts makes the best and actually most reasonably priced aluminum replacement radiator for the copper/brass Vettes (he's a forum sponser also!) I just looked at his latest offering at my buddies shop and my perfectly decent factory LT-1 radiator is going to be replaced with one of his exact replica radiators (niether the Griffin or BeCool units look anything like a stock radiator.) DeWitts make the best quality and is a Corvette community supporter. DeWitts only makes replacement Corvette radiators, NOTHING ELSE! (oh, I forgot, he make the best storage compartment replacement parts.) I am not a friend or do I get any money/discounts from DeWitt's, I just like to see quality products supported by the Corvette community. No one can say they make Corvette radiators from factory Harrison tooling except Tom DeWitt!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,237
Likes: 1,009
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Re: Big Block Radiator (467-Ratman)
I agree with SolidLT1. I bought my Griffin and Spal fans from Tom Dewitt. He is definitely one of the good guys and a forum supporter. Absolutely terrific to deal with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Re: Big Block Radiator (69ttop502)
I want to clarify that the DeWitt copper/brass aluminum replacement IS EXACTLY like the the factory radiator in looks. You may be able to get a deal from Tom on the Griffin radiator if he has any left but, I would get his new aluminum copper/brass replacement radiator (i'm looking at the 3-5 lbs of weight that will come off my overworked front tires at the autocross races.)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Summerville SC
Re: Big Block Radiator (467-Ratman)
My BeCool radiator fit right in place of my old small block radiator and its the biggest one they make. I am running twin Flex-a-lite fans, works great. 
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 275
Likes: 6
From: NY
Re: Big Block Radiator (fastpig)
My '71 BB has a Winton rad. I had it re-cored. The rad shop owner said it was original eq. Personnally, I never heard of Winton, but I hope the name [ if I'm spelling it right] helps.
