95 Radiator Suggestions

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Nov 23, 2005 | 08:50 PM

Duntov

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 1,451

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From: Round Rock TX

95 Radiator Suggestions

I noticed a hint of coolant smell this afternoon. I knew this would not be good.

I looked around and didn't see any coolant on the ground, the overflow tank was full, and no signs of leaks. I then started to look closer and found that the right side radiator tank is cracked in on several of the ribs (front and back side) and there was some residual coolant there also. I had the other side tank replaced about 5 years ago.

I looked at all the Corvette parts shops that I could think of online, and none have offer just the manual transmission radiator. They are all dual purpose for automatic. This would work, but I would rather not have the connections for the transmission cooler lines. My only other option is an aftermarket aluminum radiator.

I have found that Ecklers is selling a DeWitts radiator that says it is a direct fit replacement, but when I visit DeWitts site it says that the shround and the upper cushion needs to be trimmed. I tend to take the manufacturers word.

So does anyone have any suggestions or opinions on the various radiators out there both factory and all aluminum style.

thanks
Matt

Nov 23, 2005 | 09:05 PM

CFI-EFI

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 17,298

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From: The Top of Utah

I would recommend that you pull the radiator and take it to a radiator shop to have the rank replaced. Tom DeWitt is a Corvette Forum sponsor. He may jump in and explain any fit considerations. In my opinion the DeWitt, all aluminum radiator is the is the very best high capacity radiator out there. The only question is if you really need twice the radiator as you've had up until now, for twice the cost. My 1984 has had tanks replaced twice, but it still cools great with the factory, 22 year old core. Sorry, Tom.

RACE ON!!!

Nov 23, 2005 | 11:15 PM

eschoendorff

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Director of Bands

St. Jude Donor '08

If you do decide to go with a GM part... check with forum sponsor Fred Beans. They're a dealership based out of PA. Jeremy (at the parts counter) has bailed me out more than once after I had been screwed by GMpartsdirect.

My radiator (albeit for an A4) was shipped to my door for about $120.

FWIW....

Nov 23, 2005 | 11:20 PM

TM-Z06

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Hayward CA

I have a Dewitts radiator. The install is not that bad, and it comes with very good instructions. The 92-96 Vettes do not have proper room for a 2 core radiator (stock is 1 core), so you have to trim the rubber supports. It's really not a bad/hard job at all.

Call Tom Dewitts and he'll explain it to you. I highly recommend his radiators.

Nov 23, 2005 | 11:24 PM

Mr Mojo

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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo

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CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet

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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07

I got a Modine from NAPA, exact fit. Piece of cake to replace.

Nov 25, 2005 | 07:34 AM

0Tom@Dewitt

Former Vendor

Joined: Jan 2000

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From: Brighton

Some purchase the high performance radiator for the extra cooling but some buy it to eliminate the plastic end tank and/or gasket failures. Two cheap radiators cost more than one good one, so if you plan on keeping the car for a long time the upgrade might actually cost less.

Nov 25, 2005 | 09:05 AM

MBDiagMan

Racer

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 456

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From: Sumner Texas

Take the radiator to your local radiator shop and see if they can replace the tank. If not, the radiator shops usually have access to very good OEM replacement radiator lines at reasonable prices. That way you can put it back in and it will look original which sounds like what you're looking for.

Good luck,

Nov 25, 2005 | 11:21 AM

CFI-EFI

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

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From: The Top of Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBDiagMan

Take the radiator to your local radiator shop and see if they can replace the tank. If not...

If not, find a new radiator shop. I've had tanks on my rad replaced at two different shops, and I've never been told by a rad shop that they couldn't do it. Some, and maybe most radiator shops have access to "good" radiators. Just be sure that if you do buy a complete radiator, that it has an aluminum core. Our aluminum/plastic jobs can be a bit of a pain, especially at a time like this, but they cool better and are more durable than a copper/brass radiator. A copper/brass unit maybe touted as having a greater cooling capacity because it has two or three rows of tubes in the core. Copper/brass NEEDS two to three row of tubes to equal a one row aluminum radiator. Plus, the copper/brass is much heavier. If you need, or can use it, you can't beat the DeWitt, all aluminum radiator. The Modine is an excellent OE replacement.

RACE ON!!!