Radiators US Brand radiator - any experience?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 163
From: Davis CA
Radiators US Brand radiator - any experience?
They offer an all aluminum radiator that they claim meets or exceeds OEM and is the correct size (or very close) for less than $200. Has anyone tried them?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 163
From: Davis CA
Yes, aluminum side tanks and a limited lifetime warranty. On paper, I don't see anything wrong.
I am also now persuaded by the get what you pay for argument because I can find the same radiator for $210 at Kragen or $119 at Rock Auto. The Ready Radiator, Proliance can be purchased from $190 to 160.
I'm not saying that this all aluminum is as good as Dewitts or Ron Davis, but it ought to be better than an OEM with plastic tanks.
I am also now persuaded by the get what you pay for argument because I can find the same radiator for $210 at Kragen or $119 at Rock Auto. The Ready Radiator, Proliance can be purchased from $190 to 160.
I'm not saying that this all aluminum is as good as Dewitts or Ron Davis, but it ought to be better than an OEM with plastic tanks.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
All the prices you quoted are for a basic "single" row aluminum radiator with plastic end tanks. I could find anything on the USrad site, which btw still says that copper works better than aluminum. USrad has touted copper for so long, but now sells aluminum radiators under the name coolcraft. Coolcraft radiators are double row with aluminum tanks but they still cost $400-500.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 163
From: Davis CA
I'm missing the point, Tom. I don't need/I don't want a two row radiator. My OEM has cooled fine. I just don't like that it is made of plastic and aluminum and tends to split where the two come together.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
That is understandable but I've never seen a replacement single row radiator with aluminum end tanks. The one from Kragen does say plastic tanks, I checked, and I believe anything below the $200 range is going to be the same
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
They stole my photo...
So the radiator they are showing is clearly not the one they are selling.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 163
From: Davis CA
This will definitely be an interesting experiece for me.
I just spoke with the owner and he said that they didn't use anyone else's picture. He also says that it is a large one row radiator, like original, not a two row as described at the website below.
http://www.radiatorsus.com/servlet/C...All%20Aluminum
Plenty of reason to be concerned. On the other hand, the seller has a 2,741 Ebay score with 99.7% positive. In my experience, that is hard to attain.
The bottom line is that I ordered this morning and didn't see the information about the lifted photo. When it arrives, I'll provide a full description. I also tested the old radiator to determine the source of the leak and will use my high tech equipment (bicycle inner tube cut and clamped to the inlet and outlets) to test the new one before installation.
I just spoke with the owner and he said that they didn't use anyone else's picture. He also says that it is a large one row radiator, like original, not a two row as described at the website below.
http://www.radiatorsus.com/servlet/C...All%20Aluminum
Plenty of reason to be concerned. On the other hand, the seller has a 2,741 Ebay score with 99.7% positive. In my experience, that is hard to attain.
The bottom line is that I ordered this morning and didn't see the information about the lifted photo. When it arrives, I'll provide a full description. I also tested the old radiator to determine the source of the leak and will use my high tech equipment (bicycle inner tube cut and clamped to the inlet and outlets) to test the new one before installation.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
We'll he clearly lied about the photo, I can see my sticker on the top. I guess in the end you wanted a replacement single row and that's what you will get. It will be interesting to here what shows up.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 403
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
I would be very interested in learning the end results of this. If there is indeed a 1 row, all aluminum, well made radiator for under $200, I'd be interested too. Please do post a final result of this transaction.
However, I tend to side with Mr. DeWitt on this one. If the guy has lied about the picture, what else is to come? For the record, I've been ripped off by a highly rated vendor on eBay in the past. Cost me $1000 and eBay blew it off. So truly, "Buyer Beware!"
Billy
However, I tend to side with Mr. DeWitt on this one. If the guy has lied about the picture, what else is to come? For the record, I've been ripped off by a highly rated vendor on eBay in the past. Cost me $1000 and eBay blew it off. So truly, "Buyer Beware!"
Billy
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
I recall seeing this post awhile back and thinking it looked like a steal, but did not pull the trigger since my radiator is fine. (see post #4)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...light=radiator
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...light=radiator
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,370
Likes: 5,246
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Just buy a Dewitt's and be done with it. You get what you pay for. I have purchased 2 radiators from Tom on my older Corvettes. They are the best radiators in the industry.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 403
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
Billy
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,624
Likes: 431
From: Dale City VA
Honestly, if you wanted to spend less than $200.00, you should have called the dealer. I bought a brand new Harrison from the dealer for just under $150.00 (I was more surprised than anyone) a few moths ago after the tank spit on my 92.
I highly doubt you'll get an all alum for that (unless it is a Northern, Howe or Griffin universal type oval track radiator that won't fit in anything but an oval track car correctly).
Will
I highly doubt you'll get an all alum for that (unless it is a Northern, Howe or Griffin universal type oval track radiator that won't fit in anything but an oval track car correctly).
Will
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,858
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
