Radiator Time need some suggestions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Radiator Time need some suggestions
Time for the radiator upgrade. Bought the 91 last may modded I think just about everything except the radiator was upgraded. When its hot out the car runs like crap and temps skyrocket. I have a 383 and its auto ... the thermo is upgraded to 160 already. I have been looking at Dewitt radiators and I was just wondering what u guys think about Dewitt or if there are other radiators out there that are just as good and not a ton of money thanks for the help
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
i have a dewitt in my 91 auto with a 383, its a work of art, and does the job. i have seen my car get warm but there is something going on with the fans, as long as the fans are working the car stays cool, even on the hotest days of summer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
If you haven't, datalogging might show you a better way to spend your money. The factory tune compensated for all temperature extremes. A poor running motor at either is usually because of too much - too little - of something - or maybe just a broken part - like an ignition module or ecm - particularly since it's a hot situation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
Dewitts - drop thm an email with your car details and they will let you know which one to order. Also ask when they will be having the next forum group purchase.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Installing a DeWitt radiator in my '92 was one of the best things I have done for my car! Would not hesitate to do it again! It is a shame it has to be covered by all that plastic, it is really good looking!
Bernie
Bernie
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Each Direct Fit starts with an "A" for aluminum
Then the first year the model was used IE 84 or 90 for C4
Then the sufix letter calls out optional coolers IE A=Auto M=manual
Your profile didn't give me anything to go on, other than 88, but then your post says you got a 91. So I'll guess on two options.
The 84-89 model is A84A (because even manual cars had 4 +3)
Or the 90-96 could be A90M (no coolers) or A90A with automatic.
We had a GP in December and I don't really plan on another one this year. I have many dealers that inventory our product and frequent sales by the manufacturer is not fair to them. We will be at Bloomington in June and Carlisle in August, and we do have sales for people that attend.
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Our model code system couldn't be easier....
Each Direct Fit starts with an "A" for aluminum
Then the first year the model was used IE 84 or 90 for C4
Then the sufix letter calls out optional coolers IE A=Auto M=manual
Your profile didn't give me anything to go on, other than 88, but then your post says you got a 91. So I'll guess on two options.
The 84-89 model is A84A (because even manual cars had 4 +3)
Or the 90-96 could be A90M (no coolers) or A90A with automatic.
We had a GP in December and I don't really plan on another one this year. I have many dealers that inventory our product and frequent sales by the manufacturer is not fair to them. We will be at Bloomington in June and Carlisle in August, and we do have sales for people that attend.
Each Direct Fit starts with an "A" for aluminum
Then the first year the model was used IE 84 or 90 for C4
Then the sufix letter calls out optional coolers IE A=Auto M=manual
Your profile didn't give me anything to go on, other than 88, but then your post says you got a 91. So I'll guess on two options.
The 84-89 model is A84A (because even manual cars had 4 +3)
Or the 90-96 could be A90M (no coolers) or A90A with automatic.
We had a GP in December and I don't really plan on another one this year. I have many dealers that inventory our product and frequent sales by the manufacturer is not fair to them. We will be at Bloomington in June and Carlisle in August, and we do have sales for people that attend.
I sent your tech support a question about all aluminum radiators. The question was simple, can you fix a leak in the core?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
I started to see raising temps with my stock radiator about 3 years ago. I took it to a buddy that owns a radiator shop and he flushed it and cleaned it real good. My car never sees over 170 on the highway and over 190 sitting still in traffic on 90+ days.
I am perfectly happy with the radiator as stock - you might want to get it cleaned or just replace it with a new stock unit. That is much cheaper and if a stock one works on my motor, it should work on 99% out there perfectly fine.
Just my thoughts on the subject. Our Chevelle has a Bcool and its definately a nice unit, but why spend 400+ beans on something that is really not needed.
I am perfectly happy with the radiator as stock - you might want to get it cleaned or just replace it with a new stock unit. That is much cheaper and if a stock one works on my motor, it should work on 99% out there perfectly fine.
Just my thoughts on the subject. Our Chevelle has a Bcool and its definately a nice unit, but why spend 400+ beans on something that is really not needed.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Just so you guys know, I received an e-mail from Tom Dewitt and he didn't answer the question if a core leak can be fixed in an all aluminum radiator. My thought is: why spend $400 plus on a radiator that can't be fixed if it leaks in the core? And we all know how well these C4s can suck things into it.