My stock radiator finally blew a hole in it so I had to replace it. Shopped around and found a 3 core alum radiators from a company called reliable radiators that I figured I'd give a shot. Price after shipping was $240.

I thought I would post up some pics for everyone and a quick review.

Finish - looks to be of nice quality. The welds are not show quality it's not exactly seen once installed so no worries there.

Fit - The company told me the 3 core would require some mods to fit while the 2 core doesn't. I went with the 3 and can confirm that some mods are needed. Easy to do though. I had to trim the rubber pads and trim the radiator cover by the filler neck about an inch. Other than that it slid in like a glove. The tranny lines lined up perfectly as did the cooling hoses.

Performance - The car is running a couple of degrees cooler than before but the big thing I noticed was that it takes longer to get hot enough for the fans to come on and once the fans come on the temp drops much quicker than with the stock radiator. Overall very pleased :-)

Conclusion - Although it's not as nice looking as the more expensive radiators but it is half the cost and looks to be a good alternative for those that don't need the best but are looking for better than stock.


Pics -

 

Most so called show car welds are done by a robot or a welder more concerned with bead size than penetration. I rather have one welded by someone concerned with actually welding the parts together than bead size and spacing so a good choice in my mind.
Dave

 

That is a nice piece for $240.......

 

I found a two row shipped to my door for 130.00 from Genesis auto parts. All aluminum that looks real similar. Happy with the same type of results. Now if it will just last...

 

Hey 85WHITEZ51, were you able to put the a/c condenser back in with the radiator being that wide?

 

He won't have any problem, the Dewitts that I have is thicker then that and fits fine..He will have to get some new rubber footers for it if they didn't come with it...WW

 

Thanks for the info. My radiator dripping a little and this looks like a good option.

 

I have one just like it in my 89 and it is a solid, good quality radiator.

 

Is the Reliable a good option for the added heat from a 383. I am concerned about my stock radiator being up to that job.

 

Looks exactly like mine. Champion was the brand, I think. Has the same cap. And I had to do the same trimming. Been there about a year and doing fine.

 

My 89 is a 383 and I have no issues with excessive heat anymore! I cruise in town with temps between 195 and 202 degrees.

 

CAUTION: The early 85 had a thicker condenser than later years. When I installed a Dewitt I had to replace the condenser with the newer thin model.

 

The 383 shouldn't run any hotter than the original engine did. My 383 runs the same as the old engine did. If my car sees 190,,, it's hot! I still have the original radiator, just had it professionally cleaned.

 

Not to start an argument but Rock Auto shows the same radiator for 84-90.with some interchange between 90 and 91.
You guys have sold me. Am going to Las Vegas on vacation next week, when I get back I'll order one.

 

Radiator may be the same but the A/C condensors were different

 

FYI, we are about to open up our annual sale, so anyone looking for an american made product might want to wait here. I'm just saying....

 

I'm certainly happy with the one I purchased. No brainer!

 

Likewise!

 

When my '92 needs a new radiator, Tom's the guy I'm going to contact whether there is a sale or not ! You can take that to the "Bank"

 

When my '92 needs a new radiator, Tom's the guy I'm going to contact whether there is a sale or not !

You can take that to the "Bank"