Need to replace my radiator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 103
Likes: 18
From: Odessa Florida
Need to replace my radiator
Looks like its time to replace my radiator. I have a 1986 Z51 automatic. Any suggestions on what to buy? My research shows that mine is a single row but most of the replacements I've seen online are 2 or 3 row. If I buy the 2 or 3 row, will it install without modifications? Anything I should know before I decide weather or not to tackle this project?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Budget and goals?
If it's just yer basic driver, any stock replacement should do fine. The stock cooling system is better than good enough. If you're planning on mods/tracking the car, then something better might be wise....depending on your budget.
If it's just yer basic driver, any stock replacement should do fine. The stock cooling system is better than good enough. If you're planning on mods/tracking the car, then something better might be wise....depending on your budget.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,749
Likes: 275
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Looks like its time to replace my radiator. I have a 1986 Z51 automatic. Any suggestions on what to buy? My research shows that mine is a single row but most of the replacements I've seen online are 2 or 3 row. If I buy the 2 or 3 row, will it install without modifications? Anything I should know before I decide weather or not to tackle this project?
A standard radiator has 1x 1 inch row, you can get 2x 1 inch rows from dewitts they are expensive but the best.
http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50f&ukey=09618
Most Ebay ones are cheap Chinese ones that will give you problems, the 3 row are 3x 1/2 inch rows or two by 3/4 rows.
Don't do as I did I got a cheap two row some years ago from super radiator that would not cool my car, It got recycled for aluminum scrap.
my latest is a champion double row 2x1 inch, was great for a few weeks till the trans cooler weld on the radiator started to leak trans fluid. Lucky I also had an external air cooled trans cooler, have bypassed the radiator and no other problems since.
Quite a few members have recommended the champion radiators, I must have got the Monday or Friday made one... It does cool really well compared to the standard radiator.
Goes to show cheap doesn't always work, with a couple of cheap radiators and overseas shipping. I could have got a dewitts radiator with change left over.
I recommend the standard radiator for an unmodified vette.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Another option is our 1.5" single row. 50% more cooling than the stock 1" unit
Model: 1129084A (Single row) $383.99
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...minum-radiator
Model: 1129084A (Single row) $383.99
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...minum-radiator
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,413
Likes: 3,270
From: Hartford WI
Another option is our 1.5" single row. 50% more cooling than the stock 1" unit
Model: 1129084A (Single row) $383.99
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...minum-radiator
Model: 1129084A (Single row) $383.99
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...minum-radiator
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,413
Likes: 3,270
From: Hartford WI
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hartford WI
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: NYC NY
This routinely gets beat to death on the C2 and C3 forum. 
If you want the best fit and a high quality American made piece DeWitt's.
Almost all the other choices are some what of a compromise.
If you want the best fit and a high quality American made piece DeWitt's.
Almost all the other choices are some what of a compromise.
Last edited by 3JsVette; Nov 29, 2016 at 10:28 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Just remember to install a fresh t-stat of factory temp.
No need to use a lower temp as this radiator will keep the temps under control.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
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From: Palmdale CA
With the Dewitt's Choice, you simply replace it, and forget about it..
Except for the occasional cleaning of course!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,413
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From: Hartford WI
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Perfection not required; it's not like it was "obscured" in a long verbose post....it was there, by itself, clear as day. I guess your busy schedule only allowed you to post...but not read the other posts in the short thread. I get it. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,413
Likes: 3,270
From: Hartford WI
Correct. I'm with a someone work related and on a train. I miss things from time to time especially when I'm conversed with sporadically. More of a distraction schedule than busy every minute. Moments of activity with moments of lull. I understand it is difficult for you to understand. My neighbor is a teacher. Maybe she can draw pictures to help? It would have to wait until tomorrow evening before I can see her to ask
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
Yes, with all your spare time, you should do that. Post drawing.
You DO realize; you replied (in post #7) to the very same post (#6) that you "must have missed it", by quoting it! So you had the time to read it (and reply w/a quote)...but you didn't actually read it. Same comprehension issues you had in another thread. What ever the reason/excuse...who f'n cares?? Not me.
As you were man...back to your train ride.
You DO realize; you replied (in post #7) to the very same post (#6) that you "must have missed it", by quoting it!
So you had the time to read it (and reply w/a quote)...but you didn't actually read it. Same comprehension issues you had in another thread. What ever the reason/excuse...who f'n cares?? Not me. As you were man...back to your train ride.