Radiator replacement advice - aluminum?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Ada, OK
Radiator replacement advice - aluminum?
I have a 2000 C5 couple with 187k miles. I replaced the tranny a few miles back to good to go there. It runs well but the original radiator leaks like a sieve these days. I need advice on the replacement. While I can get OEM for about $90, I've been looking at an aluminum model for $249. Am I crazy for wanting to spend the $249 for aluminum? I realize with the mileage, that might be foolish. Any thoughts on this? TIA.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
can't fault you there, just did cam and heads on mine and was going to a aluminum rad, but so far the stock one is working ??? FWIW
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 675
Likes: 195
From: Green Oak Township, Michigan
You have to figure out if you are going to keep it........or sell it. No point in spending extra money if you are going to sell it. The original worked after 187K,,, the new stock one will work probably better. Just because its new. I like my old 98 convert. and would probably spring for another $150 and get the alunimum. Thats just me. Its up to you....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
I replaced all the parts for my AC issue and figured while I was in there I’d change the radiator too. I have roughly 93K on my ‘98. I sprung for the aluminum one. My original wasn’t leaking and doing just fine but I did it anyway. Mines mostly stock also but with the AZ heat I figured it couldn’t hurt to have the upgrade.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Central Florida
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
I'm fine with spending money for better stuff but a Dewitt’s is $600.00 bucks, a proven upgrade! $249.00 seems too cheap for a quality part and I personally would not go cheap on a radiator......too much at risk and the oem has a proven track record for reliability also. Jmho
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
don't buy the cheap Aluminium one's you will not like it i have seen in person that they leak and are sometime's a nightmare to deal with the people you bought it from...in my personal exp. i went with dewitt's and could not be happier awesome customer service and a really top notch product that work's!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,373
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From: cold & windy
from years of reading on here, it seems the BeCool, Fluidyne, & SpeedCooling aluminum radiators, while offering better performance potential for a bargain price, tend to be hit or miss. some guys swear by them & others have had nothing but problems (fitment, leaks, customer service, etc).
you'll see mostly raving reviews on the Ron Davis & DeWitts products... but for how much more they are, you'd expect that.
you'll see mostly raving reviews on the Ron Davis & DeWitts products... but for how much more they are, you'd expect that.
Last edited by _zebra; May 11, 2019 at 11:41 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2015
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If you plan to race or autox then go aluminum. Stock works great for everything else, also if you go stock then buy it from a real store and not what or Amazon. I even tried those $50 radiator which did not work.
I end up with ecp aluminum for $290
I end up with ecp aluminum for $290
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Unless you plan on a change as to how you use your car, the stock one has lasted 187K miles - I’d say that is a good service record. I would just stick with a stock one.