Radiator Recommendations
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Va
Radiator Recommendations
Went to a cruise in today and opened my hood only find my radiator leaking on the driver side at the neck of the inlet hose
. Made for a short stay, anyway wanted some opinions on my options. Thinking of just replacing inlet tank on driver side (about 70$ but still have to pull radiator), calling Gene Culley and getting a OEM radiator
(a little over $300, call Zips and get a direct fit aluminum
(close to my house but radiator over $500) lastly get a dewitt radiator
(still a highend replacement). I have a 98 auto w/88 thousand pretty much stock beside exhaust and CAI so im leaning towards replacing unit any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
. Made for a short stay, anyway wanted some opinions on my options. Thinking of just replacing inlet tank on driver side (about 70$ but still have to pull radiator), calling Gene Culley and getting a OEM radiator(a little over $300, call Zips and get a direct fit aluminum(close to my house but radiator over $500) lastly get a dewitt radiator (still a highend replacement). I have a 98 auto w/88 thousand pretty much stock beside exhaust and CAI so im leaning towards replacing unit any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
I agree with previous posts, if you do not track the car a DeWitts or Ron Davis unit is overkill. Finding the tank on the side is going to be tough, be sure to get the sealing gasket also. Don't put it back together with original, it has taken a set and you will have a very hard time getting a good seal. (don't ask me how I know) . Gene Culley might be able to get the parts for you.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: chandler az
It's true the after market radiators have more capacity then needed for most people, but they are made better. The whole thing is aluminum. There are no plastic end caps and hose barbs to break. One of the hose barbs broke on mine during and head cam swap and I wanted a better piece. My Dewitts dropped right in without have to modify anything to get it to fit.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: Hotlanta GA
Another vote for the aftermarket units. Do you need one for a street car? Nope. Does a street car need headers, intake, etc? 
My take on it is that it's a very nice extra safety margin.
Costwise, they do group buys once in a while and that can reduce the cost gap over the oem piece.
I've actually been meaning to replace mine and will likely go with an aftermarket unit that includes fans.
My take on it is that it's a very nice extra safety margin.
Costwise, they do group buys once in a while and that can reduce the cost gap over the oem piece.
I've actually been meaning to replace mine and will likely go with an aftermarket unit that includes fans.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: las vegas Nevada
Another vote for Dewitt's
I just replaced my stock radiator with a DeWitt's unit. Installation was straightforward; fits as advertised without any trouble just like stock. Car runs cooler now. I'm in Las Vegas; the extreme heat out here is what warrants this swap from an OEM unit. I'm very happy with it!!
