Problems with DeWitts Radiator
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,439
Likes: 405
From: Portland OR
I believe all C5’s have dual fans. And I believe the same fan assembly fits LS1 Camaros.
I actually use C5 fans in my LS swapped Nova.
I have a Dewitt’s stick shift radiator in my 2000 A4 car. I had already eliminated the trans cooler in the stock radiator in favor of the large stacked plate B&M cooler.
Anyway, my Dewitt’s went in with no mods at all. Maybe the hoses were a little tight over the rad fittings? I still have the orig hoses that are still excellent.
I actually use C5 fans in my LS swapped Nova.
I have a Dewitt’s stick shift radiator in my 2000 A4 car. I had already eliminated the trans cooler in the stock radiator in favor of the large stacked plate B&M cooler.
Anyway, my Dewitt’s went in with no mods at all. Maybe the hoses were a little tight over the rad fittings? I still have the orig hoses that are still excellent.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 416
From: Michigan
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
From: Ventura CA
St. Jude Donor '09
This is the instruction sheet I got with the radiator. It didn't match my car and everything went together smoothly without trying to figure out how to adapt it. It seems to me that DeWitts has some work to do on making this kit a bit more applicable to the car they are selling it for.
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Renton, WA
I'm genuinely curious why the mounting hooks needed to be re-positioned compared to stock.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,762
Likes: 937
From: Orlando Florida
Having just almost finished installing a DeWitts in my 04 Z06, I cannot overstate how important this detail is. I'm probably going to have the pull the whole thing out again, which will likely be much more complicated than removing the stock rad. The only way it's possible to get that tang into the hook is with both shroud and rad off the car, because the tang needs to slide laterally into the hook. There is no way to get clearance to bring the tang in from the top unless you shorten the tang. I thought of shortening it in-place with a dremel, but I may need to practice some rice grain sculpture before attempting it, given the clearances to the unibody rail and other stuff.
I'm genuinely curious why the mounting hooks needed to be re-positioned compared to stock.
I'm genuinely curious why the mounting hooks needed to be re-positioned compared to stock.
Since this has apparently only happened twice — your’s and mine — it must not be a very common jig slip during manufacturing.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
Actually, the radiator DOES mount up without modification, and is a direct fit. The fan shroud is what doesn't direct interface with the radiator. Splitting hairs? Maybe. Misleading advertising? Maybe. But what company doesn't do it?? Mine has been in for 20 years. I put it in myself. I have no clue as to how I trimmed the shroud to fit. I remember doing it, but not what tools I used. The fact that I don't remember the procedure says a lot about how easy it was. Because if it was a PITA I can guarantee you I'd remember then, for sure!!
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Cruising
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Renton, WA
Well, the dread of having to take things out again gave me the motivation to make things work. So, it is (just barely) possible to trim the fan shroud tab in-place. Luckily the dremel I got came with a spherical engraving bit that was perfect for the job.
I didn't end up trimming the upper corners of the shroud, iust because it didn't look necessary. I may reconsider on one side, but I want to give it some time first and see if there's actual impact.
I didn't end up trimming the upper corners of the shroud, iust because it didn't look necessary. I may reconsider on one side, but I want to give it some time first and see if there's actual impact.