DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator
We have developed our own aftermarket "Direct Fit" aluminum radiator for 1997-2003 model corvettes. They feature a double row of cooling tubes, press formed aluminum end tanks, tig welded to the headers, and no epoxy. Our goal is to offer these on a limited basis first to get feedback on any installation and/or fit problems that may come up. I am looking for a few individuals and/or shops that want to try one. We are willing to work on the pricing based on the understanding that we may have to "tweek" a few things until we can truely call them direct fit. It's very possible they will fit and work fine as is, however the true test with any new product is to install one and find out. We designed these using original (single row) GM radiators and the overall size remains the same, except the thickness. The best way to get involved is to call me at the shop est. 810-220-0181 ask for Tom 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 2
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Re: DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator (FRED HAMBLE)
I am interested. I live in Southern California and race at LACR where the temps in summer are over 100. Let me know what the deal is.
mjvillen@aol.com
mjvillen@aol.com
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Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Re: DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator (kromberg)
I have a couple guys local that have volunteered their cars and I think I am all set with the prototyping. I'll keep updating this thread as we develop the radiator and if anyone is interested in getting one maybe I set a group purchase price or something. Right now the target list price is $525 manual and $545 automatic. If you have a manual, you could use the auto version for a oil cooler but there is really no way to get both in there.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Re: DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator (Tom DeWitt)
Well, it looks like a true "Direct Fit" is going to be impossible. GM simply didn't leave us enough room to get a double row core radiator in there. So, we are going to make it fit anyway. We are going to document the project with lots of photo's and write an article for publication. More to follow....
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Re: DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator (Tom DeWitt)
Well, I think we have a winner here! I just finished installing the double row radiator in a 2000 and it fits like a glove. The only modifications I had to make were a couple of notches out of the stock fan shroud. Both upper corners were cut as shown in the pictures below. I highlightened them by applying a piece of masking tape. This car is a six speed manual but I also made a pattern for the automatic at the same time. 
[Modified by Tom DeWitt, 7:03 PM 11/29/2003]
[Modified by Tom DeWitt, 7:03 PM 11/29/2003]
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: Hotlanta GA
Re: DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator (Tom DeWitt)
That's a great looking piece of work! I've saved this information for whenever I need to replace mine.
Any information on weight or coolant amount differences with this setup? I'm assuming both would go up slightly.
:cheers:
Dan
Any information on weight or coolant amount differences with this setup? I'm assuming both would go up slightly.
:cheers:
Dan
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator (Blorton)
FWIW, Make sure you try this mod on a 99... the ABS unit is huge and is in the way if the radiator is reloacted like mine was...
VR :cheers:
VR :cheers:
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Re: DeWitts C5 aluminum radiator (vetterdstr)
To my knowledge all C5 use the same fan/shroud package and here it is mounted. You are absolutely correct on the size/fit. Very tight. In fact, you only have about 1/4" left between the fans and the stabilizer bar. 
As far as the weight goes, probably double the plastic/aluminum model. The coolant when up exactly one (1) mixed gallon. They now sell premix dexcool at most auto parts stores.
As far as the weight goes, probably double the plastic/aluminum model. The coolant when up exactly one (1) mixed gallon. They now sell premix dexcool at most auto parts stores.
