Radiator replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 250
Likes: 32
Radiator replacement
Im just looking for a recommendation. My radiator cracked and after trying to fix to no avail, I'm replacing it. Is there any reason I shouldn't be able to buy one of the cheaper ones or should I just put an AC Delco back into it? I know I run the risk of having the same problem down the road with either one so does it make much difference which one I get?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 616
Likes: 193
From: Gilbert AZ
Rather than trying to save money on a cheaper one, why not by a better radiator and enjoy improved cooling and a higher quality product? Dewitts is a great choice, and there are others as well.
I don't understand the logic of replacing a factory part with "something cheaper". I look at it as, I have to spend the OEM money anyway, so why not spend a little more and get something even better. I like my replacement parts to improve the quality and reliability of the vehicle, not make it "just as good" or possibly even worse.
I don't understand the logic of replacing a factory part with "something cheaper". I look at it as, I have to spend the OEM money anyway, so why not spend a little more and get something even better. I like my replacement parts to improve the quality and reliability of the vehicle, not make it "just as good" or possibly even worse.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 250
Likes: 32
Thanks fellas. I didn't do a ton of researching into it beyond the OEM vs cheaper product. I will definitely be going with the Dewitt's. Just need something quick to get my DD back on the road. Thanks again 
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Blake ...
Just out of curiosity, how was the radiator damaged in the first place?
You said it was cracked, but how did that happen?
.
Just out of curiosity, how was the radiator damaged in the first place?
You said it was cracked, but how did that happen?
.
Last edited by Turbo6TA; Sep 18, 2017 at 12:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 250
Likes: 32
I was leaving a restaurant and hit a huge pothole. The lower supports don't seem to be damaged at all but I'm guessing that did it because it was spewing when I got home.
Last edited by Blake Brooks; Sep 18, 2017 at 12:34 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,583
Likes: 1,664
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
Rather than trying to save money on a cheaper one, why not by a better radiator and enjoy improved cooling and a higher quality product? Dewitts is a great choice, and there are others as well.
I don't understand the logic of replacing a factory part with "something cheaper". I look at it as, I have to spend the OEM money anyway, so why not spend a little more and get something even better. I like my replacement parts to improve the quality and reliability of the vehicle, not make it "just as good" or possibly even worse.
I don't understand the logic of replacing a factory part with "something cheaper". I look at it as, I have to spend the OEM money anyway, so why not spend a little more and get something even better. I like my replacement parts to improve the quality and reliability of the vehicle, not make it "just as good" or possibly even worse.
Do you spend $50 or $650? decisions....decisions!
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Seems like everyone here has said that they would replace the radiator with a more expensive aftermarket radiator.
For me, I would replace it with a new OEM ACDelco radiator (cost is about $220).
For a basically stock C6, there is absolutly nothing wrong with the OEM radiator.
_________________________________
The OPs radiator did not fail because it was a piece of crap ... it failed because it was damaged by something that would have damaged [any] radiator that was installed in his car at the time.
For me, I would replace it with a new OEM ACDelco radiator (cost is about $220).
For a basically stock C6, there is absolutly nothing wrong with the OEM radiator.
_________________________________
The OPs radiator did not fail because it was a piece of crap ... it failed because it was damaged by something that would have damaged [any] radiator that was installed in his car at the time.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,583
Likes: 1,664
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
Seems like everyone here has said that they would replace the radiator with a more expensive aftermarket radiator.
For me, I would replace it with a new OEM ACDelco radiator (cost is about $220).
For a basically stock C6, there is absolutly nothing wrong with the OEM radiator.
_________________________________
The OPs radiator did not fail because it was a piece of crap ... it failed because it was damaged by something that would have damaged [any] radiator that was installed in his car at the time.
For me, I would replace it with a new OEM ACDelco radiator (cost is about $220).
For a basically stock C6, there is absolutly nothing wrong with the OEM radiator.
_________________________________
The OPs radiator did not fail because it was a piece of crap ... it failed because it was damaged by something that would have damaged [any] radiator that was installed in his car at the time.
"I'm replacing it. Is there any reason I shouldn't be able to buy one of the cheaper ones or should I just put an AC Delco back into it?"
and all the replies are to buy one at triple the price of an OE... just doesn't seem like he is getting the info he is asking for.
Amazon has an open box ACDelco (non-Z51) for $154 if you want to save money.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 215
Likes: 14
From: Mansfield Texas
St. Jude Donor '13
I just installed one in my cammed, stalled, 160 deg thermostat LS3 that has a great tune. The Dewitts is definitely a well made part. However, my car doesn't really run any cooler with normal driving than it did with the stock radiator. It doesn't get as hot as it used to on the high end though. (if that makes sense? lol) Its not a miracle cure that will make your car run 160 degrees but it is an improvement. You really need upgraded fans and controller to get the maximum benefit from a Dewitts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 129
From: Fairview Heights IL
I just installed one in my cammed, stalled, 160 deg thermostat LS3 that has a great tune. The Dewitts is definitely a well made part. However, my car doesn't really run any cooler with normal driving than it did with the stock radiator. It doesn't get as hot as it used to on the high end though. (if that makes sense? lol) Its not a miracle cure that will make your car run 160 degrees but it is an improvement. You really need upgraded fans and controller to get the maximum benefit from a Dewitts.
Sooner or later the bottom six inches of almost all C6 radiators will become clogged with dead bugs, bits of leaves and twigs, sand, and dried mud. Water and compressed air cleaning from behind will help some, but the radiator will eventually need replacing. If you go the full DeWitts + fan + module route like I did, it will set you back about $1,200. I consider it a solid investment.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 539
From: Hampton VA
