nitan2k

Hello, finally time to replace my 82s leaky radiator. Ik this forum swears by Dewitt’s, but frankly I don’t got $800 minimum to spend on a performance radiator. I actually don’t need anything crazy, my stock radiator worked just fine and I never overheated, even in summer. Anybody have any suggestions for a mid price, yet still reliable radiator? Personally I’ve been looking at this one from ECP, but idk if the fact that it’s 2 row will be a problem?

https://speedcooling.com/product/1977-1982-corvette-aluminum-hd-radiator-automatic-transmission/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIybOb6tSZ_gIVld3jBx3qB AMpEAQYASABEgJqqfD_BwE

Don77

I used a Champion 3 row in my 77. Used stock fan and shroud for about $300 if I remember correctly. Was running a little hot for me at 200 or so. Now stays consistently around 180.

4-vettes

Another vote for a Champion for a mid priced rad.
they have an excellent warranty and from my experience excellent customer service.
A few years back my Champion cap went bad. I looked in every automotive parts shop around my home here in Queensland Australia. No one had the correct size.
I contacted Champion in America and told them of my plight. They asked me for my shipping details. I then assumed they would get back to me with cost of a new cap and shipping overseas. I never heard back from them.
Just a few days later I received 2 radiator caps by express post. I still have a spare.
Unbelievable customer service in today's world.
Couldn't be happier with my Champion radiator and far less expensive than a Dewitts. Which is the very top shelf. No doubt.
but doesn't fit everyone's budget.

Torqued Off

Made in America.....DEWITTS. Top notch product....costs more....but thats the way it works. You get what you pay for.

Rescue Rogers

I have Dewitts but I was going to suggest Champion as an inexpensive alternative

cottoneg

what is the difference between Dewitts and Champion? Material? Construction? I am assuming the same size radiator.

Rescue Rogers

not sure...country of origin? Doesnt say that they are built in the USA but they do have a limited lifetime warranty....

interpon

last time i compared when i bought my dewitts,
heavier so assume thicker.
USA made dewitts. Anything but chinesium was my criteria if i could. Champion made in china
i think in any decision i would buy aluminum for better heat transfer compared to oem.
these cars need all the help they can to keep cool.
my research to keep oem and even find someone to recore is about 400 dollars Pre covid.
that original as is will leak soon somewhere else.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-79-l82.html

interpon

This seems like no brainer?
Usa made sponsor vendor and reasonable price.
https://www.zip-corvette.com/76l-82-...-radiator.html

resdoggie

Don't overpay for a rad thats made in USA. Champion and Cold Case rads work every bit as good as a Dewitts. But its your money. Note: Modern 2-row design rads are as good or better than the older 3 or 4-row types. I had a Cold Case rad with 1-1/4" tubes vice 1" tubes found on other rads. Dewitts has 1-1/4" tubes but only on their premium heavy duty rads which, as you noted, are expensive. Again, its your money.

nitan2k

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I’ll look into champion as well

nitan2k

For champion, should I get the 2 3 or 4 row?? I honestly don’t know how it’ll affect reliability.

calwldlife

timely thread. I also need a rad.

Prysmian46

I have a new spectra heavy duty copper radiator I ordered for my 82 CE and never used. It is still in the originsl box. Will sell for 200 plus shipping.

Nowhere Man

I have found with critical car parts is cheap ones last a few years where as the better brands last a long long time so if you don't mind replacing it again and again go cheap

67:72

Nitan2k - Do you have a radiator shop in your area that "recores" radiators? What they can do is de-braze the side tanks and braze them to a new core section. This is a cost effective fix if the tanks are in good condition with no issues. I don't know how the stock '82 radiator is set up, so not sure this suggestion is valid in this case.

Prysmian46

I agree, just trying to help out a fellow Corvette guy that says he cannot spend 800.00 for a new radiator.

calwldlife

recoring is many times equal to new in cost.
I use to take rad to a shop until new was the better value.
.

C6_Racer_X

RockAuto.com has several choices. Including this one from Liland Global. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=2172&jsn=558

Not a bad price at just over $300. Not sure the quality, but the picture looks pretty good. I did a few searches, and they seem to like that brand on other forums for other vehicles. I didn't see any complaints on the forums.

Oh, and you can enter 227531729135108766 in the "How did you hear about us?" box in your shopping cart and you'll get 5% off the parts total.

calwldlife

problem with rockauto is returning if wrong.

I bought an alumn rad with fans and shroud from amazon.
the part was said to fit my car.
pics showed everything correct.
member here said it was good.
ordered it.
turns out there was no expansion tank nipple on the neck.
pictures showed the nipple.
returned with no cost.
rock would have cost me shipping at best.

I am gun shy and need to be sure.