Mod75

How many rows on a stock 1975 radiator ?
Getting ready to order and see lots of different options.

4-vettes

A standard L48 had 2 rows. But get as much radiator in there as you can shoehorn in! Who cares what it came with. Put in what will work! You can't have to much radiator!
But you can have to little!

resdoggie

Get an aluminum rad with 2 rows of 1-1/4" tubes which supposedly cool better than a 4 row rad. That's what Dewitts premium rads have, the 2 rows type. I had a Cold Case rad with 2 rows of 1-1/4" tubes. Engine ran at a steady 180*.

augiedoggy

I replaced the stock 2 row with a champion 3 row. it works very well with my mild 355 to keep temps around 175-180

4-vettes

I run a 4 row Champion. I live in a extremely hot climate. With my C5 fans and a very warmed up 350. Everything runs cool. Less rad. Not so much.
when I first moved here I had a stock replacement rad. Worked on the edge in Wisconsin. Not close here.
Then a lesser Champion. Better, but didn't like 100 degree F. And up weather. Then I realised that cheaping out on a radiator is just foolish.
biggest rad you can shoehorn in there! On those Hot days you'll be glad you didn't save a dime!

randallsteel

Champion 3 row worked great for me, no issues and I live in the south

augiedoggy

This all depends on the climate you live in and the actual realized beneficial value of course and financial means to work with... "cheaping " out on a $180 ebay champion has totally paid off for me in that its more than enough for the summer driving Ive done in the last 11 years with it but we rarely see temps over 95 here. I used the spare coin at the time to buy the better water pump option.

randallsteel

One thing to note, you can have the biggest radiator that fits, but things like
improper timing/missing air dams and seals/collapsing lower hose
will all cause overheating issues regardless of radiator

Scott Marzahl

Already mentioned but a wide 2 row cools better than skinny 3- 4 row. DeWitts has you covered.

C-141 driver

I just replaced my OEM brass radiator with a Dewitts aluminum radiator. It's great. Not cheap, but I felt it was worth it for my '78 Corvette (original owner, 90K miles). Lifetime warranty, American-made,
From what I read from others on the Forum, I think you get what you pay for, if you're willing to shell out the bucks. Make sure whatever you buy will fit.

4-vettes

Lot's of good advice here. And yet no one mentions the stock rad configuration!
there are different opinions here. But a constant consensus.
Who cares what the original rad had! It wasn't good!