Aluminum Radiators
03-22-2007, 01:33 PM
#1
Intermediate
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Aluminum Radiators
I need to replace my 65 350hp small block radiator. I have seen prices that go up to $900. Is there a good source for one at a good price out there? I want to keep the cooling capacity as good as original but hate paying that $900 price.
Al Welch
Al Welch
03-22-2007, 01:48 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
I'd try here (see pic). A coincidence that your post landed next to one of the most reliable vendors of radiators for these cars. Most of us are very satisfied with Tom's products and quality of service.
DZ
DZ
03-22-2007, 02:47 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Al, if you are not going to have the car judged, look at Tom's radiators that are natural color. As I recall they are several hundred less in price, but still maintain the high quality.
03-22-2007, 02:57 PM
#4
Racer
Be-Cool has some great systems polished to show quality if you want a outstanding looking cooling system. I saw the complete line at the Detroit Autorama and was really impressed.
03-22-2007, 03:04 PM
#5
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St. Jude Donor '10
Tom DeWitts or BeCool are both good products. I've gotten several from DeWitts and have been very happy with the products and the service.
03-22-2007, 04:51 PM
#6
Team Owner
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http://www.dewitts.com
03-22-2007, 08:03 PM
#7
Race Director
Well, mostly true, but.....
[QUOTE=JohnZ;1559493748] Don't even THINK about a copper/brass replacement. :
I completely agree IF it's a show car and/or has an original iron heads engine, but I have a ZZ4 in my '67 with a copper/brass replacement radiator, and it almost runs too cool. No problems whatsoever. So, I think the answer depends on what engine is in it and how it's intended to be used?
I completely agree IF it's a show car and/or has an original iron heads engine, but I have a ZZ4 in my '67 with a copper/brass replacement radiator, and it almost runs too cool. No problems whatsoever. So, I think the answer depends on what engine is in it and how it's intended to be used?
03-22-2007, 08:25 PM
#8
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[QUOTE=JohnZ;1559493748]DeWitts aluminum Direct-Fit #A63M if judging isn't in your plan, or the restoration aluminum stacked-plate #941 if it is. :
After researching many archived posts, bit the bullet and went for the original. No regrets. Looks and performs great. DeWitts gave excellent advice and service. Was tempted but glad now that I didn't cheap out on it.
After researching many archived posts, bit the bullet and went for the original. No regrets. Looks and performs great. DeWitts gave excellent advice and service. Was tempted but glad now that I didn't cheap out on it.
03-22-2007, 09:25 PM
#9
Former Vendor
[QUOTE=tuxnharley;1559496182
I completely agree IF it's a show car[/QUOTE]
You are not alone in the "show car" theory. Many people have misconceptions about corvette cooling and the factory aluminum radiator. The reality is, true show cars (trailer queens) don't need much of a radiator at all. It doesn't take much to drive from the trailer-to the judging field-and then back again. Then you have the guy that says "I don't need a good radiator, I drive this car". Huh? The show car guy might need an exact repro to get all the show points but in this case, the same radiator happens to be the best cooler made and that's where the misconceptions come in to play. If you only knew how many times people asked me for the best radiator available and they we shocked to find out it was the original one. Then we have the guy that says "the stock radiators suck, it won't cool my engine down". That's because they have a 40 year old dead radiator. Since I have posted this over hundred time before, I thought I would make it fun this time.
Match up the radiator to the btu rating
1. Original GM aluminum (941)
2. Our Direct Fit Replacement aluminum (or anyone elses)
3. Copper/Brass 4 row
A. 3290 B. 4600. C. 4100
There is a test
I completely agree IF it's a show car
[/QUOTE]You are not alone in the "show car" theory. Many people have misconceptions about corvette cooling and the factory aluminum radiator. The reality is, true show cars (trailer queens) don't need much of a radiator at all. It doesn't take much to drive from the trailer-to the judging field-and then back again. Then you have the guy that says "I don't need a good radiator, I drive this car". Huh? The show car guy might need an exact repro to get all the show points but in this case, the same radiator happens to be the best cooler made and that's where the misconceptions come in to play. If you only knew how many times people asked me for the best radiator available and they we shocked to find out it was the original one. Then we have the guy that says "the stock radiators suck, it won't cool my engine down". That's because they have a 40 year old dead radiator. Since I have posted this over hundred time before, I thought I would make it fun this time.
Match up the radiator to the btu rating
1. Original GM aluminum (941)
2. Our Direct Fit Replacement aluminum (or anyone elses)
3. Copper/Brass 4 row
A. 3290 B. 4600. C. 4100
There is a test
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Leipsig (02-26-2024)
03-22-2007, 09:57 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
You are not alone in the "show car" theory. Many people have misconceptions about corvette cooling and the factory aluminum radiator. The reality is, true show cars (trailer queens) don't need much of a radiator at all. It doesn't take much to drive from the trailer-to the judging field-and then back again. Then you have the guy that says "I don't need a good radiator, I drive this car". Huh? The show car guy might need an exact repro to get all the show points but in this case, the same radiator happens to be the best cooler made and that's where the misconceptions come in to play. If you only knew how many times people asked me for the best radiator available and they we shocked to find out it was the original one. Then we have the guy that says "the stock radiators suck, it won't cool my engine down". That's because they have a 40 year old dead radiator. Since I have posted this over hundred time before, I thought I would make it fun this time.
Match up the radiator to the btu rating
1. Original GM aluminum (941)
2. Our Direct Fit Replacement aluminum (or anyone elses)
3. Copper/Brass 4 row
A. 3290 B. 4600. C. 4100
There is a test
Match up the radiator to the btu rating
1. Original GM aluminum (941)
2. Our Direct Fit Replacement aluminum (or anyone elses)
3. Copper/Brass 4 row
A. 3290 B. 4600. C. 4100
There is a test
2. C
3. A
do I get a cookie?
03-22-2007, 10:53 PM
#13
Live Free or Die
03-23-2007, 12:09 AM
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03-23-2007, 01:24 AM
#15
I just bought and installed a dated 64 Dewitts reproduction aluminum radiator from Long Island Corvette for $870 (gulp), but have no regrets. I'm planning on having the car a long time - it looks just like the stock one, cools great, and won't detract from the value of the car. I guess I can take my old one to the recycling place and get a little money back.
03-23-2007, 07:32 AM
#17
Melting Slicks
I have a 65 327/350... Dewitts is/was a no brainer... A most EXCELLENT product and well worth the $$$.. As John said, if you're not going to get it judged, then go for the replacement DeWitts..
/jc
/jc
03-23-2007, 05:35 PM
#19
Pro
I received the core support from Dewitts for my 59 yesterday in perfect condition. Thanks, Tom.
Tom, what radiator would you suggest for our 79 L-82 4 speed ? It has an edelbrock performer cam and intake, headers, and AC. 336 rearend.
It has the stock brass radiator and tends to run a bit hot, around 218-220 on a hot day according to the gauge. I had the AC reworked and as the motor heats up the AC is basically worthless.
Thanks, Doug
Tom, what radiator would you suggest for our 79 L-82 4 speed ? It has an edelbrock performer cam and intake, headers, and AC. 336 rearend.
It has the stock brass radiator and tends to run a bit hot, around 218-220 on a hot day according to the gauge. I had the AC reworked and as the motor heats up the AC is basically worthless.
Thanks, Doug
03-23-2007, 06:32 PM
#20
Former Vendor
I received the core support from Dewitts for my 59 yesterday in perfect condition. Thanks, Tom.
Tom, what radiator would you suggest for our 79 L-82 4 speed ? It has an edelbrock performer cam and intake, headers, and AC. 336 rearend.
It has the stock brass radiator and tends to run a bit hot, around 218-220 on a hot day according to the gauge. I had the AC reworked and as the motor heats up the AC is basically worthless.
Thanks, Doug
Tom, what radiator would you suggest for our 79 L-82 4 speed ? It has an edelbrock performer cam and intake, headers, and AC. 336 rearend.
It has the stock brass radiator and tends to run a bit hot, around 218-220 on a hot day according to the gauge. I had the AC reworked and as the motor heats up the AC is basically worthless.
Thanks, Doug