fastpig

I got some questions about the big block radiators. My 72' originally came with a small block but now I'm replacing it with a a big block 427 which should make some where in the area of 550 hp. When switching to a big block radiator do you have to replace the radiator core support with a big block core support ? Is that all you have to do is switch the support or is there other modifications to go with it ? I suppose I couldn't get by with the small block set-up and an aftermarket small block radiator ?

Brettmc

I have a fairly new copper/brass bigblock rad I took out to make way for an alum unit from Dewitt. Just sumpn for ya to think about....

Brett

norvalwilhelm

When I switched to the bigblock I tried the small block radiator but found the heat gage creeping up and it wouldn't come down.
I replace it with a griffin 2 row 3 inch aluminum rad and never had a problem since.
To me the rad supports are the same since they clamp on the tank, not the core and a 3 inch rad has the same tanks as a 2 core rad.
It should work.

Todbo

becool makes a rad for BB that fits on the small block support , i think it supports upto 600 HP, summit carries it.

Solid LT1

Some small block cars had aluminum radiators, unless it is a ZR-1 car (which had the L88 aluminum radiator) the radiator need to be changed. The LT-1, LS-5 (454) and C-60 (air conditioned) Vettes had the copper/brass radiator. DeWitts makes the best and actually most reasonably priced aluminum replacement radiator for the copper/brass Vettes (he's a forum sponser also!) I just looked at his latest offering at my buddies shop and my perfectly decent factory LT-1 radiator is going to be replaced with one of his exact replica radiators (niether the Griffin or BeCool units look anything like a stock radiator.) DeWitts make the best quality and is a Corvette community supporter. DeWitts only makes replacement Corvette radiators, NOTHING ELSE! (oh, I forgot, he make the best storage compartment replacement parts.) I am not a friend or do I get any money/discounts from DeWitt's, I just like to see quality products supported by the Corvette community. No one can say they make Corvette radiators from factory Harrison tooling except Tom DeWitt!

467-Ratman

My BeCool radiator fit right in place of my old small block radiator and its the biggest one they make. I am running Spal fans, works great.

69ttop502

I agree with SolidLT1. I bought my Griffin and Spal fans from Tom Dewitt. He is definitely one of the good guys and a forum supporter. Absolutely terrific to deal with.

Solid LT1

I want to clarify that the DeWitt copper/brass aluminum replacement IS EXACTLY like the the factory radiator in looks. You may be able to get a deal from Tom on the Griffin radiator if he has any left but, I would get his new aluminum copper/brass replacement radiator (i'm looking at the 3-5 lbs of weight that will come off my overworked front tires at the autocross races.)

fastpig

Thanks for all the info !!! This forum is great....

INTIMIDATOR ZO6

My BeCool radiator fit right in place of my old small block radiator and its the biggest one they make. I am running twin Flex-a-lite fans, works great.

sjr1971

My '71 BB has a Winton rad. I had it re-cored. The rad shop owner said it was original eq. Personnally, I never heard of Winton, but I hope the name [ if I'm spelling it right] helps.

Super Stock

I am extremely satisfied with Tom Dewitt's aluminum for my BB. Good quality and perfect fit.