Best Replacement Radiators

[Hugh Mongus]

I bought an Ebay special when I installed my new engine. It was easy to install and it works great. All aluminum for $172

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Rows-1967-...item51aef2599c

[skorpioskorpio]

I am going to have to do a custom radiator because of my Trailblazer engine swap which basically changes inlet and outlet position, left for right. Of the companies that would do custom, Ron Davis was far and away the best package for me. All aluminum, well constructed, high quality fans with a very well planned and executed shroud and made to fit into the C-10 mounts.

They sent me example pictures and CAD drawing for the whole thing. I still haven't ordered it, but am about to. I also got information from other vendors but they were either beyond stupidly expensive or were a hack of an off the shelf piece. Ron Davis was going to make it from scratch (not that the Ron Davis wasn't expensive, it is, but I thought it was more reasonable by comparison).... FWIW.

Most of the radiator companies (like transmission builders) have their haters on internet forums in one place or another, Ron Davis seemed to have a lot more good press than bad when I researched it and they do offer very nice and lesser priced drop ins for our trucks in all the typical configurations, 2 and 4 core sized and with or without integrated trans cooler as well as shrouded electrics.

[cwilkie]

Well I inboxed the Murray/vista pro 433366. It is aluminum with a plastic tank. I sure hope it holds up. We will see.

[TacBlade]

Late to the Party!!!! Addco fit perfect!!!

[cwilkie]

Put the radiator in this morning. It's about 80f and the truck is running cooler than it used to. I am still not too happy about part of the radiator being plastic. Oh well, as long as it last a long time I should not complain. The real test will be when it is in the 90s and I'm pulling a bobcat on a utility trailer.

[Lee H]

Originally Posted by cwilkie

The real test will be when it is in the 90s and I'm pulling a bobcat on a utility trailer.

You should be OK if your running a shroud and good clutch fan. I would expect it to heat up a little while pulling that rig, especially climbing hills. Let us know how it works out.

I would be disappointed with plastic tanks too. Most cars and trucks built in the last 20 years or so have them and they last reasonably well. This is another example of the aftermarket DIY industry trying to consolidate the shear number of parts. I've seen this with other parts as they try to make parts that will fit many cars VS a few.

[67 cst swb]

It seems that all radiators manufacturers are moving to the plastic/aluminum radiators due to the high cost of copper/brass materials. I know the company we sell has plastic/aluminum radiator in the box when selling a radiator for our trucks. They are an ok radiator and if you ever split/break a tank, you can just replace the tank as these are available.
But it still doesn't look right in these trucks... I still prefer a rebuilt OE radiator using a new core, even though it may be more expensive.

[jhwkns]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

It seems that all radiators manufacturers are moving to the plastic/aluminum radiators due to the high cost of copper/brass materials. I know the company we sell has plastic/aluminum radiator in the box when selling a radiator for our trucks. They are an ok radiator and if you ever split/break a tank, you can just replace the tank as these are available.
But it still doesn't look right in these trucks... I still prefer a rebuilt OE radiator using a new core, even though it may be more expensive.

'sup Snowbird

There's nothing wrong with the new style radiators, but you're correct when you say "doesn't look right". We're all used to seeing that black four core OEM Goliath that belongs there.

I've got one of the O'reilly's radiators. After ten years, it sprung a leak, and they gave me a new one. That was five years ago. I wonder what they'll replace it with next time?

[ujsf01]

I've put in 3 or 4 Champions in different applications and only had one issue. One of the trans cooler line fittings had some messed up threads. The owner already had an external cooler, so instead of returning it, he told me to just use the external cooler only. Two of the installs were on air conditioned cars and in our July-September high heat/high humidity climate, no problems in traffic.

[lowlyfec10]

ive got the thick griffin rad in my 69...just trimmed the rubber cushions a lil to use the oem brackets but i plan on making some to fit/look a lil better.

[cwilkie]

Well I am going round two with this one. The radiator on my other truck (1968 w/396) has a pin hole leak. I think I am going go with the all aluminum radiator from speed cooling. I will keep you all posted on this.

So much for the Devils Run Car Show I was going to bring my 1968 to this weekend...

[lugnuts09]

Do you guys have any experience with the vista pro 433369 or the champion mc369? I have a 1969 c20 with a v8 and air conditioning.

[scrappydoo2k2]

Originally Posted by Z10

Al, I live in W.Texas and our heat is similar to Tucson, so a little cooler than yours. I'm using a 2 core from http://www.speedcooling.com/1967-197...r/prod_38.html which is less than $250 and looks a lot like a factory rad.
I'm using this behind a pretty healthy ZZ4 small block pushing around 375hp. With the A/C on and driving 80, the temp is a rock solid 180-190 no matter what the outside temp is. I think the other big factor is using a good shroud. Mine was custom built and is using 2 electric fans that I sourced from a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am V6. Rarely does the second fan switch on.
Good luck on your cooling quest.

Hey Z10, Were your able to use your stock upper retaining brackets for the aluminum radiator you got (http://www.speedcooling.com/1967-197...prod_38.html)? In other words, does it use the 3-core or the 4-core upper retaining bracket? I ordered one and want to make sure I can install quickly when it arrives (and I need to get another retaining bracket since I lost one during my engine rebuilt project).

Thanks,
Robert

[Z10]

Originally Posted by scrappydoo2k2

Hey Z10, Were your able to use your stock upper retaining brackets for the aluminum radiator you got (http://www.speedcooling.com/1967-197...prod_38.html)? In other words, does it use the 3-core or the 4-core upper retaining bracket? I ordered one and want to make sure I can install quickly when it arrives (and I need to get another retaining bracket since I lost one during my engine rebuilt project).

Thanks,
Robert

Hi Robert, yes the factory style brackets should work for you. Here are a couple of pics of mine.

[scrappydoo2k2]

Z10, Very nice! That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!