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Topic: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ...

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (1/10)
 9/8/15 11:14pm
Christian
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Houston, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1971 LS5 Convertible 4 sp


Joined: 2/25/2003
Posts: 193


I may have to change the radiator. I am considering going with a performance radiator (South Texas is hot. I always have overheating issues at summer time, whatever I do, unless I keep driving over 70 mph which not practical nor acceptable in the city).

Does anyone have advices, for a stock 1971 LS5 (454) with A/C and manual transmission? I have a hard time connecting the specifications and the prices....

Here are a few products I am looking at:
Champion 3-row, $210
http://www.championradiators.com/Che...ator-1969-1972
Dewitts 2-row $495
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...minum-radiator
BeCool dual-core $650 (Eckler's)
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1972.html

How come Champion is that cheap compared to the other two?
Is the quality that different?

Why should the rad be different for manual and auto transmission?
Also, how come they don't make the difference between with and without A/C?
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Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (2/10)
 9/9/15 11:42am
dwa175
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leesburg, FL - USA

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1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6


Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

hi  I changed to a new alum dual core    79  350 ci   it udes to run 200 to 210,now rund at 180 all the time  no regrets   car is all stock not a show car   so I thought that it was better to have a car I can drive in the summer in conn,and I been in TEXAS  its hot going to Houston on sept 25th .dwaBeer
Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (3/10)
 9/9/15 12:16pm
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

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1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


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Christian said:


Here are a few products I am looking at:
Champion 3-row, $210
http://www.championradiators.com/Che...ator-1969-1972
Dewitts 2-row $495
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...minum-radiator
BeCool dual-core $650 (Eckler's)
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1972.html

How come Champion is that cheap compared to the other two?
Is the quality that different?

Why should the rad be different for manual and auto transmission?
Also, how come they don't make the difference between with and without A/C?


The price difference:

Champion radiators are designed in the U.S. but manufactured in China. I believe they do offer ones made in the U.S. but you'll pay more.

Dewitt's and BeCool are both manufactured in the U.S.

I've heard no complaint about Champion, but I wouldn't buy one because I'm a vet and I try to buy as much American built stuff as possible.

Difference between: Manual radiators don't have a built in automatic transmission oil cooler. 

Not sure why there is no difference between the A/C and non A/C radiators. My guess is maybe the aluminum is efficient enough to handle the added heat???
 




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Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (4/10)
 9/9/15 12:32pm
Christian
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Houston, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1971 LS5 Convertible 4 sp


Joined: 2/25/2003
Posts: 193

Sarge81 said:
The price difference: Champion radiators are designed in the U.S. but manufactured in China ... Dewitt's and BeCool are both manufactured in the U.S.

... I'm a vet and I try to buy as much American built stuff as possible.

This makes a lot of sense indeed. Thanks. I also noted that Dewitts' and BeCool's are 1"core while Champion has only 0.63" cores. 2 x 1" is more than 3 x 0.63".

Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (5/10)
 9/9/15 12:55pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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The efficiency of (most)aftermarket radiators is a lot higher than the OE stuff from back in the day.That's why sometimes a smaller size radiator will cool just as well as the old timer did when new. Materials have also been improved. Be Cool, and Dewits are companies that specialize in engine cooling systems, not just the radiators, so they have a little more data to go on when designing a radiator. Off shore, or cheaper generic brands may look, and fit properly, but not work as efficiently as they should. The type of coolant used is also a consideration.
Regardless of the brand/style of raditater used, on a Shark era Corvette it's the raditater and shroud seals that play the most important role in cooling the engine. You can have the most expensive, best fitting/functioning rad out there, but it does no good if all of the available air is going around the rad, instead of thru it...
Be sure to replace, or re-install ALL of the seals around the rad, and the shroud to make the most of any new(or old) radiator. Thumbs Up

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Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (6/10)
 9/9/15 2:13pm
knotacare
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Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60


Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

I have the dewitts in my BB 68 & 383 73.  They offer a lifetime guarantee & stand behind it.  Go with a 25% antifreeze & 75% distilled water combo. Also put in 1 or 2 bottles of water wetter. You will be amazed at the difference. You also have a short water pump. My 68 runs 172 degrees all day with or without the air on in 90+ degree outside temps.
Alan


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Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (7/10)
 9/9/15 2:29pm
Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.


Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

+1 on the Dewitt's radiator. Even though my '73 is a SB, I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the Dewitt's product. Fit perfectly and the Black Ice finish looks great !!!

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Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (8/10)
 9/9/15 2:40pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

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1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
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Another DeWitt owner here.  I have the black coating as well.  I love it.  Used to over heat all the time here in Texas, now never.  If you have any questions about the DeWitt radiators, you can call the company and actually talk to Tom DeWitt!  Not sure you can talk to Joe BeCool. Wink

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Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (9/10)
 9/11/15 3:33pm
Christian
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Houston, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1971 LS5 Convertible 4 sp


Joined: 2/25/2003
Posts: 193

OK. Here is the explanation for all my concerns:
Thermostat, Pump and Fan are doing fine. I was just not getting the expected flow rate because the rad was clogged. Has been re-cored 2,000 miles ago or so. 
Now, the system is completely flushed down to the cylinder side-walls, and I am mounting the pump back (Stewart, Hi-flow). I have ordered a Dewitt Direct-fit (1239069M i.e. black coating) and waiting for it.
I am fairly confident my overheating issues will soon become history.
Thanks y'all for your tips and advices.

Re: Performance radiator for a 1971 LS5 - so many questions ... (10/10)
 9/19/15 2:54pm
TheyCallMeDave
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Crestview (near Pensacola), FL - USA

Vette(s):
1970 built 454 coupe., M21, 336-1 rear, numbers matching . Approx. 550 hp/600 tq. #2 Condition . For Sale : $32,000 very firm . Have a full write up with closeup walk-around video for the serious minded only please.


Joined: 9/16/2015
Posts: 22

I think its U.S. Radiator that offers a 4 row Radiator for our C3's .   Id get that if I were you.   As an option, you may want to get a Stewart Stage 4 Water Pump.   That combo will certainly keep your motor cool and even if you elected to build it up .

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1970 built 454 coupe., M21, 336-1 rear, numbers matching . Approx. 550 hp/600 tq. #2 Condition .
For Sale :  $32,000 very firm .
Have a full write up with closeup walk-around video for the serious minded only please.
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