[Speargun]

I have a 4 core radiator that I had built back in the early 90's that worked well for the 400 I was running in my '67 bird at the time. It has sat in my shed since around 1992, but it had developed a leak or two when it was in the car.
Now I'm going to install a 455 with a Mark VIII fan when the car is done and am looking at aluminum radiators vs repairing the old 4 core.

I'm trying to keep costs down and have been looking at the different ones on eBay, but I don't want to spend the $$$ on something that won't keep cool in the Florida heat. After searching PY it looks like Champion radiators has a good reputation, but I'm open to other suggestions in the same price range.

So should I go with should I go with aluminum or rebuild what I have?
If aluminum, which brand and 2, 3, or 4 row?

Thanks!

[craigs69]

I bought a 2 row aluminum radiator with 1.25" tubes from Engineered Cooling Products back in 2012. At the time they were selling on Ebay and I think I paid around $400 for mine. I have the model with the transmission cooler and it has been a great piece. I never see over 185 degrees idling around town on hot days.

[TedRamAirII]

Last year at the Daytona Turkey Rod Run I bought a radiator from Auto City Classic. I wanted one that "looked" oem but aluminum. I painted it black and you really have to look close to see that its not oem. 2 rows that are about 1 inch thick. I took my original 4 row out that had a few tubes leaking. He usually stocks them but had sold out at the show, he shipped it to me no charge. http://www.autocityclassic.com/1968-1972-tempest/

[Bob with the 66]

Check out Rodney Red, he's a Pontiac guy, will probably be at Norwalk.

He made a 2 row for me with fans and shroud, great price and it's a work of art.

All good things to say about his work.

Bob,

[ponyakr]

I'm just curious. Have all the Champion rads, such as the MC370 been declared junk ?

If this ad is truthful, it sure looks to be a good choice to me. But, hey, what do I know ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Row-1967-1...c8c8d5&vxp=mtr

[carcrazy]

I've been using one for more than a year in my 600 hp, 67 GTO with no issues so far. Seems like a bargain to me.

[78w72]

x2 on the champion. i have a 3 core in a 72 firebird & it cools perfectly. 90+ degree days & it will stay exactly at 180, the t-stat is 180. on the highway it actually drops a bit below the 180 mark. verified with a hand held gauge too. & on cooler days it stays just below the mark.

they are direct bolt in for most cars. i got the auto trans cooler 2nd gen firebird rad shipped for about $200 last year. lifetime warranty, nice welds & workmanship. very nice for a "cheap" china radiator. but the dealers are local & if theres a problem they pay to ship it back & to send a new one. im sure the more expensive ones are very nice & at some level you may need something like that, but for ~$200 & rated to 600hp on the 3 core... was an easy decision for me & it works excellent.

[bankbook]

Bought a champion last year for the pace car, good quality and no temps above 185 seen at all.
Buying a second for another build.

[FrankieT/A]

I have a Champion in my 71 T/A, cools great even with A/C on. No issues.

[Don 79 TA]

i have no problems with the be cool rad
they are expensive, but the quality is there
i also run the electric water pump and fans, and the car is like way to cool
i now use the 1 cooling fan to cool it, i have a 12" and 14" cooling fan
i think any of the options above will work
think about getting one of those zinc anodes too if you do go aluminum
i also use more water than Anti freeze too.

[Ccass]

When going with aluminum, 2 large rows cools better than 4 small rows. So don't spend the extra money on 3 or 4 row aluminum rad.

[DOC]

Got a Champion 4 core in the 69 bird with AC. 400/ qjet/ 6x4 heads/ summit 2801/ HEI/ Vintage air AC/ Clutch fan. Stays right at 175-180 going at hwy speeds and 180 in stop and go traffic in Florida with AC on hi.

No issues for a year now

[DOC]

UPDATE:

Hot day today! 100 degrees today with a heat index of 108. Car Reached 185 in stop and go traffic with AC on.

[Speargun]

Originally Posted by DOC

UPDATE:

Hot day today! 100 degrees today with a heat index of 108. Car Reached 185 in stop and go traffic with AC on.

Sweeet!

I ordered the Champion 4 row and it just came in the other day. It will be a while before it gets installed in the car, but it looks pretty well made.

Thanks for all of the replies guys!

[Murf]

Hey, I've got a 65 GTO & I need an aluminium radiator. I don't see any "Champion" rads on Ebay but there are a ton of these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRI-CORE-ALU...a58d6c&vxp=mtr Anybody have any experience with them? What do you think about 3-row?

Thanks, Murf

[Ccass]

Originally Posted by Murf

Hey, I've got a 65 GTO & I need an aluminium radiator. I don't see any "Champion" rads on Ebay but there are a ton of these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRI-CORE-ALU...a58d6c&vxp=mtr Anybody have any experience with them? What do you think about 3-row?

Thanks, Murf

The inlet and the petcock valve both appear to be on the wrong side. However, it looks like it might fit. Just double check your dimensions. $169 seems awfully cheap. I'd want to hear from someone that can confirm how good it was before I took a chance.

[78w72]

not sure on the dimensions or the gto specific radiator, but the price is why champions are such a great value. the 3 row for my 72 firebird was under $200 shipped about 2 years ago. & that was with a $40 price increase that happened a few months earlier.

dont let the price fool you, the champions are a very nice radiator & work excellent regardless of price. granted they aren't the big 1 or 2 row style or made in america etc, but at half the cost they will do pretty much the same job for 90% of cars out there.

[Murf]

78w72, Is the link I posted to a "Champion" rad. I don't see any on Ebay that say "Champion"?

Thanks, Murf

[78w72]

it doesnt say it is, doesnt say any brand, just the companies name. i looked on ebay for a 65 gto after you posted that & didnt see any champions for a 65, they have all other years & some are the center top cap style too, just no 65's. you could always message the seller & ask what brand it is, or contact champion directly at their website & ask if they make one for a 65. i think they sell direct too or will refer you to a seller.
the one in the link looks like a "budget" radiator just like the champion, if its got a good warranty it seems like a good deal.

i agree that most "china" stuff is usually of lesser quality compared to higher priced american stuff. but the fact is there are lots of nice quality china produced products in todays world, especially when made specifically for american companies. look at all the china stroker cranks, h-beam rods & intakes & factory looking 17" wheels like honeycombs & snowflakes etc etc. all are great products & all of it is made in china for american companies to sell. aluminum radiators are no different.

[Murf]

I looked at Champion's website. I think they are the same but would probably get it from Champion due to the positive feedback here.

This is not a restoration. more a resto-mod driver. My question is, Wouldn't a rad with the inlet on the drivers side & out on the passenger side cool better, if I'm not concerned with the correctness?

Thanks
Murf