[GregL]

I need to replace my original radiator and I want the car to still look correct so I'm looking at either the original reproduction offered in the C.I. catalog or the Champion brand aluminum radiator which says it is designed for a direct fit. I'd like to know if anyone here has used this rad and is it really a direct bolt in without any mods?

[FrankieT/A]

I have a Champion in my car for over 4years and at least 30,000 miles. No issues. It was a direct replacement, but I would be a liar if I told you it fits exactly like the original. Given the price it is way acceptable. I would definitely buy another...

[RocktimusPryme]

Originally Posted by FrankieT/A

I have a Champion in my car for over 4years and at least 30,000 miles. No issues. It was a direct replacement, but I would be a liar if I told you it fits exactly like the original. Given the price it is way acceptable. I would definitely buy another...

out of curiosity which model did you go with number of rows wise? There have been a number of people I have seen lately happy with a large tube two rows rather than 3 or four.

[GregL]

Thanks for the input Frankie. I don't really expect it to be undetectable from the original, I just don't want to be drilling new holes. Did the side mounting holes line up OK and did it have clips to accept the lower part of the fan shroud?
Also, my car is a '68 400, don't know if yours is similar or not.

[Squidward]

I put the 4 row Champion in my 67. Mounting tabs were pretty close, but required a little massaging to line up with the rad support. Shroud fit ok, but left a gap on the bottom about 3/4" wide. I had to creatively fill this. I used an OER new shroud. Close enough.

With Hayden 2797 clutch and short nose 69 11 bolt pump, I am half way into the shroud. It stays cool, runs on the 180 tstat, even with a/c running in 100+ degree weather. I never thought I'd be able to say that, but I can. I don't let it idle in a drive-thru for 20 minutes in 118 degree heat, tho. That's just dumb. My LS powered GMC won't even hack that insanity.

I liked the Champion so much that I put a 4 row in my 72 Lemans. Fit was much more "drop-in", except for the rubber isolators at the four corners.

I purchased both off Ebay.

[FrankieT/A]

I have a 2nd gen, so no bolt holes. it just sits in rubber cushions, much like Squidward's Le Mans. Mine is a 2 row. It runs cool all the time even with the A/C on. It will idle a long time with A/C on a really hot day and stay cool. I also have about a 3/4 inch gap between my fan and shroud. I have been meaning to address that, I just haven't gotten around to it, although summer is coming. I bought it on Epay for like $185.00 shipped to my door. When I bought I figured for the price if lasted a couple years I would be satisfied with that, it was only temporary to begin with. Now its going on five years and still appears to be good and still looks good. This radiator doesn't owe me a thing....

[68400BIRD]

I have the two core in my car. Fit fine. Like mentioned above the lower shroud will not have clips to slide into. I drilled three small holes on the bottom of the radiator bracket and mounted the shroud to it. I have done this on two cars now. Both have two years worth of use and are working great.

[TedRamAirII]

The Brass IS correct, but a Aluminum one will never be. I bought a Auto City Classic, and painted black, blends in really good. You will need to fab some tabs to get the shroud mounted. http://www.autocityclassic.com/camar...diator-6769at/

[GregL]

After checking everywhere possible I've found good reports all around on the Champion brand with minimal modification. So I ordered one 20 minutes ago. Thanks for all the input.

[Ccass]

Which Champion radiator did you purchase? 2, 3 or 4 row?

I'd be really interested in you posting the results of your installation once done.
1. Did the fan shroud fit?
2. Does the OEM cap fit?
3. What temps does it run at idle?
4. What mods did you have to make to get the rubber insulators to fit.
5. What motor is in your Firebird? Any performance upgrades to the motor?

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

I got me one for my 69, 455 aluminum heads. Haven't driven the car yet. Radiator fits fine but not exactly bolt on.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by Ccass

Which Champion radiator did you purchase? 2, 3 or 4 row?

I'd be really interested in you posting the results of your installation once done.
1. Did the fan shroud fit?
2. Does the OEM cap fit?
3. What temps does it run at idle?
4. What mods did you have to make to get the rubber insulators to fit.
5. What motor is in your Firebird? Any performance upgrades to the motor?

I ordered part numer A8600112, it's the 4 row, measures 17" X 23" X 2-3/4". Price was $289.99 but I received a 20% discount coupon in the mail so I used it. Radiator should show up beginning of the week. I will post back here my results after installation.
Greg

[FrankieT/A]

Originally Posted by Ccass

Which Champion radiator did you purchase? 2, 3 or 4 row?

I'd be really interested in you posting the results of your installation once done.
1. Did the fan shroud fit?
2. Does the OEM cap fit?
3. What temps does it run at idle?
4. What mods did you have to make to get the rubber insulators to fit.
5. What motor is in your Firebird? Any performance upgrades to the motor?

I'm not sure who this question is aimed toward, but in my case...
1. The shroud did fit, no modifications.
2. I use the cap that came with the radiator because the pressure rating was correct and looks close enough to the original for me, but yes the OEM stile cap fits.
3. My car runs about 170-175 unless until fully heat soaked then runs at thermostat temp which in my case is 185.
4. I did not make any mods to the insulators because between the insulators and radiator hoses it stays in place.
5. As far as engine mods: Currently 455 .030 over, currently has ported 6X-4's, RAIV cam, factory RAIII manifolds. (Butler ported EHeads, Doug's headers and Super Victor intake sitting garage waiting for time to install...Should be a game changer). For extra cooling I use the Canton road race oil pan. The extra quart of oil helps a lot as far as cooling. (Ever notice your car runs 5-10 degrees hotter when you are a quart low?) And lastly, in the cooling department, I use the divider plate mod. A side note, I use Dexcool exclusively.

[Ccass]

Originally Posted by GregL

I ordered part numer A8600112, it's the 4 row, measures 17" X 23" X 2-3/4". Price was $289.99 but I received a 20% discount coupon in the mail so I used it. Radiator should show up beginning of the week. I will post back here my results after installation.
Greg

thanks! the 4 row is the biggest they offer. You definitely want 4 row if your motor has any decent performance upgrade. 2 and 3 row versions are generally not enough for most performance Pontiac motors.

So you got 20% off the $289.99 price? And who sent the coupon?

[Ccass]

Originally Posted by FrankieT/A

I'm not sure who this question is aimed toward, but in my case...
1. The shroud did fit, no modifications.
2. I use the cap that came with the radiator because the pressure rating was correct and looks close enough to the original for me, but yes the OEM stile cap fits.
3. My car runs about 170-175 unless until fully heat soaked then runs at thermostat temp which in my case is 185.
4. I did not make any mods to the insulators because between the insulators and radiator hoses it stays in place.
5. As far as engine mods: Currently 455 .030 over, currently has ported 6X-4's, RAIV cam, factory RAIII manifolds. (Butler ported EHeads, Doug's headers and Super Victor intake sitting garage waiting for time to install...Should be a game changer). For extra cooling I use the Canton road race oil pan. The extra quart of oil helps a lot as far as cooling. (Ever notice your car runs 5-10 degrees hotter when you are a quart low?) And lastly, in the cooling department, I use the divider plate mod. A side note, I use Dexcool exclusively.

I was aiming my question at the topic starter but we're all reading to gain information. So I think your post if very helpful to readers.

btw, Cold Case has not done our own testing yet but Dexcool can have an adverse affect on aluminum. I don't want to jack this thread, but you may want to do some research on using Dexcool with aluminum just to be safe. Because of the information we've obtained, Cold Case is recommending strictly 'green' antifreeze.

[GregL]

I'm running a 400, 4 speed. Rebuilt to factory specs just over 3,000 miles ago. I use regular green Prestone 50/50 antifreeze.
As far as the coupon goes, Classic Industries sends me one of those every few months. Maybe because I've spent about $11,000 with them in the last couple of years.

[Inogame]

I ordered the Champion CC370, 3 core aluminum. Fit great but no tabs for the bottom of the shroud.

Don't tell anyone, but I just zip tied the bottom...

[68400BIRD]

The two core that I ordered has more cooling capacity than the four row. I did a lot of research and found people had better luck with the two core.

[RocktimusPryme]

Originally Posted by 68400BIRD

The two core that I ordered has more cooling capacity than the four row. I did a lot of research and found people had better luck with the two core.

Ive seen the same thing in my research. But i dont know that it would apply specifically with champion? most of the things Ive seen say two cores with big tubes 1.175"+ cool better than three and four core. But the two core Champion only have .75" tubes.

[68400BIRD]

I looked at my receipts and I bought mine from Auto City Classic. It has the large two rows.
Here is a link.
http://www.autocityclassic.com/camar...diator-6769at/