C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

[Brian K.]

I have a super nice 66 driver, small block, mostly correctc car, original block, trans, & rear but it is nothing special (no options other than 4 speed & am/fm.

The radiator no longer cools well & I'm told you can't re core or clean them. Are the "correct" brass or aluminum repros worth the money $8-900 (are they of good quality) or does the service replacement for $300 make better sense?

I don't care about points but the service replacements look different.

Thanks for any input,

Brian

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

DeWitts will last you another 42 years. It's worth the money. Just ensure you flush the system well to remove anything that might be in there before you install the new one. May as well do all the hoses and temp sending unit at the same time.

Just my 2 cents.

Harry

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

DeWitts will last you another 42 years. It's worth the money. Just ensure you flush the system well to remove anything that might be in there before you install the new one. May as well do all the hoses and temp sending unit at the same time.

Just my 2 cents.

Harry

[Jack H.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

It's not so much an issue of 'correct' as it is one of functionality. You're constrained by the core support as to how many cubic inches of radiator you can pack in. The reason factory original radiators were aluminum vs. brass was cooling capacity per cubic inch of radiator displacement.

The aftermarket brass radiators that are less expensive DO fit the 'socket', but their cooling profile (absolute BTU's) is lower than that of the factory original Harrison aluminum radiator. So, you've given up design safety margin in the transition from aluminum to brass.

How well a brass substitute works depends on the car's configuration (does it have heat producing options like AT or A/C?) and what ambient driving conditions you'll ask it to handle (do you live in the desert?)....

[Jack H.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

It's not so much an issue of 'correct' as it is one of functionality. You're constrained by the core support as to how many cubic inches of radiator you can pack in. The reason factory original radiators were aluminum vs. brass was cooling capacity per cubic inch of radiator displacement.

The aftermarket brass radiators that are less expensive DO fit the 'socket', but their cooling profile (absolute BTU's) is lower than that of the factory original Harrison aluminum radiator. So, you've given up design safety margin in the transition from aluminum to brass.

How well a brass substitute works depends on the car's configuration (does it have heat producing options like AT or A/C?) and what ambient driving conditions you'll ask it to handle (do you live in the desert?)....

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

The aluminum radiator provides significantly higher heat transfer rate than an equally sized brass radiator. Big engines in a small car is why GM spent the money on "high tech" cooling system components.

Many with replacement brass radiators report chronic hot running/overheating problems.

Go to the DeWitts Web site and read all the technical information on why their exact reproduction of the OE Harrison aluminum radiator is the only way to go.

In the long run it is cheaper to buy the DeWitts repro.

Use a 50/50 blend of Zerex G-05 antifreeze, change it every 3 years, and the radiator should last at least as long as the original, and you won't be constantly fighting overheating problems.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

The aluminum radiator provides significantly higher heat transfer rate than an equally sized brass radiator. Big engines in a small car is why GM spent the money on "high tech" cooling system components.

Many with replacement brass radiators report chronic hot running/overheating problems.

Go to the DeWitts Web site and read all the technical information on why their exact reproduction of the OE Harrison aluminum radiator is the only way to go.

In the long run it is cheaper to buy the DeWitts repro.

Use a 50/50 blend of Zerex G-05 antifreeze, change it every 3 years, and the radiator should last at least as long as the original, and you won't be constantly fighting overheating problems.

Duke

[Brian K.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

Thank you all:

I didn't know the original was aluminum. Just thought they were all brass back then. It makes no sense then to not go with a correct original. I just won't bother with all the date coding.

Thank you again!

[Brian K.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

Thank you all:

I didn't know the original was aluminum. Just thought they were all brass back then. It makes no sense then to not go with a correct original. I just won't bother with all the date coding.

Thank you again!

[James W.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

Brian,

I recently installed a DeWitts reproduction radiator in my original '65 Corvette. The original radiator was starting to weap in a couple of places so I went with the correct reproduction. It fits and performs perfectly, you won't be disappointed.

Regards,

James West

[James W.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

Brian,

I recently installed a DeWitts reproduction radiator in my original '65 Corvette. The original radiator was starting to weap in a couple of places so I went with the correct reproduction. It fits and performs perfectly, you won't be disappointed.

Regards,

James West

[Kieran A.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro *NM*

[Kieran A.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro *NM*

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

Brian, If you go with the DeWitts why not get the date coding for your car, if there is a charge it can't be much. Also, pay attention to the installation of the aluminum radiator because it is isolated from other metal componets with rubber mounts and get a new aluminum petcock. There is good info in the D/B archives on this and it's good to know how the system is designed to work. Also may be wise to check your radiator cap to make sure it holds pressure.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 replacement Radiator vs Repro

Brian, If you go with the DeWitts why not get the date coding for your car, if there is a charge it can't be much. Also, pay attention to the installation of the aluminum radiator because it is isolated from other metal componets with rubber mounts and get a new aluminum petcock. There is good info in the D/B archives on this and it's good to know how the system is designed to work. Also may be wise to check your radiator cap to make sure it holds pressure.