C2 radiator

[Mark L.]

Re: C2 radiator

I am restoring a 66 base 300hp/327 coupe. My understanding is that is came from the factory with a Harrison aluminum radiator. Is this correct?

Eric, welcome to the group. You should have the 1966 Judging/Technical Manual and the AIM to help with your project. Good luck.

[Tony S.]

Re: C2 radiator

Keith. That's good to know! It is frustrating to pay $1300 for a new C2 radiator and get a 3-point configuration deduction when it is pretty easy to exhibit the appearance of that obvious feature. Tony

[Stewart L.]

Re: C2 radiator

DeWitts will put the clap marks in the Radiator but they told me that you have to specifically request it when you place your order.

[Richard G.]

Re: C2 radiator

I still have my original 63 radiator. With all the hullabaloo concerning the clamping marks I went and inspected my original.
With magnification I could see them and only with magnification or blowing up the picture. They were so light as to be almost invisible.
The bung where the top hose attaches was different than the original 63. The inlet may match other years perfectly, that I don't know.
Otherwise it was perfect. No issues and no leaks.

[Ronald M.]

Re: C2 radiator

Keith. That's good to know! It is frustrating to pay $1300 for a new C2 radiator and get a 3-point configuration deduction when it is pretty easy to exhibit the appearance of that obvious feature. Tony

Tony, what is your process for replicating these clamp marks? Ron

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 radiator

Joe, would you know why the 70 - 72 LT-1 had copper while most 63 - 72 had aluminum radiators?

To me, the copper radiator was probably heavier and perhaps more expensive, so why specifically use it for just a relatively few vehicles in production? Even the Special Performance 350 LT-1 (racing package) 70 - 72 ZL-1 had aluminum radiators ...

Bill-------

I believe the copper/brass radiator has a higher heat rejection (i.e. cooling) capacity than the aluminum 3155316. In addition, 1970-72 Corvettes with THM-400 and/or C-60 also were equipped with the copper radiator. This was for 2 reasons: first, the higher cooling capacity and, second, the fact that the THM-400 cars used a transmission cooler integral with the radiator. The aluminum radiator did not have provisions for a transmission cooler.

1970-72 ZR-1 used the aluminum GM #3007436. This radiator had a higher cooling capacity than the copper/brass or the aluminum 3155316.

By the way, not all 1970 LT-1 were equipped with the copper/brass radiator. Some early cars had the aluminum 3155316. I don't think there was a substantial difference in cooling between the copper/brass and aluminum 3155316.

[Arland D.]

Re: C2 radiator

Any pictures of original 'factory clamp marks' floating around anywhere?

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 radiator

Here ya go...
100_2249.jpg

100_2253.jpg

100_2256.jpg

100_2257.jpg

I marked them:

100_2261.jpg

[Arland D.]

Re: C2 radiator

As expected, the original 'factory marks' are more subtle and casual than the perfectly manicured marks in the latest offering from DeWitt. Thanks for posting the pictures.

[Keith B.]

Re: C2 radiator

As expected, the original 'factory marks' are more subtle and casual than the perfectly manicured marks in the latest offering from DeWhitt. Thanks for posting the pictures.

as critical is the radiator is towards the enjoyment of the car and the time spent judging is nil, I rather have the part look very close and perform flawlessly

[Arland D.]

Re: C2 radiator

I'm very pleased with my DeWitt radiator that is coincidentally the same 63 F date as Harry shows in his pictures. The DeWitt overflow tank is also a very nice piece that happened to get damaged when they shipped it so they sent a replacement at no charge and said to keep the one that was dented. Excellent customer service from the new 'corporation' that bought them.

[James W.]

Re: C2 radiator

I bought a reproduction DeWitts radiator for my '65 back in 2008 before they were putting the clamp marks on them. Is there a way to put these clamp marks on?

James

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 radiator

The clamp marks shown in the pictures are no where near the original clamp marks!

JR

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 radiator

Does anyone have any suggestions where I can buy a correct radiator for my 63 sb? I searched DeWitts and it seem they don't offer one.

[Keith B.]

Re: C2 radiator

Dewitt's is going to be the closest one to an assembly line one you can buy