82 Radiator rplc Q:s

[NewVetter]

Hi guys, saw some general info on radiator replacement but had a quick Q:, Have an 82 and see there are aluminum rads for $500 and 'reg' non-alum ones for $250.
1. Alum rdas necessarily cool better and/or last longer?
2. Saw them 'w/trans cooler or w/o. How would I tell?
Ask cuz mechanic friend working on it said mine is leaking just a little, He has not said IS rad. yet but prepping for worst case if he says 'yeah, rad. needs replcing'. Read also a direct fit goes in pretty easy, yes? Am mechanical and CAN do it myself btw. Have info on BeCool, DeWitts, MA direct and Ecklers for choosing where to get one. Any info when get time, is greatly appreciated, best regards. :>)

 

[BarryK]

if you need a new radiator than get the DeWitts Aluminum one. DeWitts is the best quality and fit for a Corvette, Period! Plus Tom DeWitts has what is probably the BEST customer service in the Corvette world there is. You can't go wrong.

Aluminum radiators give you about a 30% better cooling capacity over the stock brass/copper units and Vettes need that extra margin. We are typically borderline in the stock configuration as it is so that extra approx 30% is a big help!

if you have an Auto trans than you need the radiator with the trans cooler line hook-up. If it's a 4-speed than you don't need it.

 

[NewVetter]

Barry thx so much for the good info... yes is automatic. Have you rplc'ed one? So there should be another hose of somesort for the trans...(?) Was on DeWitt site, stuff looks good too. Will post as to progress, Thanks again, regards.

 

[LVMYVT76]

i just replaced mine in my 76, fit better than the original one. they were good to work with, shipping out as soon as stock was ready.

 

[BarryK]

Barry thx so much for the good info... yes is automatic. Have you rplc'ed one? So there should be another hose of somesort for the trans...(?) Was on DeWitt site, stuff looks good too. Will post as to progress, Thanks again, regards.

yep, I've priced them......... I almost needed one on my '78 a few weeks ago but luckily I was able to stop the minor drip i was getting.
Dewitts isn't the least expensive and he doesn't pretend to be but like most things you get what you pay for......... and I can gauantee that one you R&I a radiator out of a late model C3 just once you DON'T want to have to go thru that again for a very long time......... so a few $$ more on a DeWitts is worth it just for peace of mind alone! (i had to pull and install mine 4 times in 3 weeks to get the drip fixed and I NEVER want to have to do it EVER again. If it ever needs it it will get a DeWitt or the car will be junked but i'm not going thru that BS again.)

I have a DeWitt restoration rad in my '65 that's 8-10 years old and it works great.

 

[NewVetter]

Yeah... $495 +$25 ship from DeWitt for the alum. Barry you wrote: "and I can gauantee that one you R&I a radiator out of a late model C3 just once you DON'T want to have to go thru that again for a very long time......... " I take it from your comment it was not a straight forward, 'routine' job. I was actually debating doing it or bringing it to my trusted mechanic to put in. If/when I get into it, you ''may'' get a post from me for technical consultation, hehe :>) Thx again to both you and LVMYVT76. !!!!! Will post how it all turns out.

 

[geekinavette]

I have a Dewitts in my 84...VERY nice radiator! Not only is it all aluminum which transfers heat SOOOOO much better than that brass crap...it also has a thicker core (at least on the 84 version) and welded aluminum tanks (not that crimped plastic crap) and filler neck.

I also installed a Robert Shaw thermostat...the difference in cooling ability is quite noticeable. Now to do something about the crappy stock fan......

Bill