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How do all the big block chevrolets,novas,chevelles and others get away with copper radiators and no heat problems and I can not do the same with my sb with copper raduator.(65 Coupe) I know aluminun is correct but would like to use the copper replacement a while longer.Any idea?.........Joe
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Re: radiator question
Joe-----
The big block radiators used in the other Chevrolet cars you mentioned were large 4 row copper/brass radiators. They had a capacity on the order of 5,000+ BTU's.
The original aluminum radiator in your 65 small block had a cooling capacity of about 4,600 BTU's. The copper/brass replacement you have has a cooling capacity of about 3,300 BTU's. All of the above stats give you a lot of the reasons for the differences you described.
Beyond that, though, Corvettes have inherent cooling problems due to the fact that they have marginal cooling air intake and fan shrouding systems. Most C2 shrouds have little in the way of sealing. All of these things combine to make Corvette cooling systems "on the edge" much of the time.
I do not now and never have recommended the use of the copper/brass replacements for the original aluminum radiators used in all 63-67 Corvettes with small block and many 68-72 Corvettes with small block and manual transmission. The cooling deficiency produced by the copper/brass replacements, which has long been observed, is quantified in the above figures. Unfortunately, due to the production problems which Tom DeWitt is now experiencing, the aluminum reproduction radiators, so necessary for 63-67 applications, are temporarily unavailable.
My advice to you would be to obtain one of these as soon as they become available again.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: radiator question
Thank you everyone who responded to my last few posts, as it turns out you all were correct in saying that the copper radiator was the culprit. I dug out the original aluminum and replaced it in the car. Many years ago I had it tested and the shop pressurized it to much and it bagan to seep. After reinstalling it she still seeps but not badly and after driving 25 miles the temp never exceeded 180...............so will drive it like this on occasion until I can order a new Dewitts....Thanks again to all.................JoeComment
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