May need a need radiator for 64. Dewtts seems to be the choice of many. Question is, which radiator gives the most cooling. A direct fit or a reproduction. It will be aluminum for sure. I know the reproduction looks the best but I'm concerned more about cooling. The direct fit looks like it would hold more water but the repro may have more fins. So which one.
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
Chester -
No question - the reproduction stacked-plate Harrison aluminum radiator has more cooling capacity (4600 BTU/min) than the "direct-fit" model (4100 BTU/min). The stacked-plate design came from aircraft heat exchangers and oil cooling radiators; expensive to make, but it's the most effective design. -
Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
Did not know anyone else was making repro radiators. How is the Harrison compared to the dewittsComment
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
Harrison was original manufacturer of Corvette aluminum radiators. (And more)Comment
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
DeWitts is reproducing the original Harrison stacked-plate aluminum radiator in addition to making a less expensive "direct-fit" design. It (DeWitts reproduction radiator) is a GM licensed product.
LarryComment
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
With respect to the original stacked plate design and the direct fit, it's just as John mentions---the original design has more cooling capacity. It's the best way to go from all perspectives (except cost).
However, with respect to other Corvette radiators, it's not necessarily the same. For example, the original copper brass radiator used for most 1969-72 big blocks has a lower cooling capacity than the "direct fit" aluminum replacement. In fact, the "direct fit" DeWitts aluminum replacement for 1969-72 big blocks has a greater cooling capacity than ANY Corvette radiator ever originally installed in a Corvette from 1953 to 2015. It's also very close in configuration to the 1969-72 big block radiator when both are painted black.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
If your '64 still has its original radiator, you may consider having it recored so you can keep the original tanks. This also reduces the chance of fitment problems as seen with repro/replacement units.Mark Edmondson
Dallas, Texas
Texas Chapter
1970 Coupe, Donnybrooke Green, Light Saddle LS5 M20 A31 C60 G81 N37 N40 UA6 U79
1993 Coupe, 40th Anniversary, 6-speed, PEG 1, FX3, CD, Bronze TopComment
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
The original design and the DeWitt’s restoration small block radiators are stacked-plate aluminum radiators (all “core”) with no side tanks, and can’t be re-cored. Big block radiators were a core design with side tanks.
The pic below is a DeWitt’s Restoration Radiator Model 941 that I put in my ’67 small block - perfect fit.
22 DeWitts Radiator.jpgComment
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
Dewitt has another radiator that is 4500 btu/min. It is intender for modified Corvettes #1149063M. Summit has it for $620. I have one in my 65, it runs real cool at 180 or less on the highway. Seems to stay at 185 - 190 approximately in stop and go traffic.Comment
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Mark Edmondson
Dallas, Texas
Texas Chapter
1970 Coupe, Donnybrooke Green, Light Saddle LS5 M20 A31 C60 G81 N37 N40 UA6 U79
1993 Coupe, 40th Anniversary, 6-speed, PEG 1, FX3, CD, Bronze TopComment
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Re: Which radiator gives the best cooling, direct replacement or reproduction of orig
Can't think of many reproduction parts that are more "exact" than the DeWitts restoration radiators.Comment
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