1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

[Gary J.]

Searched the achieves without a great deal of success. Which manufacture offers the closest to correct big block radiator for my 427-290 hp manual transmission. How many points can I expect to lose on the judging field. Trying to do a cost versus point loss analysis. ThanksGary

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

Searched the achieves without a great deal of success. Which manufacture offers the closest to correct big block radiator for my 427-290 hp manual transmission. How many points can I expect to lose on the judging field. Trying to do a cost versus point loss analysis. ThanksGary

Gary------


An easy one------DeWitts. In fact, I think they manufacture the only reproduction radiator for 1969-72 big blocks, although their product is probably sold by most of the Corvette parts vendors.

Also consider the DeWitts Direct Fit aluminum replacement. It differs in some ways due to its aluminum construction (primarily the welds attaching the tanks to the core). However, painted black I think it looks close. It's also a lot less expensive than the above AND it has 30% more cooling capacity. In fact, it has more cooling capacity than ANY radiator ever originally installed in ANY Corvette. By the way, I've seen cars Top Flight with this radiator installed.

[Bill C.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

I think Tom sells the correct restoration core for the BB radiator. I know he does not have the correct Harrison end tanks for 69-72.
I don't remember a correct "complete" restoration copper radiator for 69-72.

I have personally used the direct fit aluminum one and it works great!
I drops right in and all the hose fittings are where they are supposed to be.
Only small issue I had was with the foam sealing of the shroud to the radiator and the radiator to the core support.
the shroud was the biggest issue. The upper channel is not the same thickness/width as the originals and there is a small gap to deal with. But it is not a game stopper by any means.

Best 450$ radiator you can get for the car.

IMHO .. :-)

bill

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

I think Tom sells the correct restoration core for the BB radiator. I know he does not have the correct Harrison end tanks for 69-72.
I don't remember a correct "complete" restoration copper radiator for 69-72.

I have personally used the direct fit aluminum one and it works great!
I drops right in and all the hose fittings are where they are supposed to be.
Only small issue I had was with the foam sealing of the shroud to the radiator and the radiator to the core support.
the shroud was the biggest issue. The upper channel is not the same thickness/width as the originals and there is a small gap to deal with. But it is not a game stopper by any means.

Best 450$ radiator you can get for the car.

IMHO .. :-)

bill

Bill------


I thought that DeWitts had come out with a complete 1969-72 big block radiator but, after checking their web-site, it appears they have not. In that case, I don't think there's a correct reproduction out there. When there is, I expect it will be a DeWitts.

I like the DeWitts Direct Fit aluminum replacement for this radiator. In fact, I have two NOS originals of the GM #3019190 [none for sale] but I purchased a Direct Fit aluminum for use in my 1969 big block "conversion".

[James B.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

Bill, did you install the DeWitt Direct Fit aluminum radiator on your previously owned 1972 BB?

[Bill C.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

Jim -

I did.
I used it before I did the extensive restoration in 2006-2007
I had it in the car from about 2002 on.

LOVED IT...

[James B.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

Jim -

I did.
I used it before I did the extensive restoration in 2006-2007
I had it in the car from about 2002 on.

LOVED IT...

Bill: Did you notice a performance difference between the two radiators? If so, can you elaborate?

[Bill C.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

well -- thats a hard one to tie an answer too ...

I did not buy the radiator because of performance issues - rather because of heating issues when I ran the AC in traffic during the summer.

The car did run a good 10-12 degrees cooler overall - so I would think at some level, performance did improve as well as efficiency.

but did the car turn into a ground pounding, tire burning 454 - not really.
LOL

[James B.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

Thanks, Bill. Yes, I was referring to the "cooling" performance difference between the two radiators.

[Michael B.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

I have the DeWitt Direct Fit aluminum radiator in my 400/427 manual and I can say that I have participated in several 4th of July parades. Something I could never do with the original radiator. Painted black you really have to know what you are looking for to tell the difference.

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

Gary, I have the same Dewitt's radiator in my 69 and have had no problems with it. But I also had an original copper/brass radiator in this car, an L71, and I didn't have any problems with it either until it started to leak. My friend who works in a repair shop that does radiators said he could recore it if the tanks were ok but I chose to get the Dewitt because the car will not be judged again. You may want to check into that if it's the original radiator and if the tanks are ok.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Radiator - who's got the closest replacement

Gary, I have the same Dewitt's radiator in my 69 and have had no problems with it. But I also had an original copper/brass radiator in this car, an L71, and I didn't have any problems with it either until it started to leak. My friend who works in a repair shop that does radiators said he could recore it if the tanks were ok but I chose to get the Dewitt because the car will not be judged again. You may want to check into that if it's the original radiator and if the tanks are ok.

In a prior life I owned a radiator repair shop. I often found that the GM tanks would become brittle, most likely that not from a previous leaking tank repair where too much heat was used. Brass will also work harden over the years. Check the tanks carefully if you plan to recore.

I also found that sometimes you can find tanks off other Harrison radiatiators that, by changing the necks, you could use on your radiator.