aluminum radiators... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**PowerdbyChevy79** · 01-12-2018, 10:33 AM

whats up guys.. wanted to see what aluminum radiators yall are using.. I have been using Champion for awhile.. had no issues.. just was thinking of going another route..

HunterRotten · 01-12-2018, 12:29 PM

I can't say much as I haven't used mine yet but I have a mishimoto aluminum radiator for a big block truck. It has a lifetime warranty, even if I'm in an accident I believe. If it breaks once I'm already ahead of everyone else buying another radiator. $320 or so I believe on summit.

Southcity · 01-12-2018, 12:51 PM

Vehicle had a Griffin in it when purchased 4 years ago, running a 454 and it has worked flawlessly so far. If Champion has worked for you all this time and you're happy with them why change?

**MikeB** · 01-12-2018, 03:00 PM

I'm running an OE-replacement Murray aluminum rad in my 82 C10 with a 350. It works great in hot Texas summers, cost around $130, and has a lifetime warranty from O'Reilly Auto Parts. They make 3 sizes for our trucks, and mine is the smallest.

Tom · 01-12-2018, 03:29 PM

Good luck getting that aluminum radiator repaired in town when you need it on a road trip or something.
$150 lifetime warranty 4core from autozone will cool anything you got, has the warranty when you have the time to use it and can be repaired anywhere when you dont....

**MikeB** · 01-12-2018, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

$150 lifetime warranty 4core from autozone will cool anything you got, has the warranty when you have the time to use it and can be repaired anywhere when you don't....

Sounds like a good deal. However, all my daily drivers since 1999 have had aluminum radiators with plastic tanks, and I've never had a problem with any of them.

100%Chevy · 01-12-2018, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Good luck getting that aluminum radiator repaired in town when you need it on a road trip or something.
$150 lifetime warranty 4core from autozone will cool anything you got, has the warranty when you have the time to use it and can be repaired anywhere when you dont....

That's the exact same radiator I tried to buy from AutoZone about a month ago!
They do not sell this radiator in copper and brass as advertised on their website!Although they said they have it,they sent me the aluminum equivalent.
They did offer me my money back and apologized for the problem!
Mike.

Puke160 · 01-13-2018, 10:04 PM

I'm running a Be Cool in my 79 k25. It cools the 427 tall deck in it great even with a 15,000 pound goose neck behide the truck. Even on 100 degree days. They are expensive though, I gave 700 for mine through Summit. But it was the only radiator I could find with tanks large enough for the larger inlet and outlet to be welded in.

obijuan · 01-13-2018, 10:41 PM

I've got the be cool direct fit cooling my big block. Exceptional performance.

**SparkyRnD** · 01-20-2018, 01:00 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=617025

We make bolt-in custom / conversion radiators for your application, right here in the USA using domestically sourced materials. Each radiator is built by hand and we use dual 1" thick cores, for a total core thickness of 2" (same overall thickness as a brass & copper 4-core).

We NEVER charge extra for engine swap port locations, steam ports or built-in transmission coolers.

We are a Gold Vendor and support this forum, and offer a forum-member discount ($25 off a radiator / $20 off fan & shroud package). Retail price is $470, and members of this forum get a discounted price of $450.

Hit me up with any questions or for a quote.

**PowerdbyChevy79** · 01-23-2018, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SparkyRnD

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=617025

We make bolt-in custom / conversion radiators for your application, right here in the USA using domestically sourced materials. Each radiator is built by hand and we use dual 1" thick cores, for a total core thickness of 2" (same overall thickness as a brass & copper 4-core).

We NEVER charge extra for engine swap port locations, steam ports or built-in transmission coolers.

We are a Gold Vendor and support this forum, and offer a forum-member discount ($25 off a radiator / $20 off fan & shroud package). Retail price is $470, and members of this forum get a discounted price of $450.

Hit me up with any questions or for a quote.

what fans do you use with your kikts, whats the cfm on them...thx for the info.

stacey_65 · 01-23-2018, 02:51 PM

I have an Autorad radiator made for my c10. With a custom fan shroud set up with dual fans. Love it.

zero6-dc · 01-23-2018, 03:12 PM

I'd like to see some pictures of the radiator, cooling fan(s) and shroud setup. I am trying to find a suitable aluminum unit in either a 2 or 3 row configuration.
Thanks

Cadillac Kid · 01-23-2018, 05:59 PM

I got my aluminum radiator from speedcooling.com

Very pleased. It was reasonbly priced, and it fit with no modifications.

**lolife99** · 01-23-2018, 06:58 PM

Anyone using these Cold Case radiators?
http://coldcaseradiators.com/chevy/gmc-truck/

They even sell an LS version,...

**SparkyRnD** · 01-25-2018, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerdbyChevy79

what fans do you use with your kikts, whats the cfm on them...thx for the info.

We have several brands we use depending on application. We have a black-label fan made for us for regular applications, and for higher power / towing / warmer climates, we use Spal or Derale fans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zero6-dc

I'd like to see some pictures of the radiator, cooling fan(s) and shroud setup. I am trying to find a suitable aluminum unit in either a 2 or 3 row configuration.
Thanks

For the fan and shroud, we use a flat style shroud to keep them compact.

tucsonjwt · 01-26-2018, 10:45 PM

I have a Spectra plastic/aluminum radiator from Autozone. Works fine in my 454 C20 in HotZona 100+ degree heat. Got it with 20% off and free delivery to my door for about $100. I think unless you have a high horsepower engine the regular Spectra is fine. I think it is a 3 row direct fit but the radiator is fairly thick in my estimation. My previous copper/brass radiators would not hold up in the heat. I am a plastic/aluminum fan now.

stacey_65 · 01-29-2018, 05:27 PM

Here is my radiator from autorad the day i picked it up. Great quality thicker aluminum than most I have seen. This radiator was surprisingly heavy. So I know it is made right. Fully tig welded all the way around NO epoxy at all. With a custom fan and shroud with maridyne fans. rated at 800hp. It has two one inch cores.

zero6-dc · 01-30-2018, 09:53 PM

I appreciate the responses to my questions,
regarding the overall thickness or depth of the radiator and fan assembly, I believe I saw a reference in one of the posts about the coils being about 1" thickness and that two together would be about the thickness of a full copper/brass radiator. Is that accurate? My issue is that I have only 5 inches clearance between the water pump pulley and my current radiator ( full 4-row heavy duty). Oh Yeah, and that is without cooling fans
I was hoping to find a unit radiator and fans to occupy roughly the same space with the cooling fans included.

BTW my truck is a 79 Scottsdale stepper with 502 RamJet and a Vintage Air accessory drive system.

Thank you again for your attention.

Tony

tucsonjwt · 02-02-2018, 07:41 PM

It sounds like you have a lot of money invested in your high horsepower setup, so I can see why you would want a high cooling capacity radiator. If you just want to keep the engine cool then I would think a stock Spectra radiator would get the job done. You could always swap it out for a better one if it did not work. I am not sure if that Ram Jet requires a minimum temperature to operate properly like modern engines.

zero6-dc · 02-03-2018, 04:20 PM

hello and thank you for your response, I have had this engine since early 2000. I am not aware of any max/min. temperature requirement as yet. That might change as I get deeper into the fine tuning. Until recently the engine has operated on the crate included ecm.
This may all end up as overkill as I feel my way around the Holley HP efi. I am way over my head as I fit the new bits together and begin the tuning phase.

I will check with some of the vendors I see here and see if I can find something that fits.

Thank you again for your attention.

Tony

01-12-2018, 10:33 AM	#1
PowerdbyChevy79 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Houston,Tx Posts: 738	aluminum radiators... whats up guys.. wanted to see what aluminum radiators yall are using.. I have been using Champion for awhile.. had no issues.. just was thinking of going another route.. __________________ 1966 C10 "Mary" 1972 C10 Cheyenne "Betty" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=847364 1976 C35 Sierra Grande "Mr. Harvey" 1979 C10 Silverado "The BIG TEN" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=841339 1982 C10 Silverado "Lucy" C10 Club Texas -HMIC

01-12-2018, 12:29 PM	#2
HunterRotten Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Kentucky Posts: 385	Re: aluminum radiators... I can't say much as I haven't used mine yet but I have a mishimoto aluminum radiator for a big block truck. It has a lifetime warranty, even if I'm in an accident I believe. If it breaks once I'm already ahead of everyone else buying another radiator. $320 or so I believe on summit. __________________ 1978 Hawaiian Blue GMC 454/Tremec TKO 500 BUILD THREAD

01-12-2018, 12:51 PM	#3
Southcity Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,174	Re: aluminum radiators... Vehicle had a Griffin in it when purchased 4 years ago, running a 454 and it has worked flawlessly so far. If Champion has worked for you all this time and you're happy with them why change? __________________ 66 GMC Suburban Custom 66 Chevy K10 Suburban

01-12-2018, 03:00 PM	#4
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,423	Re: aluminum radiators... I'm running an OE-replacement Murray aluminum rad in my 82 C10 with a 350. It works great in hot Texas summers, cost around $130, and has a lifetime warranty from O'Reilly Auto Parts. They make 3 sizes for our trucks, and mine is the smallest. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

01-12-2018, 03:29 PM	#5
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,692	Re: aluminum radiators... Good luck getting that aluminum radiator repaired in town when you need it on a road trip or something. $150 lifetime warranty 4core from autozone will cool anything you got, has the warranty when you have the time to use it and can be repaired anywhere when you dont.... __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

01-13-2018, 10:04 PM	#8
Puke160 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Paola, ks Posts: 42	Re: aluminum radiators... I'm running a Be Cool in my 79 k25. It cools the 427 tall deck in it great even with a 15,000 pound goose neck behide the truck. Even on 100 degree days. They are expensive though, I gave 700 for mine through Summit. But it was the only radiator I could find with tanks large enough for the larger inlet and outlet to be welded in. __________________ 1949 Chevy C3100 1979 GMC K25 1982 Chevy C20 2000 Chevy K2500 2002 Pontiac Trans Am

01-13-2018, 10:41 PM	#9
obijuan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: cibolo tx Posts: 1,033	Re: aluminum radiators... I've got the be cool direct fit cooling my big block. Exceptional performance. __________________ 1985 k5 396/nv4500/203/205 d60/d70 4.56 42 sx2 1991 V3500 350/4l80/205 60/14 4.10 35 toyos.

01-20-2018, 01:00 PM	#10
SparkyRnD Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: acworth georgia Posts: 885	Re: aluminum radiators... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=617025 We make bolt-in custom / conversion radiators for your application, right here in the USA using domestically sourced materials. Each radiator is built by hand and we use dual 1" thick cores, for a total core thickness of 2" (same overall thickness as a brass & copper 4-core). We NEVER charge extra for engine swap port locations, steam ports or built-in transmission coolers. We are a Gold Vendor and support this forum, and offer a forum-member discount ($25 off a radiator / $20 off fan & shroud package). Retail price is $470, and members of this forum get a discounted price of $450. Hit me up with any questions or for a quote. __________________ www.RnDFabrication.com Custom Radiators, Valve Covers and Overflow Tanks

01-23-2018, 02:51 PM	#12
stacey_65 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland,Ga Posts: 42	Re: aluminum radiators... I have an Autorad radiator made for my c10. With a custom fan shroud set up with dual fans. Love it.

01-23-2018, 03:12 PM	#13
zero6-dc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: lewes de Posts: 12	Re: aluminum radiators... I'd like to see some pictures of the radiator, cooling fan(s) and shroud setup. I am trying to find a suitable aluminum unit in either a 2 or 3 row configuration. Thanks

01-23-2018, 05:59 PM	#14
Cadillac Kid Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 72	Re: aluminum radiators... I got my aluminum radiator from speedcooling.com Very pleased. It was reasonbly priced, and it fit with no modifications. __________________ Keep on truckin'

01-23-2018, 06:58 PM	#15
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,681	Re: aluminum radiators... Anyone using these Cold Case radiators? http://coldcaseradiators.com/chevy/gmc-truck/ They even sell an LS version,... Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

01-26-2018, 10:45 PM	#17
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,188	Re: aluminum radiators... I have a Spectra plastic/aluminum radiator from Autozone. Works fine in my 454 C20 in HotZona 100+ degree heat. Got it with 20% off and free delivery to my door for about $100. I think unless you have a high horsepower engine the regular Spectra is fine. I think it is a 3 row direct fit but the radiator is fairly thick in my estimation. My previous copper/brass radiators would not hold up in the heat. I am a plastic/aluminum fan now.

01-29-2018, 05:27 PM	#18
stacey_65 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland,Ga Posts: 42	Re: aluminum radiators... Here is my radiator from autorad the day i picked it up. Great quality thicker aluminum than most I have seen. This radiator was surprisingly heavy. So I know it is made right. Fully tig welded all the way around NO epoxy at all. With a custom fan and shroud with maridyne fans. rated at 800hp. It has two one inch cores. Attached Images

01-30-2018, 09:53 PM	#19
zero6-dc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: lewes de Posts: 12	Re: aluminum radiators... I appreciate the responses to my questions, regarding the overall thickness or depth of the radiator and fan assembly, I believe I saw a reference in one of the posts about the coils being about 1" thickness and that two together would be about the thickness of a full copper/brass radiator. Is that accurate? My issue is that I have only 5 inches clearance between the water pump pulley and my current radiator ( full 4-row heavy duty). Oh Yeah, and that is without cooling fans I was hoping to find a unit radiator and fans to occupy roughly the same space with the cooling fans included. BTW my truck is a 79 Scottsdale stepper with 502 RamJet and a Vintage Air accessory drive system. Thank you again for your attention. Tony



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02-02-2018, 07:41 PM	#20
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,188	Re: aluminum radiators... It sounds like you have a lot of money invested in your high horsepower setup, so I can see why you would want a high cooling capacity radiator. If you just want to keep the engine cool then I would think a stock Spectra radiator would get the job done. You could always swap it out for a better one if it did not work. I am not sure if that Ram Jet requires a minimum temperature to operate properly like modern engines.

02-03-2018, 04:20 PM	#21
zero6-dc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: lewes de Posts: 12	Re: aluminum radiators... hello and thank you for your response, I have had this engine since early 2000. I am not aware of any max/min. temperature requirement as yet. That might change as I get deeper into the fine tuning. Until recently the engine has operated on the crate included ecm. This may all end up as overkill as I feel my way around the Holley HP efi. I am way over my head as I fit the new bits together and begin the tuning phase. I will check with some of the vendors I see here and see if I can find something that fits. Thank you again for your attention. Tony

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