Radiator Choice

[1965zac]

What type of radiator is best? I would like one that fits right in the truck with little modifications/fabrications because I'm not talented in that area. Champion Radiators has radiators for very cheap but would like to know if they are trustworthy and do they really cool up to 400 hp? Or should I just spend the extra money and get the Be Cool radiator?

[Rich 5150 69]

350/350/3.73 gears ina `64 Champion cools fine 3 row. its your call,,

[tazattitude]

I also went with the Champion 3 row.
Keeps it cool.
I did away with the upper stock mount though.

[1963c-10]

Make that 3..champion

[badriand]

4 for champion, works great. No upper also.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I have a champion going in my truck running a big block but have not put it together yet.

[Clyde65]

I have a champion on my ls swap, I run it in 100+ temps with a/c and it stays around 185-195 all day.
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[1965zac]

Just ordered myself a Champion!! Thanks for the help you guys!!!

[TR65]

I have a champion in my 65. It has developed a leak around a tube in the top header after about 10,000 miles. Cools great (400 hp LS2). Really don't need the fans except for the AC and long idles in hot weather.

So I just bought a Griffin made for our trucks (600 hp version with inlet and outlet sized for the LS motor) About double the Champion price but seems to be very well made. Also Griffin makes all the parts of their radiators including the tubes and fins. Their plant is a few minutes from where I work and they showed me around when I picked the radiator up.

TR

[Torqueforce]

I love my champion in my '65. Keeps her at 200 degrees all day even in the roughest texas heat (100+). I think the hottest its ever gotten has been about 230 in rush hour but she cooled off quick. Install only required some wiggling and bending some metal.

[CRGRS 66]

One nay sayer, sorry, that is me. Two issues for me. I ordered a champion rad, and was disappointed to find that it was made in china for one. My other issue was that the tanks were too wide, top and bottom, would not fit in the mounting cradles without modification of the brackets. I returned the rad, at their expense, it was listed as "the" rad for my vehicle, but would not go in without modifications. I guess if I knew I had to make mods, I would have at least had the opportunity to decide if that was what I wanted to do or not.

In the end I went to a local, reputable rad shop where guys like me worked! Nothing against the Chinese, but I am happy that my dollars went to a local business, instead of to china. It did cost more ($200 more), but now that it is done and in, I am very happy that I still have the original rad in my truck.

Here is mine, excuse the dirty shroud. Oh, that was another thing the width was off too, it was prob 3" narrower, and it had to go off to one side for the lower inlet to clear the lower mounting cradle.

I suspect you can have a core with more than standard passes put in between your tanks, my core is only about 1-1/2" deep. Even in the hot weather we have had the temp runs were it should (factory gauge, can't give you an actual temp.

[McCoyAZ]

I don't know what you guys paid for a radiator but I bought one from Performance Radiator down in Phoenix for $200 and tax

Made to fit our trucks and guaranteed to keep em cool.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

I don't know what you guys paid for a radiator but I bought one from Performance Radiator down in Phoenix for $200 and tax

Made to fit our trucks and guaranteed to keep em cool.

Did you put a picture up of your setup in another thread? If not, could you?

[McCoyAZ]

I just have to pick up the rest of the parts and put it together will try to do that this weekend

the truck is still a long way from done

pieces laying all over

but yes I will do that

[1965zac]

I got my radiator in today! Excited to get it put in! Does anybody know if champion can make a radiator for a 36 Chevy?
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[McCoyAZ]

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?M...%2520Year=1936

[Rich 5150 69]

http://www.championradiators.com/page/400601622

Use their dimensions and check against your original if you have one, or your grille shell you might have to fab up new brackets.

[1965zac]

Thanks for the help guys! For the ones that used a upper bracket on the top of the radiator did you make it or does somebody sell it? if you made it how did you do it?

[McCoyAZ]

IF you buy a stock radiator there is a bracket for sale in the 60's truck parts for sale section.

Just sayin.

but you will also need the lower mounts as well.