1972 radiator replacement

[Nestevec]

When I bought my 72 K5 it already had a Griffin radiator in it. I had never really heard anything positive about the Griffin radiators to begin with. Well, what started as a slow leak is now a constant drip. I’ve got a DeWitts radiator in my 70 Chevelle and love it. Just wondering if anyone has used them in their K5 or what is a good replacement. Thanks, Steve

[cleszkie]

Many aftermarket aluminum radiators are not fully welded. That is to say that the tanks are expoxied to the core and not welded. These units have the highest rate of failure in my experience. Then there are all the fully welded aluminum units that do not fit correctly in the stock cradles, despite being advertised as direct bolt-ins. The poor fit causes stress and movement that eventually fatigues and cracks the aluminum at some weak point.

With that said, I have had very good fit, performance, and longevity from my two-row, cross-flow, fully welded aluminum radiator from BeCool. It was a bit more expensive than many others out there, but it has served me well.

[notsolo]

I bought a 4 core replacement from Orielly's. Close to original, filler cap is set different....Otherwise good quality and decent price.

[Blazerowner]

I have a Dewitt’s but haven’t ran it. Fits in the stock spot for me. They also sell their own rubber cushions for it.

[Ewr101]

I got the MC369 from Jeg's. Fit perfect and has been working great for a few years now. Texas summers are no joke and this thing never bats an eye.

[BIG BLOCK JIMMY]

This was one of the first things I replaced as soon as I got my Jimmy... and before I knew about this forum:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-384001
I would not recommend!
It seems to be good quality except the petcock drips a few times a day and I can't make it stop. As far as fitting goes, the lower radiator hose fitting is straight instead of angled up and the radiator sits about 1" off center. I really wish I sent it back, but I was too impatient.
I'm going to have some radiator mounts made that will be adjustable to center this one and any future radiators.
Unrelated, but I added a clear coolant filter so the new radiator wouldn't get all the crap in it from what was in the block. Very happy I did too! I also added a remote trans filter until I put the new transmission in.

[scott123]

Agree on the Griffin.

We used them in our dirt race cars for years and I never saw one fail unless it was from a collision.

I put one in my truck as a direct fit and in time the epoxied edges gave up and had a leak. I re-epoxied in an attempt to save the radiator but it was to no avail.

I found a stock type and had it re-built. So far so good.

S

[cleszkie]

Originally Posted by BIG BLOCK JIMMY

It seems to be good quality except the petcock drips a few times a day and I can't make it stop.

Replacement radiator petcocks are available at just about any auto parts store. They are threaded into the radiator, not welded in.

[BIG BLOCK JIMMY]

Yes Sir... it was a new radiator and I didn't think I needed to test the petcock. Of course after filling with all kinds of fancy fluids I wished that I did. It doesn't drip that much, just enough to be annoying. I'm going to flush everything soon to clean up the last nasties from the old radiator and I will fix it then.

[Mike C]

I have a Griffin in mhy '69 Camaro. It is the two tube 1.25" HD cooling version. I paid $249 and welded my own brackets on it back when direct fits were $700 without the Chinese option. It has been great.

I bought a Dewitts for my big block conversion in my '64 'vette. It is absolutely awesome. But it was the second most expensive part I've ever bought at $1200. Can buy a LOT of Chinese radiators for that kind of money...