Best Current Radiator Options?

[Erik]

I know there are a lot of options discussed around here, but availability seems to come and go. I don't need dramatically more cooling then stock, but I do not want some cheapie, made in China unit either.

So what do you guys recommend that is currently available?

[tf95ZR1]

Why are you looking at another radiator?
Most times any cooling problems are remedied
by cleaning out and around the radiator.
You will be amazed at all the crap you collect
from a "bottom feeder". Plastic bags, critters,
Supras...

If it's leaking that's another matter. Plastic
side tanks attached to a metal core never
made any sense to me. That being said,
many just get another NOS radiator.

One issue if you are doing the switch yourself
is "drop in" vrs "some adjustment necessary."
Be careful of the claims.

I placed a DeWitt's 3 row. Did require some
work trimming the shroud. Looks cool (pun)
works well. Worth the $$? Up to you. You
still have to remove and clean as necessary.

[dredgeguy]

I second the DeWitt's 3 row. Several of us in Wazoo land have gone this route and are happy we did.

[Erik]

You nailed it on the plastic side tanks. Those will start leaking. Pretty well a matter of when rather then if. And if they do, it will always be far from home and at a really inconvenient time. I'd rather do it on my schedule, and if I'm gonna be yanking out the radiator anyway, I might as well drop a nice new one into it.

I don't have an issue going with a stock replacement. It doesn't get that hot out here that often. Nor am I going for an insane horsepower build. I am planning a top speed run though for 2021, so I want it to all hold together well for that.

[Erik]

I second the DeWitt's 3 row. Several of us in Wazoo land have gone this route and are happy we did.

Thank you sir!

[Young1]

Installing a Dewitt single row right now. Beautiful piece. I went single because not planning to up HP or mod. But the extra capacity over stock of the single should allow me to run AC when running hard in mountains. It?s an absolute beautiful piece of workmanship too bad it?s all covered with a shroud.

[Erik]

Installing a Dewitt single row right now. Beautiful piece. I went single because not planning to up HP or mod. But the extra capacity over stock of the single should allow me to run AC when running hard in mountains. It?s an absolute beautiful piece of workmanship too bad it?s all covered with a shroud.

Hey Steve.
Did you run a stick one in the red 91? This one is going in blue? Any differences worth mentioning? Other then price, of course.

[Karl]

I have the Dewitt's single row with a underdrive & lightweight water pump pulley.

Car never runs hot.

I am very satisfied with the radiator.

Currently I run approximately 70% distilled water and 30% green antifreeze. Good to 0*

If I were in a warmer climate I would run 80/20 ratio.

[Jagdpanzer]

Can't go wrong with either Ron Davis or Dewitt.
I'm running a Ron Davis Desert in front of a 427 Stroker. Never had an overheating episode yet.

[Young1]

Hey Erik. I put a new plastic tank stock style in red. Only the best for blue. Putting on a new set of hoses from Heibeck also. The 30 year old ones were a bear. I cut them all off. They were nearly bonded to the metal.

[Erik]

Hey Erik. I put a new plastic tank stock style in red. Only the best for blue. Putting on a new set of hoses from Heibeck also. The 30 year old ones were a bear. I cut them all off. They were nearly bonded to the metal.

You raise some good issues. The single core rad is already better then stock. While I can see doing some mods, I can't see getting over 450 hp, which the stock one could already handle. So the dual core is likely overkill.

And yes, I already ordered a new set of hoses from Marc. And his thermostat. Great guy!

As an aside, when I discussed the plastic tanks with Mr Haibeck, he said the failure of the plastic tanks is caused more by mileage then age. The vibrations and constant flexing is what leads to the failure, not the plastic aging. He says he sees it on high mileage cars. Good stuff to know!

[Young1]

On red the tank plastic ribs were cracked. On blue the tanks are definitely bulged. A radiator failure on a road trip would be a nightmare.

[Erik]

On red the tank plastic ribs were cracked. On blue the tanks are definitely bulged. A radiator failure on a road trip would be a nightmare.

Yeah, that would indeed be a very bad thing. I think any 30 year old car can benefit from having a fully up to date and 100% functional cooling system. I would have definitely only considered the two row because.... it's better. But I can drop the difference elsewhere!

[Erik]

Looks like DeWitt is MIA for a while. Seems no availability until October/November.

[Erik]

Can't go wrong with either Ron Davis or Dewitt.
I'm running a Ron Davis Desert in front of a 427 Stroker. Never had an overheating episode yet.

How bad was the install, Phil? I heard the Ron Davis requires more custom work to fit.

[Dynomite]

How bad was the install, Phil? I heard the Ron Davis requires more custom work to fit.

d. For the Ron Davis radiator the fan shroud inside baffles have to be cut back 5/8 inch so there is not contact with the fins of the radiator. Use a small cut off grinder for that task.

Post 8 - LT5 Radiator and Initial Coolant Fill Tricks (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp.html#post1580070559)

[Erik]

Post 8 - LT5 Radiator and Initial Coolant Fill Tricks (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp.html#post1580070559)

You, sir, are incredible!

[Erik]

BTW, has anyone come up with a mod to show off their pretty, hand made, radiators? :)

[Wigert]

Anyone have the part number of the Dewitts radiator? I need to replace my original.

Sent from my EVR-L29 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Anyone have the part number of the Dewitts radiator? I need to replace my original.

Sent from my EVR-L29 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)


Model: 32-1139090M (Manual)

I don?t recommend the single row.


https://www.dewitts.com/collections/corvette-aluminum-radiators/products/1990-1996-aluminum-radiator



Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Wigert]

Model: 32-1139090M (Manual)

I don?t recommend the single row.


https://www.dewitts.com/collections/corvette-aluminum-radiators/products/1990-1996-aluminum-radiator



Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)Thanks for the quick reply! And with that one there is no need for any other modification except some trimming on the radiator supports?

Sent from my EVR-L29 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Thanks for the quick reply! And with that one there is no need for any other modification except some trimming on the radiator supports?

Sent from my EVR-L29 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)



You are very welcome. Yes, no mod but to trim the rubber cushion under the support housing. It is only because the radiator is two rows wide. You cannot see the trimming.

If you are a veteran be sure to ask for the discount. Maybe for other first responders too.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0164/0230/files/A90_Instructions.pdf?836833825309578185


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Paul Workman]

Why are you looking at another radiator?
Most times any cooling problems are remedied
by cleaning out and around the radiator.
You will be amazed at all the crap you collect
from a "bottom feeder". Plastic bags, critters,
Supras...



Totally agree. I got my NOS radiator from Pete who was swapping the stock radiator (which I now have in my Z) for an upgraded one for someone's Z. And, before installing the used stock one, I pressure washed (back flushed) it first. I kid you not, there must have been a quart container worth of sand and vegetation debris that came out of that thing! I've never had a heating issue with it since - even in stop and go traffic on 90+ degree days.

[sleazy rider]

the po on my z put either a 2 row or 3 row, i have not looked to verify which one, griffen radiator in mine. the shroud had to be trimmed for it to fit properly but it is effective in handling the temp here in houston, tx.

[Wigert]

Mine broke so that is why I am replacing it. But thanks for the input!

Sent from my EVR-L29 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[bowtiguy]

Placed an order with Ron Davis 7/1. Ten week lead time when ordered, expecting it any day. Car will get new silicone hoses along with a completely new R134a system while I'm in there. Probobly do a fan upgrade as well.

[bowtiguy]

Placed an order with Ron Davis 7/1. Ten week lead time when ordered, expecting it any day. Car will get new silicone hoses along with a completely new R134a system while I'm in there. Probobly do a fan upgrade as well.

Just a follow up, I got my Davis radiator 3rd week of October. Your lead time may very. prob best to call. Then again, you do have all winter.:thumbsup: