Radiator in a 80's gbody
02-05-2012, 09:57 PM
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Radiator in a 80's gbody Just curious what you guys have used in your builds? I've been eyeing the Champion 3core radiator on ebay but I'd like to see what you guys have been using. Only thing I dont like about the Champion is the locations of the inlet and outlet being on opposite sides as I'd rather have them on the passenger side.
02-06-2012, 11:30 AM
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I've got a northern auto parts 31x19 radiator I bought off of eBay. It's fits pretty snug a couple mods were needed and you'll need to make your own hold down. It has the same side outlet and inlet, with the lower pointed right at the thermostat. Much larger than the Champion rad that I have too.
02-06-2012, 05:27 PM
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I've got a northern auto parts 31x19 radiator I bought off of eBay. It's fits pretty snug a couple mods were needed and you'll need to make your own hold down. It has the same side outlet and inlet, with the lower pointed right at the thermostat. Much larger than the Champion rad that I have too.
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02-06-2012, 05:46 PM
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Just curious what you guys have used in your builds? I've been eyeing the Champion 3core radiator on ebay but I'd like to see what you guys have been using. Only thing I dont like about the Champion is the locations of the inlet and outlet being on opposite sides as I'd rather have them on the passenger side.
02-06-2012, 06:52 PM
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Now that I'm on a computer I can type a better response.
Here's an overhead shot, it pokes up above the core support a tad, the rad cap is probably .5"-1" from the hood itself.
Here's a picture of it before the fans went on, during the build process
You can see how much it sticks up in the top of this picture
The mods I had to do to get it to fit the way I wanted was to cut off the lips on the bottom of the radator on the finned portion. I also had to cut quite a bit of material off of the rubber radiator isolators that sit between the radiator and support. I drilled new holes in the support due to the radiator being wider than a factory one.
Here's mine
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALUMINUM...item588ad6d8ce
For what it's worth though, the Champion radiators are really nice pieces. I used the two core one all last year when I had the 350 in the car and it never failed.
Here's an overhead shot, it pokes up above the core support a tad, the rad cap is probably .5"-1" from the hood itself.
Here's a picture of it before the fans went on, during the build process
You can see how much it sticks up in the top of this picture
The mods I had to do to get it to fit the way I wanted was to cut off the lips on the bottom of the radator on the finned portion. I also had to cut quite a bit of material off of the rubber radiator isolators that sit between the radiator and support. I drilled new holes in the support due to the radiator being wider than a factory one.
Here's mine
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALUMINUM...item588ad6d8ce
For what it's worth though, the Champion radiators are really nice pieces. I used the two core one all last year when I had the 350 in the car and it never failed.
02-06-2012, 11:21 PM
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I used a firebird radiator and cooling fans from a 1989 trans am or camaro with a tuned port engine, if you use this you will need the top radiator cover{bracket} that goes with it and re drill the holes in it to match the g body core support. You also will have to plug a 3/4 inch nipple on the radiator that was used for the oil cooler i believe.
02-07-2012, 12:25 AM
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Reply I am getting ready to order one from PRC Hot Rods. Inlet & Outlet on the passenger side of the engine along with dual 16" fans and shroud. A little more money than EBay radiators but MADE IN AMERICA. Prodigy Customs also carry the same radiators along with good photos ,descriptions and prices. I believe Prodigy Customs is made by PRC Hot Rods. The 16" fans are made by Spal. PRC sells the radiator alone $462.50. I would rather spend a little more money and get a better made radiator made to the dimensions that I give them. Hope this helps. Rich
02-07-2012, 10:59 AM
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Prodigy custom radiator I also just ordered the Prodigy Customs radiator. There pretty priced but I also want quality rather than down the line something going wrong. They told me its going to be a 3 week wait for them but its what I've been liking for. Both inlet and outlet are on the passenger side which its perfect. Thanks TURBO BUICK for helping me find them.
02-10-2012, 01:36 PM
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did a little searching and ran across this one
http://www.griffinrad.com/buy_online...roducts_id=242
any feedback?
http://www.griffinrad.com/buy_online...roducts_id=242
any feedback?
02-10-2012, 08:49 PM
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I ended up finding it on amazon for a lot cheaper than other places and figured I couldn't go wrong with Griffin. I already have a trans cooler so this radiator not having it is no big deal.
07-01-2012, 09:57 PM
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Now that I'm on a computer I can type a better response.
Here's an overhead shot, it pokes up above the core support a tad, the rad cap is probably .5"-1" from the hood itself.
Here's a picture of it before the fans went on, during the build process
You can see how much it sticks up in the top of this picture
The mods I had to do to get it to fit the way I wanted was to cut off the lips on the bottom of the radator on the finned portion. I also had to cut quite a bit of material off of the rubber radiator isolators that sit between the radiator and support. I drilled new holes in the support due to the radiator being wider than a factory one.
Here's mine
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALUMINUM...item588ad6d8ce
For what it's worth though, the Champion radiators are really nice pieces. I used the two core one all last year when I had the 350 in the car and it never failed.
Here's an overhead shot, it pokes up above the core support a tad, the rad cap is probably .5"-1" from the hood itself.
Here's a picture of it before the fans went on, during the build process
You can see how much it sticks up in the top of this picture
The mods I had to do to get it to fit the way I wanted was to cut off the lips on the bottom of the radator on the finned portion. I also had to cut quite a bit of material off of the rubber radiator isolators that sit between the radiator and support. I drilled new holes in the support due to the radiator being wider than a factory one.
Here's mine
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ALUMINUM...item588ad6d8ce
For what it's worth though, the Champion radiators are really nice pieces. I used the two core one all last year when I had the 350 in the car and it never failed.
