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Radiator in a 80's gbody

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Old Feb 5, 2012 | 09:57 PM
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Default 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.
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 10:39 AM
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I would like to see what other are doing as well.
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 10:41 AM
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I used the stock 305 brass/copper radiator for a while on my swap. When it started leaking I went to an autozone replacement aluminum with plastic tanks radiator.
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 10:57 AM
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f-body vette or express van plastic aluminum
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 11:02 AM
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How well do they fit? Any pics of anyone using a fbody or vette radiator?
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Old Feb 6, 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.
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 01cherryreds10
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.
Do you have any pics?

Thanks...
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by RenoReno2
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.
If the motor is going to be stock, or close to it, just get a stock replacement. It will cool just fine. The inlet and outlet will be on different sides, but it will cool fine and be a lot cheaper than a dual pass.
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Old Feb 6, 2012 | 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by pmgm
Do you have any pics?

Thanks...
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.
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Old Feb 6, 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.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 12:25 AM
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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
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 10:59 AM
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Thumbs up 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.
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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 11:08 AM
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LT1 F-body Radiator..custom shroud to hold it inplace and the Fans on the back.



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Old Feb 8, 2012 | 09:03 AM
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Appreciate all the responses, this is a great help
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Old Feb 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?
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Old Feb 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.
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Old Feb 10, 2012 | 10:47 PM
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Link to Amazon, can pm
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Old Feb 11, 2012 | 08:25 AM
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Only one left on Amazon btw
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Old Jul 1, 2012 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 01cherryreds10
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.
does the stock hood close with that monster?
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