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Alternatives to Griffin radiators?

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Old Feb 20, 2020 | 12:16 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by G Atsma
Sounds like Griffin has serious quality issues. Has that been for very long?
We won't speculate on the time frame. We just wanted to let the community know we're aware, and we're currently working with Griffin.
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Old Feb 20, 2020 | 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Summitracing
We won't speculate on the time frame. We just wanted to let the community know we're aware, and we're currently working with Griffin.
this worries me. I bought one through you guys for my 68 camaro but I wont have it running for a few months....I hope I dont have problems
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Old Feb 20, 2020 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Bspeck82
this worries me. I bought one through you guys for my 68 camaro but I wont have it running for a few months....I hope I dont have problems
No sweat. It isn't every single radiator. Just something that happens from time to time. LS1 TJ mentioned using a number of Griffin rads without issue. If you end up having a leaking issue with your Griffin let us know. They have a two year warranty that we honor.
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Old Feb 20, 2020 | 01:51 PM
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Just some positive feedback for Griffin, I run their drag race rad that I ordered from Summit and the little thing is a beast and cools well above what its "rated" for by almost double.

Also used Afco and even off brands in the past without issue as well. Always a fluke out there, you always hear more about the bad then the good with any product.
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Old Feb 20, 2020 | 02:39 PM
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Thanks for the positive feedback on the Griffin's Slow Sedan. We agree that things happen from time to time no matter the brand.
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Old Feb 20, 2020 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Summitracing
Thanks for the positive feedback on the Griffin's Slow Sedan. We agree that things happen from time to time no matter the brand.
any feedback with cold case positive or negative? Just bought one of them from you guys but haven't installed it yet.
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Old Feb 21, 2020 | 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Bspeck82
any feedback with cold case positive or negative? Just bought one of them from you guys but haven't installed it yet.
In general, we have positive feedback from our customers on Cold Case radiators. Most comment on good build quality and finish of the radiator. There are some negative reviews. Those are due to fitment which happens at times with aftermarket aluminum radiators.
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Old Feb 21, 2020 | 01:40 PM
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Be Cool is on mine, 700 hp rated.. 14 years old now but it was $1100 back then. No issues, runs at 165 degrees cruising.
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Old Feb 21, 2020 | 04:37 PM
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I'm running an LS Swap Cold Case radiator in my 70 El Camino. No problems.

Rick
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Old Feb 21, 2020 | 08:31 PM
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As I said above I've run a number (6-7) Griffin radiators on LS swaps without issues. I typically build a car or truck and run it for 2-3 years and then sell it to fund another project so I can't say if Griffins will last 10 years. My LS6 swapped 98 Wrangler is 12 years old with a Novak radiator and its still going strong. Don't know who supply's them to Novak. I know Novak doesn't build them.
Having said that I am careful how I mount them. I always use "universal" radiators mostly because I'm too cheap to buy the custom fit radiators. I build a lower mount that cradles the lower part of the radiator in two places near where the fins meet the tanks. I use the repo brackets and rubber insulators from a 67-72 Chev C10. I mod them as needed. With two rubber insulated mounts upper and lower it gives the radiator a bit of wriggle room as it heats up and expands. Welded mounts to the radiator end tanks and then some flex in the radiator support could cause a problem. I'm by far no expert but just saying was has worked well for me.
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Old Feb 22, 2020 | 11:24 PM
  #31  
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I went with a DeWitt's in my LS Swap. Zero issues. Quality product.
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Old Feb 28, 2020 | 01:26 PM
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Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the input.
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 08:02 PM
  #33  
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Was a common problem even when I got.mine in 2012 or so forget exactly. Have had good luck with it.
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 07:31 AM
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Haven't used a Griffin for several yrs. Are they still using epoxy to seal the core to the tanks?
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Old Geezer
Haven't used a Griffin for several yrs. Are they still using epoxy to seal the core to the tanks?
As far as I know, yes.
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 01:06 PM
  #36  
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Summit took care of everything, made sure I had a shipping label to return, and one of their representatives even reached out to me here to make sure everything went as it should.

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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 02:59 PM
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Check out Auto City Classics. Their site is a little dated, but I picked one of these up at Spring Carlisle a few years ago and once I saw them in person I was very impressed. They are very affordable too.
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 07:19 PM
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Thanks, but I've already installed the replacement. I went with a factory radiator and fan assembly from an LT1 equipped Z28/Trans Am from the mid 90's.
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Old Mar 26, 2020 | 07:37 PM
  #39  
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I have Champion with Spal fans on 3 of my cars, never had an issue.
The one in my Cutlass has in the car for 10-11 years.
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Old Mar 27, 2020 | 11:07 AM
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I love the Howe 15.5x27.5 radiator in my LS7 swapped RX-7. Add a 16" Ford Taurus 4000cfm fan and zero cooling issues EVER.
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