Stock radiator I just paid $188 total for -
(including tanks)
18.5" tall
26.5" wide
single core, 1" aluminum.
I'm thinking of returning it, and ordering this instead -
Griffen GRI-1-25222-X from SummitRacing.com
(overall size)
19" tall
26" wide
3" thick, dual 1" tubes.
$190
The problem I'm seeing (besides building brackets to mount it) is NOT the fact that the inlet size is 1 1/2" (which is really close to stock, I think I can stretch the hose a bit to fit) but the outlet is 1 3/4". This stock radiator seems to have a 1 3/8" inlet, and 1 1/2" outlet. Not sure if I can stretch the lower hose - the real problem lies in the fact that the inlets and outlets are in different locations.
Now, the upper hose from Autozone is just a 90 degree hose, that you have to cut anyway - the location of the upper inlet seems to be about the same - just shifted down about 6". I don't recall how much I took off the hose, but I'll check into that - I think it was about 6-8"
The lower hose, however, I'm a little more worried about. I'm thinking of finding a 45" aluminum bend (or stainless steel, if I can't find aluminum) 1 3/4", and cutting/modifying the stock hose to fit.
I used to have this exact same radiator for my '77 Firebird, and I remember the lower outlet is angled.
I'm trying to get some feedback from anyone that's done this before, or has heard anything about it. It seems I lose the fan shroud in the process - will the extra cooling capacity offered by the better radiator, offset the lesser airflow without the shroud?
There is also the benefit that this forces me to an external transmission cooler - that is that much less heat load going into the cooling system
for a total price difference of about $50 vs a stock replacement.
(including tanks)
18.5" tall
26.5" wide
single core, 1" aluminum.
I'm thinking of returning it, and ordering this instead -
Griffen GRI-1-25222-X from SummitRacing.com
(overall size)
19" tall
26" wide
3" thick, dual 1" tubes.
$190
The problem I'm seeing (besides building brackets to mount it) is NOT the fact that the inlet size is 1 1/2" (which is really close to stock, I think I can stretch the hose a bit to fit) but the outlet is 1 3/4". This stock radiator seems to have a 1 3/8" inlet, and 1 1/2" outlet. Not sure if I can stretch the lower hose - the real problem lies in the fact that the inlets and outlets are in different locations.
Now, the upper hose from Autozone is just a 90 degree hose, that you have to cut anyway - the location of the upper inlet seems to be about the same - just shifted down about 6". I don't recall how much I took off the hose, but I'll check into that - I think it was about 6-8"
The lower hose, however, I'm a little more worried about. I'm thinking of finding a 45" aluminum bend (or stainless steel, if I can't find aluminum) 1 3/4", and cutting/modifying the stock hose to fit.
I used to have this exact same radiator for my '77 Firebird, and I remember the lower outlet is angled.
I'm trying to get some feedback from anyone that's done this before, or has heard anything about it. It seems I lose the fan shroud in the process - will the extra cooling capacity offered by the better radiator, offset the lesser airflow without the shroud?
There is also the benefit that this forces me to an external transmission cooler - that is that much less heat load going into the cooling system
for a total price difference of about $50 vs a stock replacement.
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