I am at the stage where a radiator will be one of my upcoming purchases. The made to fit models I saw in Summit & Jegs seemed a little pricey, What about the universal ones?
Has anyone installed one? What size will fit?
I will be running a 383, 5-Speed, and eventually install a vintage air system.

Or I am also open to any suggestions as well.

Thanks!

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Kevin

68 Camaro SS - In Resto

universal cross flow with a 4 core should give you a margin of safety on cooling.

I actually am planning on a new generic fit radiator soon as well. I just went out and measured my original radiator and came up with 19'' x about 26.5''. This is my base model V8 car, 1968.
www.geocities.com/boodlefoof (http://www.geocities.com/boodlefoof)

Thanks Guys!! Just the info I was looking for. When I bought the camaro the radiator was missing among other things

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Kevin

68 Camaro SS - In Resto

Remember that most of the universal ones (Be Cool for example) aren't the same core thickness as their direct fit; in other words, even though the core is the same size, say 19X26, that doesn't mean it's the same radiator. The universals are usually one row of either 1" or 1.25" core, versus two rows of 1.25-1.5" rows.

I'd call the manufacturer first to make sure that particular radiator has the capacity to cool your engine. I've got an aluminum Griffen universal radiator in the corner of my shop for this very reason.

The above relates to aluminum rads only, I think that's what you're talking about.

I was over at Team Chevelle peeking in and they were talking about the new plastic tank truck aluminum radiators that might fit b/c they are alot cheaper then the aftermarket ones. You might check over there.

I'm probably going to have to get a bigger rad. and want to go aluminum b/c of the weight savings due to the added poundage of my BB.
pdq67

NPD sells original style and fit, American made, radiators for around $200. They also offer "sure fit" aluminum one's too.

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69 Camaro Z28 "clone" - 327 AT
"461" camel back heads,
edelbrock, hooker, ultradyne,
TRW etc.
700R4 TPI transmission

Camcojb, I am glad you brought that to my attention, I was looking at the Griffen 19X26 actually, and the specs say it is 2 rows of 1". Is that the model you tried? I will call them as well to verify application.

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Kevin

68 Camaro SS - In Resto

What happened was that I thought they rated theirs like everyone else; 19X26" equals the size of the core, not including tanks. Their 19X26 is INCLUDING the tanks; the core is about 21" long with 5" for the side tanks.

This ended up giving me a radiator that they rate up to 400 h.p. or so which wouldn't keep my big block cool. The Be Cool direct fit is a larger core plus it's two rows are 1.25" thick versus 1".

Please call them with your part number first and get their opinion whether it'll keep your car cool.

Jody

Be Cool advertizes that their generic fit unit will drop your temperature 20 degrees over your old copper/brass unit. Summit also sells a generic fit now that is two rows of 1''. At least, I think so.

I had to put a radiatior in my 69z28 this summer and after pricing around everywhere I went to a local radiator shop and got the best deal of all. They were 50 bucks cheaper than anyone else and its a good radiator. Might be worth a try good luck.