Champion 4 core radiator

[low1954]

I have purchased a champion 4 core radiator for my 1972 Chevy k20, and the stock upper radiator mounts don't seem to be fitting correctly. The truck had a 4 core radiator originally. Does anyone know if the upper or lower mounts need to be modified. This is the radiator that is called out for this truck, so just a little puzzled. Any and all help would be awesome. Pictures are also appreciated

[PatrickGMC70]

I hope you get an answer to your question because I'm in almost the same situation.
I'm looking to replace my factory 4-row with either a 3 or 4 row Champion. But I want to make sure it'll fit in my factory mounts without having to build something.

[clay68c10]

The tanks aren't quite the same shape or dimension, so you will have to come up with something. Maybe the 3-row holders can do it.

[72_swb]

Mine didn't fit also. Height was about 3/4" to tall for the factory hold downs. I just bent some plate steel.

[PatrickGMC70]

Originally Posted by 72_swb

Mine didn't fit also. Height was about 3/4" to tall for the factory hold downs. I just bent some plate steel.

Were you replacing a factory 4-row radiator (with the larger mounts)?

Which replacement radiator were you installing? 4-row? (MC369)

Thanks for any info you can provide. I plan to call them tomorrow, but it would be nice to have some real-world data.

[Boog]

The upper and lower rad mounts are different between the 2 - 3 row rads and 4 row rads. You can buy the wider mounts and cushions easy enough. I found even with the correct mounts and cushions mine seemed to sit up too high so I cut the top and bottom cushions thickness in half to lower it just over 1/2" and it fits nice now.

[leddzepp]

I used the 3 core Champion radiator, it fits very well. Look up the dimensions of all the different core sizes offered, they all vary slightly vary, I believe someone said the 2 core fits "perfectly"

[DaHos]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693969

[PatrickGMC70]

I already have the larger 4-row mounts.

LeddZepp- do you have any cooling problems with the 3-row? If I don't need to stick with a 4-row, I'm ok with a 3 row if it'll get the job done. I was only looking at a 4 row because that's what the truck came with. (It's a factory AC; MT).

Low1954: sorry to ask these questions in your thread. I'm hopeful there's someone who got the 4 row to fit, but it seems like the verdict so far is fabing up new mounting brackets is required for the "direct fit" 4 row.

[elf w/capital T]

Heavy duty mounts or just fab ones up like a few of us did.... good luck, my 4core champ hasent failed me yet, minus it missing shroud mounting points, i already had it in and on a running truck, didnt wanna take out to give a shop the chance to alumin weld ones on, maybe one day but hey, this truck is all a learning process

[leddzepp]

I have no cooling problems with the three row. I had to add a couple pieces of rubber to the mounts to make them "snug"

[Andy4639]

I have bought 2 of the 3 row radiators and haven't had one problem with either one.
The first went in the 71 but I used a custom bent metal piece for the upper hold downs.




The second one I put in the Ramp Rat and used the factory upper mounts. They are not perfect by any means but it holds it fine.

[PatrickGMC70]

I called Champion yesterday. I was on a quick break at work, so I didn't have a lot of time to get deep in the weeds. They recommended the 3-row to replace my factory 4-row, and advised that the 4 row would likely take up more space than the factory unit. The 3 row should fit with my factory 4 row mounts. They also said that for my application, the 4 row would be less efficient than the 3 row because of the added air resistance of the extra row while using the factory fan.

I ordered it last night. I'll update if there are any fitment/cooling issues.

Thanks to everyone for the help.

[Andy4639]

Both of mine are the 3 row and haven't had any problems at all keeping them cool. My truck has a 180* thermostat and it will run at 179* all day long. The aluminum radiator it self is good for a few * cooler running I would think. Mine has never gotten over 200 and that was with AC going and driving in the mts on some long up hill grades in over drive and outside was 90*.

[1968aj]

I am about to order a champion radiator for my 69. there is apackage deal on ebay for $374. it is a 2 row with fans and shroud with wiring harness.i hope the 2 row will cool my 350 with automatic.

[onebigjohn]

Originally Posted by 1968aj

I am about to order a champion radiator for my 69. there is apackage deal on ebay for $374. it is a 2 row with fans and shroud with wiring harness.i hope the 2 row will cool my 350 with automatic.

Why not use this one and not worry?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-85-Chev...xUb8Bd&vxp=mtr

[davepl]

I don't know if mine is a Champion, it's whatever LMC sells as their "house" brand. My truck was an AC big-block so likely already a 4-core.

The mounts still needed some love and hate to work. I don't remember exactly what I did except fight with them 2 years ago... but I did make it work eventually.