Radiator - Champion or Champion American Eagle

[chappys4life]

Looking at putting a new radiator in my 70 gmc. I live in Texas and it is brutal on these old cars. I have already done a heavy duty fan clutch, flushed the cooling system, and new radiator hoses but I feel it still struggles at a drive thru or bank line.

Normally I go for a champion american eagle radiator with the 1" tubes as I was always told its better than a 4 core from them. I went to buy a american eagle but out of stock and wondering if I should consider a 4 core champion brand.

Curious if anyone has tried both and seen differences?

[LS short box]

Not apples to apples but I've used generic Afco alum radiators on my last few hot rod projects. Not bolt in but I fit the largest rad that will fit. Then trim the rad support opening for the most air flow thru the radiator.
Pic of my 68.

[weq92f]

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Where's your sender mounted? How accurate is the gauge reading you're referencing? Don't be afraid of 200* coolant.

In Texas heat, idling with A/C on my temp gauge can creep up to an indicated 225* F and will fluctuate between indicated 215* - 225* F as the fans cycle.

My gauge gets its reading near the head and my EFI gets its feed from the thermostat housing...the two are roughly 10 to 15 degrees apart...EFI being lower. Whether either sending unit/gauge combination is exactly accurate or not is unknown but I feel confident in the EFI reading being the one that really matters as far as knowing whether it's running at safe temperatures.

-Kevin

[Sheepdip]

I currently run 3 Champions with puller fans and never a problem with any of them, one is going on 20 years old now. Just my experience with Champion.

[chappys4life]

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

Where's your sender mounted? How accurate is the gauge reading you're referencing? Don't be afraid of 200* coolant.

In Texas heat, idling with A/C on my temp gauge can creep up to an indicated 225* F and will fluctuate between indicated 215* - 225* F as the fans cycle.

My gauge gets its reading near the head and my EFI gets its feed from the thermostat housing...the two are roughly 10 to 15 degrees apart...EFI being lower. Whether either sending unit/gauge combination is exactly accurate or not is unknown but I feel confident in the EFI reading being the one that really matters as far as knowing whether it's running at safe temperatures.

-Kevin

Using a autometer gauge with the sender on the intake (have a edlebrock eps) Its sits at 180 when im cruising but have seen 220.

I called champion and they recommended the american eagle as its slimmer allowing electric fans. He said both should be fine but the extra clearance would be ideal combined with its thinner so the electric fans should be able to pull air through quicker. I am trying to stay with a mechanical fan for now. In 2 other cars I have american eagle radiator with 2 spal fans. They work great but are so loud it can be annoying. Will see how the american eagle rad works with just a mechanical fan.

[leddzepp]

I’ve used Champion radiators in two of my trucks, no issues, still have the 68
for over 10 years now.

[Rickysnickers]

Another plug Champion. My first one, in the same truck, had a crack. I was in San Diego at that time. They had a facility up in Lake Elsinor. I carted it up there and was given an exchange, with no issues. This replacement has been great.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by chappys4life

Using a autometer gauge with the sender on the intake (have a edlebrock eps) Its sits at 180 when im cruising but have seen 220.
...<snip>...

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Ima guess you're running a 180 thermostat. Try a hotter one...maybe 195.

-Kevin

[chappys4life]

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

Ima guess you're running a 180 thermostat. Try a hotter one...maybe 195.

-Kevin

I think it has a 180. I cannot remember if I did a 180 or 195 when I changed it. I do know it was a Robert Shaw unit. Had it in the shelf new and dropped it in when I did new radiator hoses and the flush.

[TxGary]

Running the champion in my 71 with no issues.

[Hidesertchevy]

Champion life time warranty can’t go wrong.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Well, as of last night my new to me
truck was almost home and it let go.

1968, factory V8 truck, was looking
at their 3 core. For those above was
it basically a direct fit? (Champion)

[birdistheword]

I went through two Champion radiators in a year because of cracks where the tube meets the tank. Now both of my trucks have Summit Racing brand copper/brass radiators and no problems. They also fit close to factory.

[BROWN 70]

not a champion, but I bought a cold case radiator and have had good luck with it. also got one for my trans am. keeps the 455 cool. BROWN 70