Radiator shopping

[PapaJbbq]

I'm looking for a radiator for my 66, soon to be powered by a 350 Vortec making around 380hp, with air and auto. I'll be using a clutch fan and will fab a good shroud to fit whatever rad I get. I want a good rad that'll cool for a budget price. A lifetime warranty is a must.
In reading old threads, it looks like wide tubes in the core are better than narrow, ie 2 x 1" is better than 3 x 5/8", so I've narrowed my choices to:
Champion radiators.com 2-row 3/4" tubes $194.98
Speedcooling.com 2-row 1" tubes $297
Championcooling.com 2-row 1" tubes $269.95

I guess the headscratcher here is why are there two businesses with nearly identical names? Any feedback on these choices, or any other options in this price range?

[The Rocknrod]

These ensure a cool running engine - Short water pump, Hayden 2947 Clutch fan, Hayden 6 blade 17 inch fan, Stock Fan shroud, proper seals around the radiator, hood to latch area seal.
I have a US Radiator Desert Cooler though with 2 rows 1-1/8" tubes. Radiator lower heat exchanger for the trans oil. But first it goes thru a 20,000 GVW Hayden Trans Cooler in front.

[AcampoDave]

Ive been running the Speedcooling radiator for 5 years or so now. No complaints. In fact it works well enough that I swapped my heavy duty fan clutch for a standard one and my 283 still doesn't overheat even with A/C in triple digit ambient temps.

[SkinnyG]

I bought a 4-row from Champion Radiators for my '61.

Looks nice. No idea how good it's going to be. Or bad.

[oldtrux]

Check out RnD fabrication

[PapaJbbq]

Rocknrod, thanks for the detail. The Hayden 2947 Clutch and Hayden 6 blade 17 inch fan look to be standard rotation, so I think the Hayden 2786 will work with my stock serpentine. I think I'll keep the stock fan if it's comparable to the 17" Hayden.

[PapaJbbq]

AcampoDave, how did you mount the Speedcooling radiator? Does it fit the stock saddles? What did you do for a shroud?

[62c30]

I've used several champion radiators and had good luck with them. I have one in my 62 and it works great and was a perfect fit.

[PapaJbbq]

62c30, which champion radiator site?

https://www.championradiators.com/

https://www.championcooling.com/

[62c30]

The one I ordered for my 62 I think was from their eBay store 4-5 years ago. I ordered one for my 61 from I think champion cooling. I had to call them for some reason and I do remember they had a record of me buying the one for my 62. Customer service was good, of course that was a year or two ago, hopefully still good.

[AcampoDave]

https://speedcooling.com/product/196...inum_radiator/ this is the one that I have. It's designed to be a drop in replacement so your stock shroud still fits. The curious part is that when I went to put it in, my lower saddles were too narrow for the bottom tank and I had to split them apart and weld in a small extension. That was easy enough, but afterward I posted something about having to do that on this forum. Within a short time, I received a PM from the company rep asking for more details. I called him and he said those radiators are designed to be a direct replacement and the fact that I had to modify my saddles was concerning to him. He said that they were going to double check their design and figure out what the deal was. I never heard another word afterward so I can't say what happened.

[PapaJbbq]

AcampoDave, that's the Speedcooling I was looking at. My truck was a six, so the saddles are likely too narrow but I'll do 'em like you did.

[SkinnyG]

Originally Posted by PapaJbbq

62c30, which champion radiator site?

https://www.championradiators.com/

https://www.championcooling.com/

Pretty sure they are the exact same product.

[PapaJbbq]

SkinnyG, the specs and prices are different.

[SkinnyG]

And yet, they share the same logo in there.

And Champion Radiators boldly states on their web page that they carry Champion Cooling products.

And Champion Radiator sent me a Champion Cooling radiator, packaged in a Champion Cooling box.

Pretty sure they are the same product.

[karlbenz]

I have the American eagle radiator(made by champion but has wider tubes). Homemade shroud and SPAL fans. Been working great.

[urmyboyblue]

I use a Champion radiator with a Chevy HHR electric fan on it. The fan is cheap and comes with a shroud that fits the radiator really well. Keeps my 400 hp 427 cool. I had to fab some brackets to mount the fan.

[PapaJbbq]

Thanks blue! Can you tell me how many and what size tubes the radiator has? I'll check out the HHR Fan - I like cheap and effective.

[PapaJbbq]

Karlbenz, thanks for the reply. American was not on my list, but wider tubes are said to be better. Are you a tin bender? Would you share a photo of your shroud?