Best radiator for AD truck with V8

[xaircav]

I'm tired of repairing the leaks in my '53 radiator. What will cool my 283?

[LEEVON]

Here you go, this is what I'm going to use:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Truck-...t_16234wt_1396

Can't beat the price, you can also get a 2 row or 4 row for a little more or less.

[fredscarryall]

i have a champion radiator in my suburban(but its the same radiator for the truck) and i really like.i was suprised of the quality for $210 shipped to my house. the only thing i had to do was to get the side mounting brackets cut and welded straight(cost me about $50 at a local radaitor shop to have changed) because the manual fans in a v-8 hits the radiator if you leave the champion factory welded side brackets at an angle.then i descided to go to an electric fan with a custom made shoud because i mounted my motor low. but i was still money ahead. because i have seen the same radiator at high end shop going $600 for just the radiator. it cost me $450 total with radiator, a custom made shroud,rewelding the bracket,getting an electric fan and buying a thermastic fan relay with sending unit.

[IndyBowtie]

xaircav
What engine mounts did you use in your AD? I am getting ready to install a 283 in my '48!
I plan to use my stock radiator for now as it doesn't leak yet!

[xaircav]

I used the tubular crossmember that Classic Performance Products and others sell. My other complaint about the stock radiator is the small size of the lower hose fitting. I had to squeeze the lower hose down with the clamp (see picture) For what I've spent on repairs I could have bought a new radiator. These old timers are 60 +/- years old and the solder is brittle and heat/cool cycles and vibration cause them to sprout leaks.

[52 Rat]

+1 on the Champion aluminum. This is what I running in my LS1 powered 52.

[Laid_Out_50]

Will the champion radiator work on a 401 Nailhead?
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[Laid_Out_50]

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[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by Laid_Out_50

Will the champion radiator work on a 401 Nailhead?
Posted via Mobile Device

I don't see why it wouldn't work. You may need to get creative on the hose plumbing.
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[Maximus]

I'm not sure why they havent been mentioned yet, but the title says your looking for the BEST radiator... in my opinion, that would be a Griffin. the ONLY thing i have ever heard in regards to a negative thing about their radiators is their price.
almost $600, but you specifically were asking for the best...
Can you get a comparable radiator for 1/2 to 1/3 of the cost, probably... but they have to be the best, or close to...

I have a Griffin in my task force truck, and I would buy another in a heartbeat for another project, VERY well built, and fantastic to look at as well...

you can order different filler neck positions...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GR...-BXX/?rtype=10

[masterjohnson]

Originally Posted by fredscarryall

i have a champion radiator in my suburban(but its the same radiator for the truck) and i really like.i was suprised of the quality for $210 shipped to my house. the only thing i had to do was to get the side mounting brackets cut and welded straight(cost me about $50 at a local radaitor shop to have changed) because the manual fans in a v-8 hits the radiator if you leave the champion factory welded side brackets at an angle.then i descided to go to an electric fan with a custom made shoud because i mounted my motor low. but i was still money ahead. because i have seen the same radiator at high end shop going $600 for just the radiator. it cost me $450 total with radiator, a custom made shroud,rewelding the bracket,getting an electric fan and buying a thermastic fan relay with sending unit.
I'm not sure why they havent been mentioned yet, but the title says your looking for the BEST radiator... in my opinion, that would be a Griffin. the ONLY thing i have ever heard in regards to a negative thing about their radiators is their price.
almost $600, but you specifically were asking for the best...
Can you get a comparable radiator for 1/2 to 1/3 of the cost, probably... but they have to be the best, or close to...

I have a Griffin in my task force truck, and I would buy another in a heartbeat for another project, VERY well built, and fantastic to look at as well...

you can order different filler neck positions...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GR...-BXX/?rtype=10chevy radiators

damn it man, your words are so convincing it feels like you are advertising for them and your words worked on me.lol looks like that is the best radiator to be place on my truck. i also search on google regarding feedback on that radiator and believe it or not i cannot see a single negative comment on it. looks like it is worth buying. anyway i just have one question which one is the best place to get those champ rads?

im still thinking if i will be considering griffin because it is not as popular as champ rad.

i also see ah radiator from partstrain but anybody from you guys tried that site? any comments or violent reaction from that site?

[OrrieG]

I am upgrading to a stock radiator out of a big truck. They use the same mounting holes as a stock 1/2 -3/4 ton but are taller and deeper (by 1"). Mine was flushed and pressure tested when it came out of the truck. The shrould came out of a late 70's early 80's GM something. I made side closures out of sheet metal.

[pgf545]

We did one from PRC Hotrods, the are American made and the workmanship was outstanding. I have fired it up yet to see how the performance but I would suspect it to be good. Also the brackets didn't come attached so you can move it around a little before you bolt it in solid. I am not sure you can tell from the pictures but I actually set it into the mount pretty deep so I could get some more motor clearance.

http://www.prchotrod.com/

[OrrieG]

Geez missed the AD part, mine is a TF. Don't know if the AD big trucks had proportionately larger radiators like the TF.

[mr48chev]

Griffen has always made top of the line radiators that are equal to anything out there that I know of but you pay for them just like you would a Walker.

I ran a 2-1/2 ton core with my 1/2 ton tanks and had the shop change the inlet and out let on the radiator that I had in the 48 for about 20 years but it finally got to where it was too far gone to save.
I've been looking at the Champions on Ebay but until now hadn't seen any feedback on them from anyone. Some guys may not like the look of the welded tank though.

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Griffen has always made top of the line radiators that are equal to anything out there that I know of but you pay for them just like you would a Walker.

I ran a 2-1/2 ton core with my 1/2 ton tanks and had the shop change the inlet and out let on the radiator that I had in the 48 for about 20 years but it finally got to where it was too far gone to save.
I've been looking at the Champions on Ebay but until now hadn't seen any feedback on them from anyone. Some guys may not like the look of the welded tank though.

I've not installed my Champion yet but I like what I see out of the box. I did some research on Google before purchasing my Champion. I had a Griffen in my 66 Chevy II and it was first class but for the money the Champion will be hard to beat. I can take some pics of the Champion and post if you like.

[Wvgearhead]

I have about convinced myself to pull the trigger on a 4 row champion.
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[poncho_villa]

Originally Posted by Wvgearhead

I have about convinced myself to pull the trigger on a 4 row champion.
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Do it! You won't regret it.

[xaircav]

Originally Posted by xaircav

I'm tired of repairing the leaks in my '53 radiator. What will cool my 283?

Got the two row Champion for $211 shipped. Never budged off 180 all summer.
Very pleased. Need to lose the ribbed radiator hoses. Any suggestions or part numbers?

[xaircav]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I am upgrading to a stock radiator out of a big truck. They use the same mounting holes as a stock 1/2 -3/4 ton but are taller and deeper (by 1"). Mine was flushed and pressure tested when it came out of the truck. The shrould came out of a late 70's early 80's GM something. I made side closures out of sheet metal.

Orrie, What is the make and part number of that upper hose?

[Atommik]

Also using the champion in my '51 with a 327. Looks good, cools great!! No problems! I ordered it from JEGS (I think) Cheap shipping, got it in 4 days.

[ls1man]

Do the champions work well with ac? 2 or 3 row?

[vht]

I have a champion in my chevelle with shroud and 2 elec fans, works great. Friend of mine has bought 3 or so from him, he has even custom made 1 for him.

[lmdangerous]

You won't need more than a 3 row champion.( It bolted in my 51 js like a glove)- have a problem with it running - get this - to cold. Ran a 150 mile trip yesterday- it refused to get above 170- even in traffic. My little 250- was sneezing like a kid with a cold. (I was in the same exact spot you were). 188$ later I am certain that I made the best choice.

[Fatbear]

have had a champion in my 52 for 2 years ,went right in, works super.