Best fit radiator for our cars?

[MrSony]

I've read tons and tons of threads about the "best fit" rads for our cars and the best I've come across is some that need a little trim here or a nip and tuck there or special brackets... what aftermarket, sizable radiator that's enough for an eventual 400hp max small block Buick 350? 110%drop in, factory hardware, mounts, etc but is aluminum, has fittings for trans cooler, and fits in the stock location and of course is thicker than the stock V8 radiators. Any suggestions? I was eyeballing this one, but I don't know for sure. Never bought a non factory replacement radiator before. And from what I can tell the inlet and outlets on the motor and rad are just about the same from Buick to Chevy.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sgt-cu162

****EDIT****
I think this is the fan they used, seems good.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-620-118

 

[MrSony]

Also I saw on an episode of HotRod Garage on youtube where they built up a turbo LS '79 Camaro and used a '95-'97 Ford T-Bird electric fan... would that work for a g body?

 

[565bbchevy]

As far as ease of fitment without modifications I bought a Champion 3 row radiator for my Regal that fit like a glove and is all aluminum with a trans cooler fully welded and has a billet neck instead of stamped one.
I paid $227 from Jegs and it is supposed to be good for 600+ horsepower.
As far as the T-bird fan if it has enough cfm to cool the engine it can probably be adapted to fit but most people that run a 26" core radiator go with an Intrepid dual fan set up since it fits well and is not as deep as a other set ups and I have one cooling my 565 big block.
You can find Intrepid fans new on Ebay for well under a $100.
Here is the Champion radiator in my Regal during mock ups.

Intrepid fan set up on my Monte attached to a big Griffen radiator

 

[Hickrocket1258]

I have a Blueprint 383 that I have a few miles on and the stock radiator and the fan setup I have are doing real well keeping it cool. Hasn't hit above 150 yet cruising, but we haven't had hot weather either.

 

[lilbowtie]

I bought a Champion also from Ramchargers when they were still in bussiness. No complains

 

[81_El_Homewrecker]

I used the stock radiator since I too couldnt seem to find a straight answer about what would drop in. I did however get a set of cooling fans off a 98 Stratus and they fit perfectly. I think they are the same size as the intrepid like 565 mentioned. Got em from the junkyard with the plugs and some wiring for $45.

 

[papabearxl]

I too just bought a Champion. Aluminum. Looks and fitment seem top notch. Mine was actually listed as fitting 70-81 Camaro but all the specs seemed correct for my Olds, and like I said above, it fits fine.That may open up your search options.

 

[pencero]

If it's about 'fitment' the stock 307 alum radiator is actually pretty good but I would like the intrepid fans conversion with it

 

[xitabl442]

I have a Champion also, had to replace the petcock with a plug as I couldn't turn it when the radiator was installed. I haven't nailed down my fan yet, but I am leaning toward a big single fan from an Acadia I think. I work in a bodyshop so I've been accumulating some damaged fans to try.

 

[MrSony]

Thanks for all the replies! I will look into the champion ones down the line, but for now, would a Spectra Premium radiator suffice for a while? Part number on summit is CU162. I did some math and turns out I have less cash than I thought (insert Homer Simpson D'oh!) and the el cheapo part store SP ones are the only rads I can afford at the moment. Replacement for V8 gbody. I ain't running no 500 horse monster, yet so I think that would be a good choice given my situation. Anyone have good experience with the Spectra radiators?