Radiator Question

[86-blk442]

Hey guys I'm looking into going with an aluminum radiator for my 442. I've been looking at the Griffin radiator but I can't figure out which one I need. Griffin does not list anything for a cutlass besides the smaller 26.5 inch radiator. When I look at the Monte Carlo's and Regals they have options for a 31.25Wx18.62Hx3.00T or they have a 33.25Wx18.62Hx3.00T. When I looked on the summit site it calls for the larger 33.25W radiator in a 1986 Cutlass Supreme with a 307 Olds engine, but I measured my rad support and I only have about 32 5/8 inches for the radiator on the bottom. The smaller radiator (31.25W) is listed on the summit site for F-Body Cars. I'm a bit stumped on this one.

The car is a 1986 442 with an Olds 350. I am open to all suggestions on what radiator to go with and to see what everyone is using for aluminum radiators.

Thanks,
Dave

Edit* I was doing some reading on here and found the champion radiators. I was looking at part # CC-162, the 3 row rad. Does anyone know what the size of these rows are vs. something like the Griffins two 1.25 inch rows?

 

[Minion1186]

I have a champion cc 162. Its three core and its something close to 3 inches wide.Off hand I think the dimensions are like 33 1/2L by 18T by 3+/-W, I think its a good radiator, no leaks or poor craftsmanship. Only thing is they are expensive to fill with coolant because of the bigger size of the radiator tanks. 8)

 

[86-blk442]

Thanks! I am totally leaning towards the champion. Coolant is def cheaper than a rebuild!

 

[JIMMYZZ28]

Griffin has a few different radiators for these cars along with different core sizes. If you call with your core size they can give you a correct part number for your application. I have a Monte SS and I use one of their dominator style radiators (cheaper then oem) and the fit was still good and doesn't have ugly GM stlye top plates. The part number for this was 8-70010 26.00" core with transmission oil cooler.


Watch for the different types of cores that have multiple tubes, each tube has to have a gap between itself and the next tube.
This is done so that it can be soldered or braze together. More tubes may not mean extra capacity.




Jimmyzz28

 

[lg1200]

Griffin is all name and high prices...the Champion 2-row will be plenty for your car..that's what i'm running on my current setup and my 350 build.