Replacement radiators?

[WanaBa442]

So, the OEM rad on the '78 is nearing the end of it's days. Gunked up inside, corrosion and scale on the tanks etc etc. As it looks to be original to the car (260 V8) 2 row core, No A/c. I'd like to replace it with a bit more capacity as the end game is more cubes with the motor upgrade. There seems to be about half a million companies make a Chinese copy of the original out of aluminum with plastic tanks. Even the HD versions are a single row, albeit listed at 1" wide. I can get Spectra Premium locally for short $$, but what've you guys used that fits the stock mounts, hooks up like stock and handles the heat of a V8 auto combo with no complaints?
Oh, the $$$$ polished aluminum show car version is not an option budget wise, and shiny, shiny bling bling doesn't make my pants tight....form follows function in my world.

 

[bob64]

If the end caps are still good take it to a rad shop and get it re-corded an they can add an extra row of tubes. Normally it's cheaper or about same price as a new rad. Atleast that way you know what you have.

 

[mikester]

I bought a Griffin "custom fit" radiator for my Malibu and it didnt fit well. The rubber saddles didnt fit right over the tanks at all. I hacked up a few sets trying to make them fit and in the end I bought a 4 row copper/brass to replace it. It wasnt cheap though.

 

[wnagel]

In my case , I put a original cooper GM radiator 26" core and fit perfect! , work flawlesly in conjunction with my 260 engine.

 

[Ribbedroof]

The alum/plastic should be fine. Consider that the aluminum dissipates heat better than the old copper/brass style (especially when they're all corroded/scaly) and that new cars run hotter than our old ones do.

I have read that a 2 row alum/plastic actually has more cooling surface than the old style 4 row

Last time I looked into having a 70s era copper/brass radiator re-cored, it was more than the copper/brass replacement....although the tanks seemed thinner. Never had an issue with the "new" one.

 

[lilbowtie]

Can't beat Rock Auto

 

[565bbchevy]

I bought a Champion 3 row for my 86' Regal it fit perfectly as a replacement and should keep the future engine cool. I also prefer a welded all aluminum radiator over one with plastic tanks.
With my Monte I have a Griffen Dominator which works well cooling the big block.

 

[MrSony]

I bought a Champion 3 row for my 86' Regal it fit perfectly as a replacement and should keep the future engine cool. I also prefer a welded all aluminum radiator over one with plastic tanks.
With my Monte I have a Griffen Dominator which works well cooling the big block.
View attachment 73910 View attachment 73911

Remember the part number for that rad in your regal?

 

[565bbchevy]

Remember the part number for that rad in your regal?

The Regal has a Champion CC162 for the 3 core.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=222462262994
They also have a 2 row EC162 and 4 row MC162, I had Jegs price match the Ebay price to get it faster.
The radiators do have larger outlets that require a different radiator hoses here are the part numbers I used which are both made by Dayco upper hose 70548 and lower hose 70936 but these are for a Olds engine for another engine just look up older A body cars for hoses.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I used that Champion 3 core rad, it cooled fair at best in my Olds 403, ran between 190 and 205 with 160 high flow thermostat, Flowkooler water pump and Dodge Stratus dual fans. Another member used the 4 core version with his 10 to 1 Olds 403, runs around 170. My 403 was 8 to 1.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=161456840023