Any of you 71-76 big car guys running aluminum radiators???I am thinking of going that route & am curious has to others experiences with brand, performace,fitment,etc.
Griffin Aluminum Circle Track Radiators Radiator, Universal, Crossflow, Aluminum, 31 in. Wide, 19 in. High, 3.0 in. Thick, Each Today $189.95 This would be a good choice if you wanted to run an external trans cooler.
Is there a better or best choice? My 77 Electra. 455 powered, is getting too hot! I'm seeing slightly over 200 deg., and I don't like it! I'd love to order one of these, but I'll be sick if it aint gonna do the job. I'm not really concerned about weight :laugh: as I am cooling abillity. Summer is here, and I drive to the track, and around town too. ElectraJim
I have the biggest Howe aluminum ratiator I could fit, but it doesn't do you guys any good because it's a custom mount w/no fan shroud. I'm afraid I can't suggest a bolt-in applicatiion. http://home.comcast.net/~shinzan/462_2.jpg Devon
Nick, I was under the impression that the Skylark radiators are the same as the big cars in those years. If this is the case, then you can ask any of the guys on here who run aluminum radiators in their GS's. Larry H is running a nice one.o No:
In 1970 Skylarks and Le Sabres, including GS 455s, for sure were 2 and 3 core radiators while big cars ( 6-9000 series) with AC had 4 core radiators. I am unsure if there was ever a non AC 6-9000 series that had a 3 core. I have never seen one but most all I have seen had AC.
Is anyone using the Griffin aluminum radiator in their 71-76 Buick Full size? Can you share your experience. Was it an easy bolt in? They have a nice one for $362 with trans cooler built in. My '71 Centurion radiator has turned into a leaker, seems like they only last about 5 years. I was thinking an aluminum radiator would be more durable.
My 70 wildcat 455 had no A/C and a 2 core rad. The welds joining the tank and heat exchanger were leaking, so I had a 4 core put in when I had it rebuilt.
TA sells them, listed for full size as well: TA2055 - W/O trans cooler - $495 TA205A - WITH trans cooler - $523.50
Thanks guys! I checked out TA and Alumitech per your suggestions. I'm going to order from Alumitech, it looks like the original OEM brass/copper radiator I may even paint it black. $495. I had one new brass/copper radiator leak after only 12 months. Now that someone makes aluminum radiators that look original I may never buy brass/copper again.
You may want to contact Speedway Motors. They have various models/makers of aluminum radiators for GM applications. Here is the link... http://www.speedwaymotors.com/xq/aspx/display_id.5391/itemNo.aluminum+radiator/qx/Product.htm They seem reasonably priced.
Paul, I know what you're thinking...you want your car to have that big sexy look that my 4 door has with the aluminum radiator showing thru the grill :Brow: I know, you're jealous, it's ok, I don't mind. :beer So how's your car coming along?
Alumitech doesn't list a 68 Riviera radiator....Any good ideas? I sent them an email to see if perhaps they have a replacement. Thanks, Dan
Dan this might help you and others with A-BODY rides this link shows all the applications our rad s fit from 68 to 72 and up to 77 in some cases core size 28.25 x 17.0 ... 18.5 over all height http://www.chevellecooling.com/49.html?sm=17966 scrool down the page to the applications list not all our products are in the shopping cart ... there would be to many to list folks get lost there . heres another link to check out from the board http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=105358&highlight=ALUMITECH at bottom a pic of the new tank design for 68 to 71 ALUMITECH REPRODUCTIONS Don
That looks like a Riv radiator. dan, just get your measurements from your original rad and match it up to an aftermarket one.
Thanks guys. I called the guy at Alumatech, and he said the Rivi radiator is the same as the GS 455 item. He makes the radiators to order. I went ahead and bit the bullet. I got in a week, and painted the side tanks semigloss. A thing of beauty, that looks OEM, unless you are sharp enough to see the absent Harrison emboss, and the color of the core fins. It was a drop in, but for the slightly larger lower inlet, which the hose will stretch over, with a little effort. Was it worth it, heck yes. Thanks for the tips! Dan
