Ok, I need some opinions! I've got a 350 that's pushing about 500 HP at the flywheel (if I ever get a bigger carb and a decent tune). Problem is, I've got a stock copper radiator that just isn't able to keep up and I need to upgrade! Currently, the car does well when it's in the mid 70's, but it will overheat if I sit in too much traffic. Low 70's and I can sit in traffic all day long without any issues. Sunday when it was in the upper 80's, it started creeping toward 210 degrees even while cruising country roads at 3,000 rpm. So, it's time to get rid of the stock radiator and go with something better.

This is what I found from Summit.
The first one is a Griffin
Griffin Thermal Products 8-00009 - Griffin Dominator Series Radiators - Overview - SummitRacing.com

It's got 1.25 inch tubes and goes for $279

The second one is a Be Cool
Be Cool 10009 - Be Cool Aluminator Series Radiators - Overview - SummitRacing.com

It's got 1 inch tubes and goes for $319

Now, I've been told that the more fins, the better cooling capacity, so even though the Griffin has larger tubes (more surface area), that doesn't mean it's going to cool any better.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Griffin just because of the larger tubes and I really like the price. What do you guys think? Also are there any other radiators out there that are within that price range that you think would be a better choice and why?

Also, I've been told (but can't find) that there are good radiators that are generic fit, but I may have to fabricate and weld on some mounting brackets. That's not a big deal since my brother has a small brake that I could fab a couple of brackets and he has a tig for aluminum. So if anyone knows of any good generic radiators, that's an option as well.

Lastly, I need an electric fan. What do you guys think about this one? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

Summit Racing SUM-G4908 - Summit Racing Street & Strip® Electric Fans - Overview - SummitRacing.com

BTW, I'd like to purchase a new cooling system by this Friday, or next Monday at the latest.

 

Both radiators are direct fit, so between them I would go with the Griffin. I have a universal fit Howe in mine, but all it needed was to drill mounting holes in the radiator core support, no cutting. My brother put a (much less costly) Summit brand universal in his 68, same deal, just drilling. Works great for him, but his car is stock, which is not to say that it still wouldn't work for you. Also look into the radiator/electric fan combo's at Summit, it's cheaper than getting the stuff separately.

 

Thank's 69! Just out of curiosity, what leans you toward the Griffin? For me it's price and they have a good reputation, but i also know they use epoxy, where the Be Cool is all aluminum which would make future repairs possible. I don't even know how you would repair epoxy.

I've never heard of Howe and I don't mind drilling, or even fabricating and welding brackets. I'd like to get something that's quality and will do the job. So, so tired of overheating!

 

The slightly bigger tubes and $40 less was the attraction. Griffin uses epoxy as an additional strengthener. The tanks are welded/brazed to the the core, not epoxied (if that's what you were getting at).

 

Thanks!

What do you think of this one? It's only $129 and I can fab and tig brackets myself.

Speedway Chevy Universal Radiators - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

 

In my 67 I have a small block putting out around 425 hp and with the stock radiator at an idle it creeped up past 230 degrees. I bought this radiator from ebay 1967-69 Camaro / 1967-69 Firebird/Trans Am ALL Aluminum Radiator 2 Row EC370 | eBay Now with the new radiator I have yet to see it get over 190 with a single electric fan. Nice thing was it was a direct bolt fit. Just something to think about.

 

i have a be cool it works good in my 66 ss 396

 

I have the Be Cool in my 68 383 putting out 425 at the crank, never gotten over 180 degrees. cruises at 173 degrees but I also have wrapped headers which have helped a ton.

 

i have always thought about trying the header wrapps is there a down side ?

 

Honestly I am not sure. I know that I like the look of clean headers better, but I love the fact that I can go out for a cruise on an 80 degree day and you can pop the hood at a show and hold your hand an inch from the headers and feel barely any increase in the air temp.