Radiator Choice

I've read through the posts here & there seems to be various opinions on a handful of radiators.

My question is does anyone have any opinions on US Radiator? Been researching between the AE161(Champion) & AL005529ANDZ(US Radiator) both aluminum, both two row 1" tubes.

I know Champions are made in China. US Radiator Merica. People seem to like the Champion radiators but I haven't seen much about US Radiator.

Opinions guys? Good bad with either brand?

Thanks,

Kyle

 

Hey Kyle I have the AE161 champion rad and I like it alot! I bought it brand new from a company in California and had it shipped to me in Ontario, Canada. I inspected it very thoroughly before I put it in the car. I can say even though it's made in China (I thought it was American) it was very well built, clean welds and really nice finish. It has helped cool my car down tremendously. I hope my feedback helps, best of luck!

 

I had my old Modine 3-core re-tanked by a local shop here in San Jose. All the radiators now are made in China or Singapore.

 

wizzard cooling. built when you order, great support,

 

I put the Desert radiator in my 56 buick with a 425+ motor from US RADIATOR MADE IN THE USA!!! COOL COOL COOL!!!

 

I have champion. Not really impressed.
Square tanks need to modify rubber insulators.
3 rows, 3 small rows. And aluminum.
Rather 2 large rows.
Pet cock is mini junk.
I would do it again and get an America made unit.
Like listed here I also here Dewitt’s is nice.

 

the 65 olds 442 we just did had a champion 3 row in it. they were very tiny 5/8 tubes, and even if the fall with 160 stat car would run over 200 even with high flow pump. we put the wizard unit in and I have trouble getting to 190.

we ordered it with the shroud from them, fit was very great and impressed with service and quality

 

Thanks guys. Lots of decent choices out there.

Kyle

 

I like the DeWitts because they look closer to original unit. I do not like the plain rectangle tanks. I have a aluminum Dons radiator but he is no longer in business.

 

Just an update if you do decide to go with a champion rad make sure you order the one that has 1" tubes TWO ROW not the 3 row 5/8" tubes, it makes a huge difference. Larry has mentioned/stressed that in a few "cooling" posts on here that 1" tubes 2 row is a MINIMUM.

 

I have seen that. Both of these are two row 1” tube aluminum. With the Wizard you can upgrade to 1-1/4” tubes.

Kyle

 

the upgrade from wizard to larger tubes is only 100 I think...but if not pusing 550+ hp I dont think it will be needed

 

The AE161 is on sale from champion right now for $194.98 (reg. $224.98) and the Wizard is $499+$100 for the bigger tubes. That's a Big difference in price where other funds can be allocated elsewhere if you're on a budget. I know the common saying on here is "buy once cry once" which I usually agree with but sometimes the wallet says otherwise lol. Best of luck to you and whatever you decide to do, cheers!

 

not sure you really need the bigger tubes from wizard.

but a 3 row 5/8" core will not cool as much as a 2 row 1" tube

 

You after function or something that looks snazzy?

 

Not particularly too much concerned with looks. I'm going from a 350 to a 455 & pretty sure that the radiator that is in the car is the original. Works well but technology has advanced quite a bit in 47 years.

I like to buy American when & if I can. I try to look for quality at a reasonable price. Also not looking to spend a crazy amount of money on a radiator.

Kyle

 

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think that stock 350 rad will keep that 455 cool enough.

 

The 350 radiator goes with the motor that's currently in the car. When new motor gets installed, I will be putting in the new radiator.