New Dewitt radiator

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by 72STAGE1, Jun 27, 2021.

  1. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    DD083FCC-5B1B-4E1E-BB2C-C47AD08F3634.png 37F819C8-FA50-4E47-8F5C-74C78C62247A.jpeg Trying to solve my temperature problem that’s bothered me for 10 years. I know a lot of guys say it normal but It has always run hotter than I’m comfortable with in the 200-210 range driving and up to 220 sitting on a hot 90-100 degree day in Missouri. I have addressed everything except the original radiator with little change.
    But I brought the car out to AZ last year is going to reside at my house in Phoenix so I’m gonna see if this Dewitt helps any. 04ADDBD3-C64E-405C-BFC2-DCBF22F9EFCE.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2021
    FLGS400 and BUQUICK like this.
  2. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    After install I went out for a drive and it’s 110F. Here in Phoenix and the car ran at a steady 200F. At 55 mph with a 195 thermostat so I’m liking it much better.

    1A125B54-103F-45DA-8089-9291AB241F7D.jpeg
     
  3. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    Lol, you make a good point !
     
  4. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Put a Dewitt in the Riv two years ago and it made a big difference. Runs right on the Tstat even with the a/c running I went with the big tubes and up graded trans cooler. Also running the Evans waterless coolant It always had temp creep until it would over heat
     
  5. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    Took it out for an extended trip of about 35 miles with temp about 98f. To get some fresh gas.
    With a 195 thermostat and from light to light city traffic it got to only 202f. It used to be in the 212-220 range. Stoped to get fuel and then Sonic slushy and both time shut it off and it climbed to 230 but started and cooled down right away to 198.
    Also on highway running 60 mph it was at 195. Quite happy with theses numbers.

    652828BF-56BE-4D49-88D9-B0AC6B9F5311.jpeg
     
    TimR, FLGS400, BYoung and 2 others like this.
  6. stump puller455

    stump puller455 1970 GS 455

    Is it bad to run engine at 160/170 ? Many seem to think so
     
  7. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Its completely normal for the temp to creep up when the coolant is setting static in the block. Only way to avoid that is electric water pump and fans running while ya sit.

    With the upgrades I chose and the shipping I paid just over 700$ I know, seems like A Lot but the engine cost much more.
     
    Nailhead in a 1967 likes this.
  8. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Milton, are you running a 160* stat?

    I like 180*. My thermostat is a 180*. My cooling system is good enough that the coolant temperature never gets above 185*. That to me is ideal. An engine won't run cooler if the thermostat won't let it.

    Our cars originally used a 190* stat, and they routinely ran at 200-210* in the summer with the A/C on. No harm in that, but IMO, cooler is better for performance and oil temperatures. Higher coolant temperatures will increase oil temperatures somewhat. You may notice slightly less oil pressures. Hotter is better for power production, and oil cleanliness, but also makes detonation more likely, especially with our current pump gasoline with ethanol (engine runs slightly leaner). I think 180* is a really good compromise. JMO.
     
  9. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    The Dewitts was right at $800 shipped, they ignored the V8 discount that was mentioned here for being a member. Worth every penny as Brett said, piece of mind is invaluable.
     
  10. BYoung

    BYoung Stage me

    Was it a drop-in replacement or were mods needed?
     
  11. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    Drop in, only difference was the filler neck is flat and not angled like my 1972 factory one is, as you can see in the first 2 pictures and the transmission lines need just a slight tweak by hand. But other than that it’s a high quality piece. I opted for the bare aluminum instead of painted.
     
    PCUB and BYoung like this.
  12. PCUB

    PCUB PCUB

    I'm assuming you got the unit with the 1" tubes vs. the 1.25"? I believe you would have had to "hog out" the insulators a bit from stock if you went with the larger unit. At least that is what I had to do after replacing a stock radiator unit with the larger DeWitt. Every thing else in the upgrade fits the original opening without mods. Either way you go, its a great way to go to increase cooling capacity!
     
  13. stump puller455

    stump puller455 1970 GS 455

    yea... Larry its a 160 stat car has never seen temp above 180 ...I have a rondavis rad with 2 spal fans pulling maybe I should switch to a 180 ?
     
  14. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    I went with the 1.25" tubes. Only mod I had to make was to trim about 1/8-1/4" off the back side of my fan shroud as the core was thicker than stock and it made my fan hit. Yesterday I was installing a Alt and it slipped out of my hand and bounced off the back side of the rad. I was expecting big ole flat spots in the fins and maybe a leak.. Barley a dent and no leaks.
     
  15. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I would try it.
     
  16. RonaldVak

    RonaldVak Guest

    At you inquisitive mind :)
     
  17. Eric

    Eric Founders Club Member

    I have two Alumitech (now Dewitt) Radiators and 160 degree thermostats and the cars never get above 185.... 90% of the time they run about 170-175. Hot weather above 90 degrees they might get up to 185 degrees.
    Have had them about 8 to 10 years. Cars run flawlessly, both 455's bored to 464 and 462. Took Larry the Wizards suggestion and problem fixed. Used to run temperature around 210+.
     
  18. TimR

    TimR Nutcase at large

    72STAGE1 likes this.
  19. mikec

    mikec Well-Known Member

    I bought a Mr Gasket bypass thermostat and removed the little bypass hose and capped connections. 180 stat and runs dead on setpoint and creeps up to 190 with the AC and 90+ degree day. Takes a few more minutes to warm up since it always flows at least a little bit until it opens up. Stock 4 row radiator and 455.
     
  20. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    we always would drill a hole in the thermostat to allow water to pass thru, for the same reason. But I don’t quite understand how it would help cool any better.
     

Share This Page