Since I invested in my 455 build I thought I would splurge a little and buy a griffin exact fit radiator. Couple of friends have used them and they seem to have a very good reputation. I got it this week from Summit and I am impressed with the quality - it's a beefy well put together piece. However, it's not a DIRECT fit. It won't fit into the mounts (top or bottom) as it's too thick. I checked and double checked the PN and it's the right one for the car. Anyone else have this issue? BTW I originally bought a cheap champion and it fits like a glove....just sayin.

 

What, a part advertised as fitting an Olds doesn't? I'm shocked, SHOCKED I tell you...

Seriously, is this radiator a "direct fit" for a car with a four row core and perhaps yours was configured for a three row core? FYI, you can buy the correct four row core saddles now.

 

It's my fault, I should have measured it, its states it's 3" wide, my original is 2.5" and so is the Champion I have. Perhaps I'll do just a little more research next time...exact fit for what though. Did a 69 Cutlass come with a 3" wide radiator?

 

Probably the 442 came w a4core Radiatir and the larger rad width would fit in those saddles, I'll guess your car originally had an sbo and a 2 or 3 core rad. Which is not as thick.

As Joe said you just need to remove your lower rad saddles and replace w 4 core ones and either get a 4 core top plate or modify your top plate to accomadate the wider rad.

 

Yes, the four row radiator.

 

I know the Griffin rads cool super well from what I hear with their huge dual 1.25" cores but can be hit and miss, quality wise. Someone on here must know the tank dimensions on a 4 core.

 

It really seems to be a nice piece. I'm going to keep it and I ordered the right mounts and the top plate from the parts place, which is becoming my favorite go to place for parts. Their prices are better than OPGI AND Year One.

Thanks for the help