I finally got my '69 running and was just about ready for a shake down run around my cul-de-sac and my radiator sprung a leak, right in the middle of the core. The radiator that is in it is a used Griffen radiator that I traded some parts for and it isn't as wide as the factory one so I had to make some mods to the core support to get it in there. I also have dual electric fans from a 96 windstar so the shroud wasn't an issue. Now I'm contemplating going back to a 3 core replacement since it's cheaper than replacing the Griffen from what I've been able to find. I know I may be able to get this one repaired, but knowing that it sprung a leak before I ever put any miles on it I question its longevity after repairing it. I will also need to put the core back so the replacement will fit (I need to replace one of the lower saddles and rubber mount).

I see that OPGI sells Champion radiators and was wondering if anyone has had issues with using them or could recommend a different one?

Chris

 

My 3 core Champion was OK for my G body, cooled Ok. It did much better in my 94 Z71. I went with this one for my 70S, not used yet for my new 358, it should really out cool the original Copper Brass 2 core. It looks stock but with dual 1 1/8" aluminum cores should really out cool any 3 or even 4 core rad.
https://www.autocityclassic.com/chev...ore-sl-282-at/

 

I like that option much better...looks closer to stock and less expensive than the Champion.

Thanks!

 

I agree and a few have had leak issues with the Champion lately. It is a really nice looking rad in person. Good luck.

 

Champion is a quality product and I have seen few complaints. Are you sure the leak in your current radiator wasn't self inflicted. I've accidentally poked a hole in radiators while working on these old cars.

 

I definitely could have damaged it somehow, although it didn't leak initially when I ran it to break in the cam. It also leaked out the front spraying a stream right into the AC condenser which would have been hard to damage after it was installed while still having all of the accessories left to mount. I don't know, but it doesn't change my mind about wanting to replace it. Right now, I'd rather go new and have a little more peace of mind. Plus, I would like to have the internal tranny cooler, which the Griffen didn't have.

Appreciate the feedback!

 

If it's an original Harrison Tanked rad don't toss it. Especially if it's a 3 or 4 core.
If the tanks are good you or someone may want it to recore it.
Are you against a recoring? Do you have a rad shop that can recore? It will come back like new and be an OEM fit.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have the original anymore. Had it in my shed for a while and kids in and out with the lawnmower did it in. I traded some parts for this used Griffin that's now leaking. Looking back I wouldn't do it again as I had to modify my core support some to get it to fit...live and learn I guess.

 

I have installed two different champion 3 core radiators in to my 65 cutlass with a 455 and a 65 442 with a small block olds 330, both have kept temps around 180-200 with no shroud in traffic.
the 330 has flex fan and the 455 has clutch fan both seem amazing.
with a price under 250 shipped to me. it’s been a few years now. No major issue that I have personally had.

 

I see that the Champion radiator has square tanks...how well do they sit down into the saddle mounts?

 

I am working with a different year but I didn’t have any issue on the 442 the cutlass was missing them so I made my own bushing

 

The Champion are OK but did not cool that great. A large 2 core out cooled the Champion but started leaking in my 88 CSC, the Champion ran 195 to 215 in front of my 403, 230 towing in heat. Go with the two core.