Mr Shifty Sidney

I am going to replace the radiator in one of my cars and was going to use one from the chain parts stores. Has anyone had anyone tried one of these? This is the one I am thinking about using. Spectra Premium - Radiator
Line: GT Part # CU161. It will be going in a 1970 Cutlass.

Thanks,
Don W

lemoldsnut

I purchased a radiator for my tow rig a Suburban from Rockauto and it was an exact replacement and was a much better deal than my local parts store.

kevdog442

I had the cu161 in my cutlass for a year with no issues it fit perfect, always ran 180, when I rebuilt the 455 I put in a 4 core. I had the 161 on eBay for 50 bucks but it didn't sell. If you want it I can put it back on or ship it to you.

kevdog442

Mr Shifty Sidney

Thanks for the responses and pictures.

Don W

oldcutlass

I run a similar radiator and it works fine unless the temps get over 100f out. Then it will creep up at idle in traffic. I run a flex fan no shroud.

Fun71

That's 3 solid months every year out here...

Run to Rund

you might check the prices at radiatorbarn.com
I have bought a couple rads from them.

RocketDevo

I have to say, that's one ugly plastic tank radiator.

Mr Shifty Sidney

I purchased the Spectra 161 radiator. Everything went well until I went to hook up the lower hose. The outlet on the radiator is 1.5, the correct lower hose is 1.75. Anybody run into this before? If so what was your solution? I guess I am going to start looking on the web to find a lower hose that fits water pump and radiator.

Don W

oldcutlass

Go to the auto parts store and ask for one of these or order this one.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aa...0240/overview/

Mr Shifty Sidney

Thanks, That is what I come up with after searching on the web for an hour. I was hoping someone had a hose that they had crossed over. Nothing is easy.

Thanks,
Don W

oldcutlass

Be careful with the drain o that radiator, there is a plastic nut that snaps in place that the drain plug screws in to. It will split and strip if you over tighten it. Don't ask me how I know. It is replaceable but lost a few days on a holiday weekend and found one at my local rad shop when they opened up. Generally if I want to drain it, I just use the lower hose.

Mr Shifty Sidney

Just to follow up on this. I had to buy a Gates hose reducer (26391) 1.75 - 1.5. for the radiator hose from water pump to bottom of radiator. The other issue was the radiator top plate was hitting the upper radiator hose. I simply bent this up a bit for clearance. So far so good.

Don W