AZ455

Looking to get a newer aluminum radiator for my Delta. Anyone have any experience with OSC Cooling?

The radiator I am looking at is OSC p/n 161, I'd post a link but their catalog is down. I talked to a guy there and he took photos of it for me, said it's a 2 row aluminum designed to replace a 3 row copper/brass due to more cooling efficiency. Anyone ever gone this route? Did the aluminum 2 row provide enough cooling?

Mine has a core leak and I'd repair it but there was a stack of receipts in the trunk for radiator repair, so I figure it's time for a new one. I have also repaired the tank myself once already.

Another main reason for replacement is that I don't trust the internal trans cooler, if it busts a leak in there I will really be hurting. Coolant + transmission clutch friction material = .

Here is one of the photos the guy took for me. They were extremely helpful and friendly over there.

Thanks.

oldcutlass

It worked fine with my 330/4V HC and Jetaway!, Currently, I use it for a BBC with T400 trans works very well! It mounts with the existing radiator hardware and top plate. The only issue is the drain petcock is plastic and easily cracks and strips. My advice is to get an extra and keep it in your glove box. The threaded retainer is a snappin item and pops out easily with a thin needle nose plyers.

AZ455

Nice! Thanks for the pics and advice. The radiator is very reasonably priced compared to a new copper & brass unit.

AZ455

oldcutlass: is your an OSC or something similar? I see that Spectra and Murray make identical ones also. What concerns me is that those two say 1 row, and the OSC says 2 - 3 row, which the guy there explained that was what it was meant to replace. However they all have a 1.25" core thickness.

What exactly is yours, big 1 row?

oldcutlass

Hmmmm, I know mine is a 1.5" thick and I believe a 2 row with plastic end tanks. It looks just like the one in your picture above. It was in the car when I got it, and kept the 330 running cool.

When I swapped the engine the petcock stripped. I went to my local radiator guy and he said it should work fine as it was a replacement for a stock heavy duty. I too was a bit pessimistic, but since I had it in there already, figured what do I have to lose in trying it and seeing if it worked!

I don't have a shroud, I run a direct drive flex fan positioned approx 2" from the radiator. The picture was from when I first installed the motor, and I have since placed a spacer between the w/p and fan to move it closer. I poured 1 bottle of water wetter in the radiator and use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze.

I'll double check tonight and let you know.

AZ455

It must just be how thin the core seems, just doesn't look like enough radiator for a big block. I forget things have gotten more efficient in materials and design though. It must be ok, since every auto parts store I check recommends one of these. From what you say it sounds like it does pretty good with your BBC.

Thanks for your help.

oldcutlass

I put the engine in there in Oct of last year. So far the temps here have only gotten to a mere 95, we'll see how it does around Aug and Sept when the temps hit 100+!

DeltaPace77

Not familiar with OSC, but a modern 2 row aluminum design should provide fine, if not better cooling capacity than the factory design. The tubes are far wider in these than most are normally used to, and why the good heat transfer. Not sure of OSC's pricing, but most in the Corvette community seem to go with DeWitts. Also, Alumitech Reproductions makes some that look stock, for about $500 bucks.

oldcutlass

Well I went home to see which radiator I have and I looked at that thing from top to bottom, could not find a mfg mark anywhere! It looks pretty close to the one in your pic.

Like I said earlier, it's been in my car since I got it. Have had no real issues with it when it had the 330 in it. So far it's doing a good job for the BB, temps stay consistant at 190, 200 max in traffic. The BB is no where near stock with a direct drive flex fan and no shroud! So I would venture to guess it will do fine on yours.

AZ455

Cool, thanks guys. I will go the aluminum route! Your temps sound good, esp considering hot weather and no shroud. I feel much more confident trying one out knowing this.

CJG

I know this is an old thread, but I just ordered one of these radiators for my 71 cutlass we are putting a 455 in and was wondering if it held up fine for you guys over time?