Replacement radiator recommendation?

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321Duster

321Duster

No disassemble!
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1972 Duster, factory AC car
Finally getting around to swapping my \6 to what I would say is a very mild 318. Existing radiator has a 22" core. As much as I'd like to get one of the US-made replacement radiators, my budget says otherwise. I'm looking at two aluminum radiators - either one from Jeg's or ECP. I know either is going to take my car one part closer to being an import, but does anyone have any practical experience with either model?

Thanks!
 
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Your 22 inch radiator... Are the inlet and outlets on the correct sides?

If so run it if it's clean and open
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't at least one \6 inlet or outlet on the 'wrong' side for a LA motor?
 
321Duster said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't at least one \6 inlet or outlet on the 'wrong' side for a LA motor?
Click to expand...
Depends on the year/style of waterpump/timing cover.
LA waterpumps previous to 1970 were cast iron and had the inlets on the driver's side. Post 1970 were aluminum and on the passenger side.
Take a look at what you've got, or at least give us a model and year as to what you have for a car and an engine.
Also a link to the radiators you mentioned would be handy, since they both offer many different ones...
 
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Summit has a line of their own brand radiators. I don't know who makes them or if they have one to fit, but it's worth a look. They're affordable and I've used more than a couple and they fit and cool well. I plan on getting one for my truck when funds allow.
 
Later WP - passenger's side inlet.
These were the models under consideration, might take a look at the Summit one as well (you'll need to copy/paste, no hyperlinky):

ecp-radiator.com

22" Mopar SMALL BLOCK HD Aluminum Radiator

For your classic Mopar, our new 22″ wide core radiator is the perfect combination of modern cooling technology and classic styling. It’s made with die formed tanks that closely match the original Mopar design. It has the correct notches for the fitment for steering arm and frame to fit directly...
ecp-radiator.com ecp-radiator.com

 
I'll assume your slant six radiator is a similar layout to this:
1775423823036.png

Both inlets and outlets are sized the same as for a smallblock- 1.5". You should be able to use a standard '72 lower hose and either a flexible upper hose or possibly one from a big block that routes to the passenger side upper fitting like this one:
1775424159200.png

More Information for GATES 20875
As far as the 2 radiators you have listed, I have not used either- although I would lean towards the Jeg's unit just because the upper tank more closely resembles a factory tank (I personally dislike the look of smooth aftermarket tanks). One other point to make note of is the Jeg's radiator is listed as being for B and E bodies, I'm not sure if there'd be any issues fitting it into an A body. Otherwise their specs (esp. core type) seem pretty similar.
 
Dana67Dart said:
Your 22 inch radiator... Are the inlet and outlets on the correct sides?

If so run it if it's clean and open
Click to expand...
the /6 outlet comes out at a funny angle making it hook up to the waterpump inlet hose is an interesting proposition.
 

The reason I say you might be able to use your existing rad is /6 typically has 19" radiators but with AC they got a 22" at some point in the years.

Your rad might be a small block rad but used on a /6
 
Water pumps are not real expensive, you still haven't said what your car and year is.
Mistakes get expensive, just cost me $91. + to send a 26" Cold Case back that was supposed to bolt right in. HA!
My second choice had to be modified too. So get as much info out to get you in the ballpark.
 
CRUZE 418 said:
Water pumps are not real expensive, you still haven't said what your car and year is.
Mistakes get expensive
Click to expand...
Remember if you have AL water pump the accessory drive needs to match that type of water pump.

Same for cast iron
 
Professor Fate said:
I'll assume your slant six radiator is One other point to make note of is the Jeg's radiator is listed as being for B and E bodies, I'm not sure if there'd be any issues fitting it into an A body. Otherwise their specs (esp. core type) seem pretty similar.
Click to expand...
Any answer to the Jegs radiator listed for B and E bodies and says nothing about A-body. I'd jump all over that radiator for my Barracuda if it will fit.
 
321Duster said:
Finally getting around to swapping my \6 to what I would say is a very mild 318. Existing radiator has a 22" core. As much as I'd like to get one of the US-made replacement radiators, my budget says otherwise. I'm looking at two aluminum radiators - either one from Jeg's or ECP. I know either is going to take my car one part closer to being an import, but does anyone have any practical experience with either model?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I have an ECP and have been very happy with it.. i did have to drill 2 holes in the flange to line up with the upper mount holes in the core support, but my car is a 62 and a bit odd. Took 30 seconds.
 
I'm looking at this one-

1966-1972 Mopar B & E Body Aluminum 26" Radiator Road Runner Challenger Cuda | eBay

Seems to be getting good reviews on the FBBO side.

Only issue is the trans line connections are one size larger and an adapter fitting is needed.

I like the way it kind of resembles a factory rad vs the smooth tank look of most after market rads.

Look at the ebay page of the vendor- they offer different hose locations and painted or unpainted.

1775567311786.png


I believe they are made by the same company that makes the good gas tanks.
 
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YY1 said:
I'm looking at this one-

1966-1972 Mopar B & E Body Aluminum 26" Radiator Road Runner Challenger Cuda | eBay

Seems to be getting good reviews on the FBBO side.

Only issue is the trans line connections are one size larger and an adapter fitting is needed.

I like the way it kind of resembles a factory rad vs the smooth tank look of most after market rads.

Look a the ebay page of the vendor- they offer different hose locations and painted or unpainted.

View attachment 1716529892

I believe they are made by the same company that makes the good gas tanks.
Click to expand...
yeah i kinda wish mine looked more like a stock one
 
IMHO.


Before you commit to an AL rad....

Search FABO for "overheating" and see what the most common denominator is.
 
My research indicates "large tube" aluminum radiators should cool better than "small tube" brass radiators.

Should.
 
It would seem that most aluminum radiators have a drawback somewhere. My 26" ACC needed to have two mounting holes on one side moved, depending on what it took to center the fan shroud on the engine. Then the trans lines adaption. Holes for my shroud were okay. It's always something.
 
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