Griffin Rad fitment issues

Not sure if this is helpful or not but I also had some fitment issues with my Griffin rad. It's actually one of their "direct replacements" but was not really close. The brackets they use put the radiator way too far into the engine bay. I have a small block but still had to go to a shorter fan clutch. Fitting a shroud was also a PITA because of the way they make the shroud attaching rail thing. I hacked up a nice original shroud to make it work and it just kinda hangs there now. Killed the fins trying to make it all work too.

Sounds like you have some 'adjusting' to do or send it back before you start messing with it or put coolant in it. I'd send it back if you can and use the money on a generic one that you know will fit.