Radiator recommendations

[Moparman485]

Afternoon guys and gals

1973 dodge dart custom with AC, pepped up 360, soon to be 8.25 rear, and 904 trans.

Car is mostly street use but will be pushed at times for lead foot pleasure.

Pulled my original radiator to take it in for a flush and possible recore but discovered heavy corrosion all over and the side supports basically fell off during removal.

I plan to likely keep the factory fan/clutch and shroud. but want to know what yall have had good luck with as far as radiator replacements.

I would prefer to keep the factory shroud and hose/hookup locations.

With the market flooded with aftermarket aluminum and options, I wanted to ask the experts what they have had good results with and recommend.

Thanks!

Located in Oklahoma so summers get hot, but not extreme.

As always, part numbers or links would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Kendog 170]

Most would say Cold Case. I used a Champion on my 68 Dart but I'm cheap. lol

 

[Professor Fate]

I'd still go with the original plan for a recore.
A good rad shop will re-solder the brackets back on during the recore process anyway.
This way you know the rad will fit, the shroud will fit, and the fan/clutch and spacer will all fit correctly, as well as your hose hookups being placed correctly and of the right size.
Might end up costing a bit more, but you'll only have to do it once.

 

[abodyjoe]

original ( find another one) recored with a high efecient core... you know everything will fit it properly.

 

[ch1ll]

Recoring is expensive.

 

[junkyardhero]

Records are expensive.

nah, just shop in the bargain bin. tons of dollar scores! might not be what you usually listen to but everybody could stand to expand their mind and be open to new and innovative sounds.

 

[junkyardhero]

i'd go with a factory replacement style from OER, US radiator or radiator express. it'll drop right in, the shroud will fit, you know everything will hook up correctly.

it's gonna be 500~700, so be prepared.

also, if your rad was that wasted plan on updating the rest of your system as well.

 

[abodyjoe]

Records are expensive.

maybe but they are designed and fit the car properly.. plus they look much better then those ugly *** alumn rads.

 

[mopowers]

Out of curiosity, I called a local radiator shop this morning for a price on a re-core job. He quoted me $1000 for a 4-row re-core on a 26" mopar radiator, $1150 for a "high efficiency" 4-row, and $850-925 for a 3-row core. Oh have times changed. I would trust a re-core much more than one of the off-shore reproductions though for the minor difference in cost.

For me, cheap aluminum Champion and Cold Case radiators have served me well.

 

[Moparman485]

Out of curiosity, I called a local radiator shop this morning for a price on a re-core job. He quoted me $1000 for a 4-row re-core on a 26" mopar radiator, $1150 for a "high efficiency" 4-row, and $850-925 for a 3-row core. Oh have times changed. I would trust a re-core much more than one of the off-shore reproductions though for the minor difference in cost.

For me, cheap aluminum Champion and Cold Case radiators have served me well.

Did the champion or aluminum for without modification to the other components, or did you have to modify hoses, shroud, etc?

I ask because champion has been recommended by more than one person on multiple forums but I can’t seem to get a direct answer on drop in fitment or not.

 

[Kendog 170]

My Champion bolted right in. Stock hoses. AT lines. I did not have a shroud, I made one but you could call them. I think it fits. just not sure. I would not go 4 row as you may not get good flow thru it. JMO
Dodge Dart Champion Radiator

 

[mopowers]

Did the champion or aluminum for without modification to the other components, or did you have to modify hoses, shroud, etc?

I ask because champion has been recommended by more than one person on multiple forums but I can’t seem to get a direct answer on drop in fitment or not.

The one I bought fit the core support fine. The shroud was spaced out about an inch, but I built an aluminum filler piece to get it nice and snug.

 

[Moparman485]

After seeing so many good reviews on the champion, I may go that route. Looks like the one for me is $254.98.

26" Small Block Dodge Dart Radiators | Champion Radiators

 

[Professor Fate]

Thought I read something on here lately about there being two companies using the "Champion" moniker- Champion and Champion Radiator. One good, one not so much. Don't recall which is which, since I don't use aluminum radiators.
Maybe someone will chime in on that- not positive, but I think it may have been @junkyardhero who brought it up...

 

[RustyRatRod]

I wouldn't use cold case for love nor money. Let um sit on it. US Radiator, Griffin Exact Fit are a couple that come to mind.

 

[Professor Fate]

Pricey, but da** good.
Glen-ray Radiators - All New Licensed Mopar Chrysler Dodge Plymouth Radiators

 

[junkyardhero]

Thought I read something on here lately about there being two companies using the "Champion" moniker- Champion and Champion Radiator. One good, one not so much. Don't recall which is which, since I don't use aluminum radiators.
Maybe someone will chime in on that- not positive, but I think it may have been @junkyardhero who brought it up...

there's "champion radiators" and "champion cooling systems" but that's about the extent of my knowledge. i don't particularly care for aluminum units.

i think @slantsixdan has the 411 on them

 

[RustyRatRod]

Pricey, but da** good.
Glen-ray Radiators - All New Licensed Mopar Chrysler Dodge Plymouth Radiators

Another GOOD option!