classic industries OE radiators

[twalker]

anybody have any luck / issues with these?  i'm looking at one for my build, http://www.classicindustries.com/product/mopar/e-body-barracuda-1970-74/parts/md2301s.html

[tommyg29]

 

[1 Wild R/T]

What are you looking to do, if you what stock OE type appearance know that there won't be an part numbers pentastar logos or any of the things guys who judge OE look for... For that you either record a original or you contact Glen-Ray Radiators...

If your just looking to cool a stock/mild engine & you live somewhere that doesn't get very warm the radiator you chose might be ok.... But realize it's a 22" core for a big block & if thats truly your application then the cooling system is marginal so if you live somewhere where temperatures get above 85 degrees you should look at a better radiator...

My suggestion, look at US Radiators site, they offer many options for their cores, 2,3 & 4 rows, wide spaced tubes similar to the one Classic sells but made in the USA instead of China...   

A Cut & Paste   Standard Core
Based on 60's style core with 1/2" tubes on 9/16" centers; the standard automotive core units are drop-in, stock replacements. Made from all new material they offer the highest quality for your stock application.

High Efficiency Core
Copper 80's style core with 1/2" tubes on 3/8" centers. Increased cooling efficiency without modifications to car. 4 row High Efficiency offers more cooling efficiency than aluminum cores due to tubes on 3/8" centers. Copper/brass construction to ensure dependability.

Optima Core
Extreme style copper core with 1/2" tubes on 5/16" centers. Offers 40% more heat transfer points. The most efficient core on the market when combined with increased air-flow and our Tripleflow option (note: Tripleflow option requires that inlet and outlet be on opposite sides and must use auxillary tranny cooler for AT vehicles).

I would also suggest temporarily adding a filter to your upper radiator hose, if you have a fresh engine you'll think the cooling system is clean but since the EPA took away all the good chemicals for hot tanks years ago cooling system don't get as clean as they once did... So the hot tank loosens but does not remove crusty deposits in the coolant passages, you fire up your new engine & after a few heat cycles with things expanding & contracting & some coolant flow, now those deposits break free & guess where they go? Straight to your radiator & mid way through your first year on the road your engine starts running hotter, by the following year it's borderline overheating & your sacred to drive the car......   Solution a filter in the upper hose that catches the debris... The first couple months you'll need to clean the filter a few times, then it usually slows to every 2-3 months & by the second year you can usually pull the filter & toss it in your tool box for the next project...

http://www.ganofilters.com

http://www.usradiator.com/dodge-challenger-1970-72-v8-bb-radiator.html

[twalker]

 Great info.  I'm looking for an OE appearance but don't care about stampings.  Just looking to avoid the look of modern aluminum rads.  I have a 22inch opening, with the stroked 440 and tremec t650.

Love the filter idea, will do that.  Going to browse the U.S. Rad site now...  Thanks again

[1 Wild R/T]

Nothing worse than a car that you can't drive cause it overheats... Spend the money to make it run cool now or spend money twice & wish you'd done it the first time.... DAMHIK...

[tommyg29]

So the Classic units are chinese made?
Im in the same boat except need a 26". My aluminum radiator works great, but its 12 years old and Ive always wanted an OE look, so its probably about time I bit the bullet. I use a/c all the time when I need it for the 95 degree heat here and so will need the optima or maybe the high efficiency 4 row. Since I have a 4 speed I'm looking for the non-cooler version?
I will seriously take a look at these from US Rad.
Thanks.

[1 Wild R/T]

So the Classic units are chinese made?   
I don't have one to check but 90% of the lower priced ones are so it seems a pretty safe bet....
Im in the same boat except need a 26". My aluminum radiator works great, but its 12 years old and Ive always wanted an OE look, so its probably about time I bit the bullet. I use a/c all the time when I need it for the 95 degree heat here and so will need the optima or maybe the high efficiency 4 row. Since I have a 4 speed I'm looking for the non-cooler version?  I would suggest the triple pass design for anyone with higher HP if you've got an Auto use a aux cooler
I will seriously take a look at these from US Rad.
Thanks.

[Falbz]

I'd have to double check but if I remember right the oe one from classic is a US radiator, just rebranded. Read the description on both sites for the one your looking for and they should be identical. Pretty sure tag on it said U.S. Rad. I'm running one in my 69 Charger.  With a heavy duty  hays fan clutch temps are  just below 200..  With jaguar clutch I'm at no more then 205 ish. Hot day idling for awhile maybe 208 max with standard duty jaguar clutch. Mine is the 3/4 row core Auto 26 inch copper one and in CA weather   

[twalker]

I'd have to double check but if I remember right the oe one from classic is a US radiator, just rebranded. Read the description on both sites for the one your looking for and they should be identical. Pretty sure tag on it said U.S. Rad. I'm running one in my 69 Charger.  With a heavy duty  hays fan clutch temps are  just below 200..  With jaguar clutch I'm at no more then 205 ish. Hot day idling for awhile maybe 208 max with standard duty jaguar clutch. Mine is the 3/4 row core Auto 26 inch copper one and in CA weather   

What motor do you have in the Charger?

[tommyg29]

The US Rads seem to be copper/brass.
Whats the difference with the "factory A/c" rads? Mine is an aftermarket a/c, so would I check "no" on the factory a/c question?

[twalker]

Did a dealer check on us rad site and classic industries is a reseller.  Compared the specs in the us rad site to the one on classic ind and they match, classic site says made in the us. 

So...I ordered it, 22", 4 core MT.  Took advantage of the 25% sale...

[tommyg29]

Let us know what your build is and how it works for you.
 

[Falbz]

Did a dealer check on us rad site and classic industries is a reseller.  Compared the specs in the us rad site to the one on classic ind and they match, classic site says made in the us. 

So...I ordered it, 22", 4 core MT.  Took advantage of the 25% sale...

Nice forgot to mention that today was last day for that.  I did same when I bought mine.  Let us know how it works out.

[Falbz]

What motor do you have in the Charger?

Fairly stock 440 motor, 906 heads, mild cam, electronic ignition, 750 carb, and TTI headers. 

[Falbz]

The US Rads seem to be copper/brass.
Whats the difference with the "factory A/c" rads? Mine is an aftermarket a/c, so would I check "no" on the factory a/c question?

Don't know why that would make a difference since ac condenser is a seperate unit.  Only real difference would be for a manual or auto with tranny cooler lines  And obviously hose locations