My radiator just sustained a crack in the plastic housing on the side, and I decided to fix it temporarily and just buy a new one, since the stock one is 19 years old anyway. I can't afford the $550 plus Be Cool custom fit aluminum one, so I have to go for the universal one. Has anyone installed one of these before or have any knowledge of the type, if any, of modifications you need to do to install it? I haven't ordered it yet, so any insight would be GREATLY appreciated. I don't want to order it and then have to send it back because there's no way I can it in there. Thanks a lot!

Steve

 

you could buy an aftermarket factory version.. i bought one for 118 bucks and it works well..

search on www.advanceautoparts.com

 

Our radiators are a standard size so we're lucky. If you don't have a summit or Jegs mag find one, or go online. Griffin makes radiators that cater to the dirt packin crowd, but guess what they sell a 31" x 19" that'll drop right into our cars for the low price of $189.00 Once I get the car back together and I'm able to return to the drivetrain mods, when I order my electric water pump the Griffin radiator will also be on the same shippment.

 

I had seen the Griffins on Jegs.com and started taking measurements on mine, it's definitely something to look further into. Thanks.

 

My brother (Bunker82 on this board) put a universal Griffin in his '82. It went in pretty easy. You might want to ask him about it. Here's his email:

pergamos@mail.com

I'm sure he could tell you more about the swap.
Good luck!

Ben

 

i will ask him, i appreciate it

 

I have the Griffen 31"x19" as well and it fits like a champ. I initially ordered the Summit brand aluminum radiator and had some slight fitment issues, though I will say the quality was there.

 

i thinking about just ordering a stock replacement from the dealer. i'm not sure yet. i don't have any real mods done that would require a better radiator, i just wanted the weight advantage of aluminum. I guess I'll have to take a trip to the dealer and check some prices and stuff. thanks for all your help so far guys! :hail:

 

oh btw, Hyperspeed, i know this is slightly off topic but if you could post a pic of your car, i would really like to see what if t looks like with the shaved handles. if not, no biggy, thanks!

 

why not replace damaged parts with something better tho.....

 

I also recommend just getting an aluminum radiator. It might end up costing a hair more but you'd be surprised of the differece.

Here is a pic of my car so far.

 

My radiator also just sprung a leak in the plastic housing, third rib down on the left side. Wonder if this is a common problem. Anyways, you guys rock, this is exactly the information I was looking for, thanks!:hail:

 

speaking from personal experience... i wouldn't waste your money on a be-cool... i did. and it didn't last more than a couple of years... first one i got didn't fit worth a damn, had to wait for a second one and it was still a tight fit, but very workable. they also didn't tell you about the special fittings required for the tranny lines. the hose adapters are pretty common pieces, though. not sure if they come with all those fittings now or not, it was 1998 when i put mine in. anyhow, the rad will push the fans back, you have to put spacers and longer bolts in the bottom mounts. there is a larger shroud adapter that does come with it. anyhow, less than 3 years later, it sprung a non-repairable leak and is in a landfill somewhere in the mid-atlantic part of the country. if you're gonna buy an aftermarket aluminum rad, i'd keep the $ cost down as much as possible... like i said, just my experience...

 

Here's a shot of my setup. Griffin 31 x 19 with Spal dual fans.
Works great, install is piece of cake.