Stocker Radiator

[Mark Callanan]

Looking for a radiator for my 69 camaro stocker
Any thoughts on on the best way to go
thanks

mark

[Bud Lefevre]

good question , looking forward to th answer myself. Can you replace factory with aftermarket plastic tank style ?

[Jeff Lee]

The rule book seems pretty clear on this. Did you read it?

[junior barns]

Jeff

You're too Funny!!

[Bill Edgeworth]

As Jeff stated the rule book is real clear. It has to be same as OEM design.
However I wonder if this rule will need to be revisited in the future. I know for my Firebird it comes OEM with a brass tank radiator however I now notice most of the replacements out there are going to plastic tank with aluminum core. Now, I have never weighed one verses the other and I would assume the plastic/aluminum one is way lighter. But don’t the aluminum cores hold more water? Is there still a big difference when they are filled?
Myself, I don’t know. I’m sure somebody out there has researched this and perhaps would like to speak up on the difference in their particular application.
I think in the coming years if the rule does not change to allow the Plastic/aluminum OEM replacements people will have to start spending money on having old rad’s repaired rather than buying cheap aftermarket replacements. I’m assuming brass tank replacement radiators are going to become a thing of the past in coming years
Just another can of worms.

[Jeff Lee]

Bill, your arguments regarding the difficulty or perceived difficulty of repairing or replacement of radiators are what have been proposed to NHRA in the past. Same argument for cylinder heads and other parts required of a stocker.
Thus far NHRA has resisted and requires full sized stock radiator for year / body type used.
Funny though, I still see the cross-breeding which defies this rule, i.e., late model Camaro radiators in early model Camaro's.

[FED 387]

book says same year or model same size---Crystal clear to me---What part of this ruling do you not understand??? alum rads are not only lighter but they also will cool quicker than a brass one-- Bite the bullet and buy the brass rad or get the rule changed--- If you really want to get liteweight get a 6 cylinder Manual trans rad- Or a 4 cyl Nova rad probably same length & width dimensions as far as frontal area--forget wether it is a 2-3-4 core rad go for the thinnest rad that filles the hole---- Comp 387

[Bill Edgeworth]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

Bill, your arguments regarding the difficulty or perceived difficulty of repairing or replacement of radiators are what have been proposed to NHRA in the past. Same argument for cylinder heads and other parts required of a stocker.
Thus far NHRA has resisted and requires full sized stock radiator for year / body type used.
Funny though, I still see the cross-breeding which defies this rule, i.e., late model Camaro radiators in early model Camaro's.

Jeff,
I’m not really arguing for or against it. The issue is certainly nothing like having to cough up a couple grand for some rare head cores. I’m just curious how it will all play out in the long run if it becomes difficult to find OEM style brass tank replacements. It will be hilarious if in 10 years a 6 cylinder OEM rad becomes a great junk yard find!

I guess if they are turning a blind eye to cross breeding when practically every second page on the rule book says “cross breeding of parts prohibited” it means if you want in a few weeks you can put a Fiat rad in your AMX :-)

[Jeff Lee]

Well the seats of my AMX are from a Renault Le Car "Ralley" (Remember? Renault was once a partner with AMC?; those that think Fiat / Chrysler is a good thing apparently don't remember that fiasco!)

[Tom keedle]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

Well the seats of my AMX are from a Renault Le Car "Ralley" (Remember? Renault was once a partner with AMC?; those that think Fiat / Chrysler is a good thing apparently don't remember that fiasco!)

ick!
i remember well....
i worked for a dealer...along with deloreans..


btw, i've got a new aftermarket brass CJ radiator for my 67 american.
definately no performance advantage but will it be "legal"?
amc was pretty good about using 1 part to fit many cars....