Champion Radiators - Terrible Product
#51
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Re: Champion Radiators - Terrible Product
I got around 19" when I measured the height of mine the other day. This is from the bottom of the tank, to the top of the tank.
The core is 17 1/4". There is a bracket on the top of the core welded, which adds another 3/4" or so. Your picture basically shows a 17" core. Your buddy Brent gave you the correct measurement of the CORE.
I recently installed a spall or whatever you call it twin fan setup, and ditched the factory top part and fans. Gonna bend up some brackets on my metal brake. While tinkering with it I did some measurements. I suspect the problem you had is the same problem other members have had, the tank is wider than the rubber so it pushes the radiator up. 5 minutes of trimming the rubber and the radiator sits low enough for the factory top of the shroud to fit over it. Again, the top rubbers need trimming as well because the radiator doesn't have narrow "channels" to slide into the rubber.
The only thing that was a concern, for about 3 minutes, is the radiator cap height. I put some clay on it and closed the hood. There is like 7/16" clearance on my formula. I imagine a car with a misaligned front end, accident damage, etc might not be as forgiving.
I don't know why your first radiator fit better than your second, but I do know the measurements you provided are the same as mine. My radiator fit with minimal effort.
-- Joe
The core is 17 1/4". There is a bracket on the top of the core welded, which adds another 3/4" or so. Your picture basically shows a 17" core. Your buddy Brent gave you the correct measurement of the CORE.
I recently installed a spall or whatever you call it twin fan setup, and ditched the factory top part and fans. Gonna bend up some brackets on my metal brake. While tinkering with it I did some measurements. I suspect the problem you had is the same problem other members have had, the tank is wider than the rubber so it pushes the radiator up. 5 minutes of trimming the rubber and the radiator sits low enough for the factory top of the shroud to fit over it. Again, the top rubbers need trimming as well because the radiator doesn't have narrow "channels" to slide into the rubber.
The only thing that was a concern, for about 3 minutes, is the radiator cap height. I put some clay on it and closed the hood. There is like 7/16" clearance on my formula. I imagine a car with a misaligned front end, accident damage, etc might not be as forgiving.
I don't know why your first radiator fit better than your second, but I do know the measurements you provided are the same as mine. My radiator fit with minimal effort.
-- Joe
#52
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Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
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Re: Champion Radiators - Terrible Product
That the top piece wasnt there it would fit. I guess technicaly the core height is correct(If you dont include the top welded bracket), but the [i guess ill call it] core section is too tall. I wish i knew what the core total height of the original one was because it fit nice and snug. (Now im starting to wonder if its not welded correctly height wise on the side tanks) Im not gonna cut the top piece off just to fit it in the saddle. They'd get it back when it leaks again and void my warranty, so back it went. Asfar as "5 minutes of trimming the rubber and the radiator sits low enough for the factory top of the shroud to fit over it." Check the THICKNESS on yours. Mine was 3", And with the condenser inplace, it will not sit down far enough to make the top mount work. With no rubber bushing even installed, it still would not sit in the top mount correctly. Too tall, Too thick.
http://s113.photobucket.com/user/aia...a744d.mp4.html
http://s113.photobucket.com/user/aia...a744d.mp4.html
#53
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Car: 86 IROC
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Re: Champion Radiators - Terrible Product
That the top piece wasnt there it would fit. I guess technicaly the core height is correct(If you dont include the top welded bracket), but the [i guess ill call it] core section is too tall. I wish i knew what the core total height of the original one was because it fit nice and snug. (Now im starting to wonder if its not welded correctly height wise on the side tanks) Im not gonna cut the top piece off just to fit it in the saddle. They'd get it back when it leaks again and void my warranty, so back it went. Asfar as "5 minutes of trimming the rubber and the radiator sits low enough for the factory top of the shroud to fit over it." Check the THICKNESS on yours. Mine was 3", And with the condenser inplace, it will not sit down far enough to make the top mount work. With no rubber bushing even installed, it still would not sit in the top mount correctly. Too tall, Too thick.
http://s113.photobucket.com/user/aia...a744d.mp4.html
http://s113.photobucket.com/user/aia...a744d.mp4.html
#55
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Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: Champion Radiators - Terrible Product
**UPDATE**
Finally can close this thread! A month later, i have my money back, and am content.
Finally can close this thread! A month later, i have my money back, and am content.
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