I reviewed the posts on aluminum radiators, and there's a lot of info, but I'm still unsure what to buy. My car is a 1972, and I'm trying to decide between the AFCO #80102N [universal 31x19/no drain/no cooler/$179] or the custom made AFCO #80135N, which is supposed to be a bolt-in with drain and cooler 31x19 for $449. He claims the cooling quality would be the same for either. I asked him about getting a 34x19 (as someone mentioned to do), and he said they could do it, but the tanks would be quite a bit bigger. I also see in Summit the Griffin circle track radiator with 1.25" tubes 31x19 for $285, though it says for racing only. I hate to beat a dead horse, but any advice would be appreciated on which to get and the installation problems. Thanks in advance.
Which AFCO radiator - or Griffin?
- Status
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
Joined
·
57 Posts
I had the Griffin you mentioned in my 70 Chevelle. 29X31 1.25" tubes. I had to trim the rubber mounting strips a little, but fit fine. The only thing I don't like about the Griffin is the location and angle of the lower water spout (or whatever it's called) it is a little high and angles in. It doesn't interfere with anything, but makes it hard to find a formed radiator hose, but i did find one.
I say "had" because it is now in one of my Camaros. I put the 4 row copper/brass back in. Big temp increase with the 4 row.
------------------
70 Chevelle 15.01 @96
67 Camaro street strip 11.63 @117.6
67 Camaro daily driver 12.10 @110.6, best MPH 112.96
www.geocities.com/lonnie67_1966
I say "had" because it is now in one of my Camaros. I put the 4 row copper/brass back in. Big temp increase with the 4 row.
------------------
70 Chevelle 15.01 @96
67 Camaro street strip 11.63 @117.6
67 Camaro daily driver 12.10 @110.6, best MPH 112.96
www.geocities.com/lonnie67_1966
I believe AFCO offers a discount for TC members??? Do they still guys? AFCO I think is also brazed instead of epoxied like the griffens(that correct guys?) I thought I rememberd the AFCOs being cheaper than that but maybe that was with the disscount(theres yet another of many reasons to get a flag next to your name
![]()
)
Philip
I need to learn to spell
![]()
[This message has been edited by ratlover (edited 01-17-2002).]
Philip
I need to learn to spell
[This message has been edited by ratlover (edited 01-17-2002).]
Our AFCO 31" x 19" delivered was less than $300.00 (Included the Aluminum cap). Make sure you ask for Bob Bruning. By the way, our highly modified GM HO 350/330 has never exceeded 180 in the driveway, and this is with the MOON Guage at the waterneck (Best thing we ever did for our '69 Elke).
Hope this helps.
Team Members,
Richard, Judy and MAXX2
------------------
Hope this helps.
Team Members,
Richard, Judy and MAXX2
------------------
Joined
·
57 Posts
The Griffins are brazed and epoxied.
------------------
70 Chevelle 15.01 @96
67 Camaro street strip 11.63 @117.6
67 Camaro daily driver 12.10 @110.6, best MPH 112.96
www.geocities.com/lonnie67_1966
------------------
70 Chevelle 15.01 @96
67 Camaro street strip 11.63 @117.6
67 Camaro daily driver 12.10 @110.6, best MPH 112.96
www.geocities.com/lonnie67_1966
The AFCO's I have seen have straight/smooth tanks on the side, very nice looking. The Griffen's I have seen have formed tanks like original radiators. If you want the smooth look go for the AFCO, that's what I would have bought if I had the dough. I ended up with a Triton, formed tanks like orig., 31x19, welded construction for $179.00 from PME distributing. (800) 583-8789 I haven't installed it yet but it is very nice...........bk
Don't forget the stock aluminum truck radiator that racer1320 posted about a couple months ago. supposed to be really cheap and light.
Don't remember the exact truck it came from.
------------------
Charles Perrell
[email protected]
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide
Don't remember the exact truck it came from.
------------------
Charles Perrell
[email protected]
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide
Joined
·
5,065 Posts
What cperrell said, here's the post: http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum4/HTML/006761.html
------------------
What, me worry??
[This message has been edited by Xtreme70SS396 (edited 01-18-2002).]
------------------
What, me worry??
[This message has been edited by Xtreme70SS396 (edited 01-18-2002).]
I just stick in a 31X19 griffin. No tranny cooler/drain. It fit perfict, no problems whatsoever. And when my thermostat kicks in, I can really see the temp drop QUICK. I have a 195 degree thermostat, and I never go over 210, even in stop and go L.A. traffic at 1:00 PM.
I bought a Griffin 31x19x1.00'' for my Malibu, my buddy bought a 31x19x1.25'' for his 502 Elky, and my other friend bought a 26x19x1.00'' for his 357 SB Skylark and were all extreamly happy with them. My .02
------------------
'70 Malibu
4.030''x3.480'' L-31
Muncie M20 (in conversion)
'62 Vette Posi 3.70 rear (in conversion)
------------------
'70 Malibu
4.030''x3.480'' L-31
Muncie M20 (in conversion)
'62 Vette Posi 3.70 rear (in conversion)
70Bowtie, did the Griffin fit well? Is it too narrow (side to side)for the top plate, or ok? I'm concerned about the fit almost as much as the cooling increase. My '72 is not a concourse resto, but it will be pretty stock-looking under hood, so I'm hoping the top plate will fit like normal. Also, do you feel there was a benefit for your friend with the 1.25" tubes? Thanks.
[This message has been edited by Hobart (edited 01-19-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Hobart (edited 01-19-2002).]
fwiw, I would seriously consider the truck rad mentioned by cperrel in that thread, where racer and other members use them. 73ChevelleSS454 gives the P/N622. Havent seen one, but sounds like its close to stock in appearance and has the postive attributes of alum. Unless you just want something shiny!? ( kripes, sound like racer1320
![]()
)
An appearance close to stock, is very cool.
[This message has been edited by Gene Chas (edited 01-19-2002).]
An appearance close to stock, is very cool.
[This message has been edited by Gene Chas (edited 01-19-2002).]
Hobart, Well they're not really a direct "bolt-in" replacement. I haven't installed my top plate yet (too much motor tweakin') but my stock radiator measured 34x19 1/2 so I think it will be a little narrow if I try to plop that plate back on. I haven't really messed with securing it that much, we all have them in by quick ties which I hear is a no-no. As far as the 1.25'' tubing I think it makes a noticable difference in cooling a 502 compared to the 1.00'', but for small blocks you can't go wrong with the 1.00''. 4 row copper radiators use 4 rows of 1/2'' tubing while Griffin uses 2 rows of 1'', but with all the aluminum construction it really helps to dissapate heat well and they have been advertised to out-cool most common 5 row copper/brass radiators...(Plus they're lighter then a fly's fingernail). If someone else could post about the success of a top plate or not and it looks like you'll be able to swing it, I'd definetly go for it. The only thing I'd mention is check the rad. out right when you get it because it is Alum., and will bend if you drop a hair on it. And we all know how UPS likes to John Force it around town... (Part of the reason I've been to the Summit Terminal in Sparks, Nv 8 times this year to get my parts intact.) Happy Motoring!
------------------
'70 Malibu
4.030''x3.480'' L-31
Muncie M20 (in conversion)
'62 Vette Posi 3.70 rear (in conversion)
------------------
'70 Malibu
4.030''x3.480'' L-31
Muncie M20 (in conversion)
'62 Vette Posi 3.70 rear (in conversion)
Our neighbor down the street has a '70 SS Chevelle. He ordered the 34" x 19" from Afco for the same price. We had to cut the bottom flanges just a little bit, and then reinstalled the radiator top support.
"Perfecto"
Hope this helps.
Team Members,
Richard, Judy, MAXX2
------------------
"Perfecto"
Hope this helps.
Team Members,
Richard, Judy, MAXX2
------------------
LVMAXX, did he order a universal 34x19 (probably around $180), or the direct fit (around $450)? With or without trans cooler? Any chance I could get the part #? Thanks, I appreciate it.
[This message has been edited by Hobart (edited 01-22-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Hobart (edited 01-22-2002).]
It was 34" x 19", universal fit. He has an M22, so he didn't need a trans cooler.
Just ask for Bob Bruning when you call, tell him you are a member of the club (Club discount), and go from there. They also have a great looking aluminum overflow can.
Hope this helps.
Team Members,
Richard, Judy, MAXX2
------------------
Just ask for Bob Bruning when you call, tell him you are a member of the club (Club discount), and go from there. They also have a great looking aluminum overflow can.
Hope this helps.
Team Members,
Richard, Judy, MAXX2
------------------
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
- Status
Join the discussion
