Kiwi65Impala
Newbie
Posts: 5
Reg: 11-20-23
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02-10-24 01:45 AM - Post#2866760
Hi everyone, looking at buying a 3 core aluminium radiator for my 65 Impala. It’s currently running the standard 2 core Brass/Copper one. Will the standard water pump, pump the coolant efficiently? Looking at a “Champion” brand radiator. Running a SB 327, no a/c or power steering. Thanks.
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 Magnetocheck
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 481
Age: 69
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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02-10-24 03:09 AM - Post#2866761
In response to Kiwi65Impala
Yes, no need to upgrade the pump. But I also wouldn't think you would need to upgrade the radiator either, if you running a small block with no other mods. Is the current copper radiator shot? Could just re-core if so.
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association |
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Kiwi65Impala
Newbie
Posts: 5
Reg: 11-20-23
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02-10-24 03:12 AM - Post#2866762
In response to Magnetocheck
Thanks
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Kiwi65Impala
Newbie
Posts: 5
Reg: 11-20-23
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02-10-24 03:16 AM - Post#2866763
In response to Kiwi65Impala
Yes have thought about a Re-core and haven’t discounted that option either. Thanks for your advice.
Edited by Kiwi65Impala on 02-10-24 03:17 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Magnetocheck
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 481
Age: 69
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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02-10-24 04:50 AM - Post#2866764
In response to Kiwi65Impala
Depending on what kind of radiator shops you have nearby and their skill set, might just be easier to pop in a new aluminium one, although brass/copper is actually a better heat conductor! Dewitt rads are very good quality (that's what I have in mine), made in Michigan USA so don't know about price/availability in NZ. If you stick with the stock rad, make sure your fan clutch is 100% - bad clutch is a common cause of overheating and making guys think they need bigger radiators. Old adage: If you have overheating in traffic, you need more fan. If you have overheating on the road, you need more rad. 
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association |
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Brickwhite
Contributor
Posts: 371
Loc: Colorado, Denver
Reg: 09-05-19
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02-10-24 04:01 PM - Post#2866785
In response to Magnetocheck
I used this $200 one on my 66.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/291519786183
Worked great.
Edited by Tony on 02-14-24 08:46 AM. Reason for edit: As an eBay Partner, ChevyTalk may be compensated if you make a purchase
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Magnetocheck
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 481
Age: 69
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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 02-11-24 04:27 AM - Post#2866796
In response to Brickwhite
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association |
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 vet65b
"14th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 731
Loc: Placitas, NM
Reg: 02-09-06
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02-16-24 06:22 PM - Post#2866956
In response to Kiwi65Impala
KiWi65impala,
The first new car I ever bought was a'65 Impala SS, 327, 4-speed no power equipment. I found I could not run 80 mph on the interstate for more than 15 minutes because the temp gauge was slowly headed for the red zone.
I now have a '65 SS, 331 ci, air, brakes and steering. The stock radiator would act same as my original when driven at speed on NM highways.
Have you noticed that the 1966 SB rad has the inlet offset to the left top instead of the right? When a changed my rad I specified a 1966 rad. End of problems! Let us know what works for you. Bill
Bill Wilhelm
1965 Impala SS
1966 Corvette, ordered for my 23rd. birthday |
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 65OldSchool
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 33
Loc: Western Washington
Reg: 10-27-20
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02-17-24 12:54 AM - Post#2866962
In response to vet65b
I have a '65 with a 396. When I had my radiator rebuilt, the shop recommended, and installed, a crossover pipe that offset the upper inlet from the lower outlet. This creates a diagonal flow through the entire radiator instead of the factory vertical style with inlet above the outlet, utilizing only half of the radiator. (could be why Chevy changed in '66). The new crossover config lowered my engine temp by 15-20 degrees.
Bart
1965 SS 396 4-Speed
Tuxedo Black |
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Kiwi65Impala
Newbie
Posts: 5
Reg: 11-20-23
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02-17-24 01:11 AM - Post#2866963
In response to Magnetocheck
Thanks for your advice. Yes an aluminium cross-over type radiator is on order and the way to go I’m thinking.
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Kiwi65Impala
Newbie
Posts: 5
Reg: 11-20-23
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02-17-24 01:15 AM - Post#2866964
In response to Brickwhite
That looks like a great radiator. I’m also going with a separate auto transmission radiator as well for reliability. Thanks everyone for your input.
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Geo76Impala
Newbie
Posts: 18
Loc: Guelph, Ontario
Reg: 07-24-23
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02-22-24 10:06 AM - Post#2867127
In response to Kiwi65Impala
I’m not sure an aluminum radiator is a best match for something’s which uses conventional coolant in a cast iron block.
Dissimilar metals can corrode unless coolant is upgraded to something compatible with aluminum.
If it were me I’d stick with conventional copper based radiator.
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DHMelton
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 365
Loc: Central Arizona
Reg: 04-10-22
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02-22-24 10:21 AM - Post#2867128
In response to Geo76Impala
Many Corvette radiators were aluminum from ~1960 until at least 1972 , with iron blocks.
Doug
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Geo76Impala
Newbie
Posts: 18
Loc: Guelph, Ontario
Reg: 07-24-23
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02-22-24 10:46 AM - Post#2867129
In response to DHMelton
Were any special precautions made so Corvettes could run with aluminum radiators then? The interaction between different metals running heated liquid is a very real concern and the radiation would be the first thing to give way.
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rick1965
Contributor
Posts: 141
Loc: joliet ill
Reg: 12-07-16
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02-22-24 11:19 AM - Post#2867131
In response to Geo76Impala
so long as your using the 50/50 premix made with distilled water, there isnt a problem. i replaced my copper core when it crapped out with an aluminum unit 11 years ago, almost half the price of a new core, no problems so far.
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DHMelton
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 365
Loc: Central Arizona
Reg: 04-10-22
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02-22-24 02:03 PM - Post#2867136
In response to Geo76Impala
No special precautions.
The rads on those cars are rubber isolated , so you don't get flex cracks in the rad, But the aluminum expansion tank is bolted hard to the iron motor exh manifold and it doesn't have issues.
Doug
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