97-04 6-Spd Direct Fit Aluminum Radiator & Support Cradle Combo
This item does not qualify for promotional discounts or wholesale pricing.
Freshen up your C5 Corvette by bundling a Dewitts Direct Fit Radiator with one of Zip's reproduction support cradles.
For a stock C5, the factory radiator does its job very well, but as soon as modifications come into play cooling needs to be addressed. This radiator is a direct replacement for Corvettes that do not require the added benefit of a built-in engine oil cooler (EOC). Fits all 1997-2004 Corvettes with 6-speed transmissions.
Direct Fit radiators are designed to bolt right in - no ifs, ands or buts. Every Direct Fit radiator is made in the USA and begins life as a double row core furnace brazed for strength and accuracy. Press formed tanks are meticulously TIG welded by real craftsman to ensure leak-free performance and knockout looks. The entire radiator is epoxy free. This design eliminates failures due to cracked plastic end tanks and/or gasket leaks and improves horsepower through better cooling efficiencies. Made in USA.
Are two rows really better than three or four? In the era of copper and brass radiators, more rows meant better cooling due to increased surface area. However, with aluminum radiators, the game has changed. Engineers found that reducing fin height and using wider tubes increased tube-to-fin contact, enhancing performance while cutting weight. The U.S. standard for performance aluminum radiators is 1" wide tubes, while imported radiators often use smaller 16mm tubes. This means a 2-row aluminum radiator with 1" tubes offers better cooling than a 3-row imported design. When researching, focus on tube width for a clearer picture of efficiency and origin.
Dewitts Direct Fit aluminum radiators are warrantied to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the Corvette in which it was originally installed. This warranty is extended only to the first retail purchaser of any such radiator. Proof of purchase must be provided in the way of a sale receipt from DRI or an authorized dealer. If the radiator is used in any racing application this warranty is considered null and void.
Radiators used without an adequate proportion of premium quality antifreeze coolant and distilled water are not covered by this warranty. DRI radiators require a correct proportion of quality coolant, which contains aluminum corrosion inhibitors in the formula and distilled water. All Corvette cooling systems must include a radiator pressure cap with the proper pressure rating. Distilled water and premium antifreeze must be used with all Corvette aluminum radiators!
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Damage to the C5 Corvette front skid plate & radiator support cradle is a very common problem. They are very susceptible to dents, cracks, and scrapes from running into parking lot stops and curbs. If the damage is serious enough your C5 Corvettes radiator could be dislodged, creating havoc with cooling issues. If you have had a front end collision then you certainly must replace this item when rebuilding your Corvette's front end.
Our new reproduction 1997-2004 Corvette front skid plate & radiator support cradle bolts to the front frame extensions allowing you to return your C5 Corvette to its factory condition. Features steel tube construction, professional welds and mounts.
Each skid plate & cradle includes the correct small and large hex head rivet nuts for installing to your Corvettes frame assembly. These hex head nuts are typically only available through GM where you will pay approximately $7 a nut. Without these nuts you would have to install a generic round head nut that requires a special tool to install. The correct nuts are included with a new support cradle or separately if needed.
Dewitt Item Number 32-1139097M // Zip Item Number M-3886
SKU | RA-354 |
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Generation | C5 |
Model Year | 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 |
Dewitt
Based in Michigan, DeWitts Radiator is the only aftermarket radiator manufacturer in the US which owns an aluminum Nocolok blazing furnace. With a twelve-person crew, DeWitts builds custom and direct fit radiators for 1955-present Corvettes from start to finish at their Howell, MI plant. No epoxy is used in the making of their radiators, and their construction methods eliminate seams and possible leak points. Their Lifetime Warranty is industry leading, and Zip only recommends DeWitts Radiators to our customers.