69-72 350 4spd w/AC or LT1 Aluminum Radiator
Aluminum radiator, better cooling, US made, cheaper than a comparable copper & brass radiator? Could it be possible - is there finally a better cooling solution for your 1968-1982 Corvette?
Zip Corvette Parts has contracted with one of our premium radiator suppliers to produce a replacement radiator for C3 Corvettes that originally came with a factory installed copper/brass radiator. But without the price tag normally associated with custom built aluminum radiators.
These radiators are US made, yes, completely manufactured and assembled right here in the United States. Along with that comes the quality that you would expect from a company that takes pride in turning out Corvette radiators. Each radiator begins life as an aluminum core with two 1" wide cooling tubes. This configuration more than doubles the cooling capacity by increasing the "tube to fin" contact area. This can only be achieved with an aluminum radiator since the aluminum material does not dramatically affect the radiators weight. Tanks are press formed and inlet/outlets are correctly configured for a drop-in installation. Each core is then brazed in a controlled atmosphere furnace; which eliminates the need for epoxy, ensuring leak-free, trouble-free service for many years to come.
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.
Zip is pleased to offer these high-quality aluminum radiators for all C3 Corvettes. Specifically designed for 1969-1972 350 4-speed with air condition or 1970-1972 LT1 Corvette. This radiator does not have an integrated transmission cooler. Don't settle for copper/brass replacements when your Corvette could benefit from the advantages of an aluminum radiator.
To maintain your Corvette's originality - paint your new aluminum radiator black for an OEM finish or consider Zip's "Black Ice" version item # RA-347 for our replacement radiator with an OE style black epoxy coating.
Aluminum radiators used without an adequate proportion of premium quality antifreeze coolant and distilled water will shorten the life of your Corvette's cooling system. A correct proportion of quality coolant, which contains aluminum corrosion inhibitors in the formula and distilled water should always be used. All Corvette cooling systems must include a radiator pressure cap with the proper pressure rating.
SKU | RA-230 |
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Generation | C3 |
Model Year | 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 |
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