[*67firebird*]

im looking at getting a aluminum radiator, but im also only 18 yrs old and cant afford a be cool, or harrison, or griffin, so give me a break on this one fellas, im comparing an aluminum with dimension 23x17x2 (small) running at $247 @ autozone without the "hook up" from a friends working there, vs a OE radiator 23x19x 2 3/4 ;3 core which runs near $200-$250 without "hook up". Which would keep my temps lower? the bigger and steal one, or a small aluminum radiator? Thanks for any info. Osvaldo

trying to loose a couple pounds by going with aluminum.

[Brian '74]

An aluminum radiator will dissipate heat better than a stock type. Summit racing sells an inexspensive aluminum radiator. I think it is arounf $159

[*67firebird*]

thanks a lot Brian, im about to order one for $169, dimensions are 30.875x19x2.875, im kinda worried about it fiitting without banging the horn relay on my firebird, but im sure a buddy can make me, help me out with some customs brackets, do you know anyone one with these radiators ? i wouldlike to get some feed back. thanks, save me about $100 for a 2802. Osvaldo

[jal]

Osvaldo,
I'd be very careful with the radiator dimensions that you're looking at.
"30.875x19x2.875".

I have a 69 FB that, that 31 inch radiator would be too long.
I wouldn't be able to get it between the inner wheel wells properly or, bolted to the core support correctly.
Also, I believe my core support opening (the core of the radiator) only measures 22"x18".
I'm not sure of the differences between your year and, my year Firebird but, it may be worth double checking before you own something that you can't use.

~jal

[*67firebird*]

yes, jal my opening is about the same size,but im curious to why it wouldnt fit? I pretty sure i can slide it in front of the radiator without any hassle, its just that the mounts will have to be changed cause there is no way it will be mounted to the stock 29" radiator mounts. would i have to cut open the rad support opening? the other radiator has a overall dimension of 27.5, which seems pretty small isnt it? its a 27.5x19x3. any tips?

[jal]

Again,
I'm not sure about your year vs. my year FB. I bought a nice aluminum rad over the winter and, just got it fitted and installed last night.
I had to cut about a 1/2" (length wise) off of the bottom 3 inches of the left side mounting bracket to get it to bolt flat against the core support. I also had to file a few places to clear the core support mount point to the sub-frame.
Where the core support bolts to the front sub-frame (bushing) is where I had an issue with my rad.
The rad is about 2 inches longer than the stock one.
Mine measures 28" in total length, including the mounting bracket that is welded to the tanks.
I'm just trying to help so you don't make a mistake. I would just use the old carpenters rule.... Measure twice, cut once....
Just take your time and look at everything in reference to where the rad is being placed and, make as many measurements as you feel you need.
If your sure your okay, go for it.

~jal

[*67firebird*]

of course
heres apicture of this block it is 30 5/8 and as u can see where the front frame bushing there is some space available its the same place i was wondering about. what do u say?
is your radiator right next to the support or is there like a little gap 1/2 inch - 1 inch or so?

[Geoff]

67,
If you get an alum radiator, make sure that is all-welded or brazed construction; not epoxied, as some cheaper ones are.
If the fit is not perfect in the opening, make sure you seal all the gaps so that the air is forced through the core, not through the gaps. Same deal with the shroud; make sure all the gaps between the shroud & rad are sealed.

[*67firebird*]

thanks for the tip, i think if i buy it im gonna make the opening bigger then come up with something to seal it up,

Does anyone out there know if a 31" radiator will fit in a 67 firebird, need to make purchase by tonight, everday i wait is another day added to the ship day, its already pn back order till 5/6 so any help is appreciated. Osvaldo

heres some photos of what im dealing with , i made a 31.175x19 carboard box. as you can see the clearance seems to be perfect between the bushings, two concearn though, the relay would not allow for proper mounting, but im sure it can be moved, and the support opening would need to be cut, would that be an issue as far as strenght, would it collapse? Osvaldo thanks for any help, suggestions
the pictures may look like its touching the subframe bushings but its not.

[Brian '74]

I'm not sure it will fit. I just compared a 68 Firebird rad to a 74 Ventura and the 68 is 4" narrower. I know my 74 will take a 31" rad, but I doubt the Firebrid will.

[*67firebird*]

Brian, do you suggest going with a 27.5 x 19 x 3? its smaller in length but like 1/4 thicker than an original, i doubt it will make much of a difference but u say it will dissipate heat better so it will be better with a significant difference right?

[Brian '74]

I'll get you an exact measurement in the morning. I just compared teh to back to back.

[*67firebird*]

alright thanks Brian.

[jal]

osvaldo,
okay, I made a mistake on my information.
My rad measures 31.5" from each end of the mounting brackets.
I'm including some pics so you can see how mine fits.
Sorry for the mis-information.
You'll see how the driver side needed to be modified a little around the core support mounting bracket to the frame. There is more room on the right side.
Hope this helps,

~jal

[suprchikn]

I have a griffin which is 31" outside of tank to outside of tank in my 68 bird. I made my own brackets. It will fit your car but it is bigger than necessary. core is 3 inches wider than opening. gaps are not sealed at all and it cools perfectly.
Ray

[Ron H]

Did you buy a rad? As far as I know there is 2 different core supports. I have the larger one that the bolt hole center spacing is 31" .The smaller has a bolt hole center spacing of 27.5" . This is across the rad hole on the core support.

[*67firebird*]

Ron, are you saying your firebird came with a GM (non worked) core support that had an opening of 31" and could maount a 31" radiator? if so, wherer could i get one?

[Ron H]

I made a mistake. The actual hole center on my 68 core support is 29.5". The smaller core support has a hole center of 27.5". You need to measure the hole center on your core support to determine which one you have.

[*67firebird*]

well after about of month of contemplating i went with the AFCO aluminum radiator. 30x18.5x3.0 hopefully it does the job for my firebird its on back order tilll 6/12 so ill post some pics, ill prob take out my engine in the mean time and paint the engine bay, and install the intake at the same time. Osvaldo

[*67firebird*]

well just to bring old flames alive again and because i cant wait, my new alum afco radiaitor is coming in tomm. post some pics a soon as it gets in then i will instlall it.