When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just noticed that the bottom of my radiator seems to be leaking. My truck is a 1978 F150, 351M/400, Automatic. Not sure what radiator would be a direct replacement or what possible upgrade options I have (and what other parts I would need to do that). On a side note, I noticed that the lines going to and from the transmission cooler portion of the radiator were cold to the touch, clogged maybe?
Here are some pictures of my current radiator with transmission cooler:
If originality is important I'd either recore it or get a copper replacement. neither is cheap.
if you just want it to work there are 100 options in aftermarket radiators. the aluminum/plastic ones are the cheapest and they work fine. they're all imported so I'm not sure one is much better than the other.
This is what I used for a better than stock replacement for my copper one. Everything bolted right up even used the stock shroud just had to drill two holes on the side mounts for the shroud to bolt at the top. Runs cooler than stock between half and 1/4 gauge. Heat will run you out of the cab and the shiny factor doesn’t hurt either
I have had a Champion 3 core with my 400 for about 5 years, couldn’t be happier. I don’t have a trans cooler. You can call them and they will build it how you want
I have had a Champion 3 core with my 400 for about 5 years, couldn’t be happier. I don’t have a trans cooler. You can call them and they will build it how you want
I bought one about a year ago. When I called Champion I asked for a radiator without a trans cooler. The rep told me that all their radiators have them now.
Sounds to me like you missed the part where I asked what upgrade options there were out there.
Anyways,I will be looking into a Champion radiator. Not much more expensive than the plastic+aluminum ones they carry in the parts stores and sounds like an upgrade over direct-replacement.
Sounds to me like you missed the part where I asked what upgrade options there were out there.
Anyways,I will be looking into a Champion radiator. Not much more expensive than the plastic+aluminum ones they carry in the parts stores and sounds like an upgrade over direct-replacement.
The champion radiators are direct replacements. No modifications needed. I have probably used 30 or 40 of them so far in various vehicles and no issues. If you don't need the transmission cooler just leave it plugged.
My brothers and I all have Champions, no issues x3. Before they started making the larger core sized ones to replace the "Super cooler", I ordered a Ebay special one. It came with a warp made into it. Middle brother ordered an aluminum elsewhere before his Champion, quality was crap. Looked like a blind two year old welded it with his feet, and he warrantied it immediately for a leak. Avoid the cheapo specials.
Trying to get a radiator for a 79 F350. To fix mine is $800-$900,prices from 3 different shops across the state. The new Jeg's has a Champion 4 row (part # 166-mc-433 for 68-79 F-series trucks) for $342. Always thought fixing the original was the way to go but after hearing every one say positive things about the 3 row I am not sure what to do.
Trying to get a radiator for a 79 F350. To fix mine is $800-$900,prices from 3 different shops across the state. The new Jeg's has a Champion 4 row (part # 166-mc-433 for 68-79 F-series trucks) for $342. Always thought fixing the original was the way to go but after hearing every one say positive things about the 3 row I am not sure what to do.
You can get a better price search a little more. I paid 289.00 delivered on my 4 core Champion.
Need Replacement Radiator– Which one?
