Another v6 aluminum radiator option

I thought someone might benefit from my recent :v6: radiator replacement in my 69 CJ5. I installed an American Eagle aluminum radiator, AE2374, http://www.championradiators.com/product/AE2374. It is a 2 core, 1" tube, 22" wide core for up to 550 hp, cost me $185 including shipping. It fits an early 70's Dodge Charger small block. Champion makes comparable models, EC2374 (2 core) and CC2374 (3 core). It fits comfortably into the existing grill with very little modification. I had to drill four holes in the straps to match up with the existing holes in my grill flanges and I had to grind a little bit off of the straps at the top where the grill support rods attach to the grill.

Because this model is thicker than the original radiator, I had to remove my 1/2" fan spacer. I could probably have left it on, but was concerned the fan was too close to the radiator. The Champion EC2374 isn't as thick and would have allowed me to keep the fan spacer. I would have ordered this model, but it was on a 1 month back order. I decided the extra cooling capacity of the AE2374 was also attractive.

I purchased a longer 1 1/2" upper radiator hose to reach the radiator inlet which is on the driver side. The lower radiator outlet is 1 3/4", so it required searching through the radiator hoses at the FLAPS to find a 1 3/4" hose with a similar shape as the original. The water pump has a 1 1/2" inlet, so I purchased a rubber sleeve designed to reduce the 1 3/4" hose to 1 1/2".

So far, my operating temperatures seem to be hovering around 160 on my temperature gauge, but I haven't had the chance to take it on a long drive.

 

here is another option for an aluminum radiator http://www.genesisautoparts.com/ i put one in my 91 suburban and it cost me $150. im going to order another from them for the CJ5

 

Thanks for the info. I have sort of been looking around for a new radiator for a while and I really like how that fits!

 

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Thanks for the post I have been trying to find a new radiator for my 1971 CJ5 225. I am going to double check a few measurements tomorrow before I order. One thing I did want to make a small mention of. Chances are it will never be an issue. I owned a 1970 Ford F350 motorhome with a rubber sleeve on the radiator hose to radiator and if blew off one time in the middle of the summer.

 

Mine also hovers around 160-170 with a Champion radiator. They're a really good value IMO. Nice looking engine bay.

 

That's the one I put in my CJ. ALL22410X0259-2AA for a 65 Mustang. $138.68. I like it, but I think I like yours better Billywam.

 

I've been happy with the radiator. My only negative was having to remove the fan spacer. Without the spacer, the fan ends up pretty close to the vacuum advance hose. But this is largely because the position of my distributer points the vacuum advance towards the fan. I have read on these forums that I can reinstall the distributer and point it in a better position. But, I have to admit I am a little intimidated doing so because I don't want to screw it up!


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You don't happen to remember what the number for your lower rad hose was do you ? or what it fit ?
Thanks

 

I don't have the model or part number for the hose. I took the original hose with me to the auto part store and they let me go in the back and find a hose that was the correct size and shape. I ended up purchasing a much longer hose that I cut to the correct length. But, it had a section that was the correct shape.

Warloch, I will have to take you up on your offer some time when I am in the area visiting my folks. They live just north of you on Elbert Road.


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Here's what I used:

Upper: Gates 22886
Lower: Gates 20242
Adapter for lower: Gates 26391

You'll also want the thermostat bypass hose Gates 20521

Sorry the pic is so huge.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...69&authkey=!AHEl4k_HjMdn1Xo&ithint=folder,jpg

 

I apologize, but I don't remember. I went to the auto part store and looked through all the different radiator hoses and just picked one that had the correct angles. I think I ended up cutting a section off of a longer hose. Good luck!

 

Looks good!