This is what I have so far for Champion Radiator
In 1975 when the Monza was introduced only the 2+2 hatchback was available. This is the 4
headlight 2+2 euro looking rubber nose car. Originally the car was meant to be the showcase for
GM's rotary engine. Ed Cole was the head of GM and he viewed the rotary engine as the engine
of the future. To keep the rotors seals lubricated GM was planning on injecting oil with the fuel
into the motor. Normal oil consumption was to be a quart per 1000 miles. When the EPA came out
with its emissions regulations for 1975 the engine couldn't meet the standard. Also mileage
wasn't the greatest either which became an issue after the first oil embargo. The rotary engine
got postponed and when Ed Cole retired the program was scrapped.
The Monza was based on a modified Vega chassis. The last minute solution for a powertrain
was to use the Vega 4cyl as the base motor and an optional 262cu small block. I guess GM was
reasoning that a small v8 would equal better mileage and emissions. The small bore used in the
engine caused the valves to be shrouded. Fuel entering the engine instead of swirling into the
cylinder would hit the cylinder wall and fall out of suspension. Mileage sucked and the engine
while meeting federal emissions did not meet California emissions. In 1975 if you ordered a
Monza with a v8 in California you got a 350 2 barrel and an automatic. For 1976 GM developed
the 305 which was phased in nationwide. Also Buick had the Skyhawk and Oldsmobile had the
Starfire. Both had the new v6 (which was a cast iron engine based off the aluminum v8 (minus 2
cylinders) that GM was using in the 60's). Pontiac did not come out with the Sunbird until 1976.
the Sunbird was available in a coupe or hatchback. In mid 1975 the Monza was available as a
coupe with metal bumpers and different nose.
If not confusing enough when the Vega was dropped from the lineup abruptly after 1977, GM
was left with an inventory of unfinished bodies and parts. The Vega hatchback was given a
slightly different nose and renamed the Monza S. the Vega wagon was given the same front end
treatment and remaned the Monza wagon. Pontiac Sunbird was also available around 1978 as a
wagon. These are just renamed Vega's but a v6 was available engine, something that never came
in a Vega. These cars never got the redesigned radiator core support for the larger Monza
radiator. With regard to radiators The Monza S and Monza/Sunbird wagon use the same radiator
as a vega. I will address these cars separately later.
When I refer to Monza I am I am referring to the Monza, Skyhawk, Starfire and Sunbird
excluding the Monza S and Monza/Sunbird wagon. 4cyl cars got a narrower core. I believe you
make a replacement for this radiator. The v6 and v8 got the wider core and were available in 2
and 3 row. The v6 radiator had the neck coming straight out towards the engine. The v8 ( to
clear the power steering pump pulley) had a curved neck.
Factory part manuals do not show a heavy duty cooling option for a v6 or v8. There was a
heavy duty cooling option for the 4cyl. I know I have 2 row and 3 row radiators using stock
tanks. I do not have them in front of me but I believe the 2 row has wider rows. The 3 row I
believe is overall wider and may add additional cooling capacity. This may have a been a Gm or
aftermarket design change to address the cooling problems with a v8 - they always seem to run
hot. Im my opinion there just isn't enough room in the engine compartment for the air to move
around the engine. I have spoken with a few people that have done ls engine swaps using stock
radiators and none have had any cooling issues.
These are the dimensions for replacement radiators that are no longer manufactured by spectra
premium
cu533 - straight neck
(v6 radiator can be used with a v8 without power steering or without aftermaket alternator
mounting system positioning alternator on driver side - factory v8 alternator mounting is to
passenger side or on top center with ac)
Core Material: Copper
Tank Material: Brass
Flow Type: Crossflow
Row No.: 3
Core Height: 20 3/8 (width?)
Core Width: 14 5/8 (height?)
Core Depth: 1 1/2
Tube No.: 0
Tube Size: 0,375
Fin Length: 0,5000
Fin Per Inch: 15
Inlet Header: 2 3/4 x 16 1/2
Outlet Header: 2 3/4 x 16 1/2
Inlet: 1 1/2
Outlet: 1 1/2
EOC: None
TOC: 8 1/2 ( Concentric )
Mounting: Saddle Mount
cu467 - curved neck
(v8 with power steering has curved neck need for factory power steering or other drivers side
mounted accessory)
Core Material: Copper
Tank Material: Brass
Flow Type: Crossflow
Row No.: 2
Core Height: 20 3/8 (width?)
Core Width: 14 5/8 (height?)
Core Depth: 1 1/4
Tube No.: 0
Tube Size: 0,500
Fin Per Inch: 14
Inlet Header: 2 3/4 x 16 1/2
Outlet Header: 2 3/4 x 16 1/2
Inlet: 1 1/2
Outlet: 1 1/2
EOC: None
TOC: 8 1/2 ( Concentric )
Mounting: Top/Bottom Cradle
cu462
( 4cyl application) - I believe you already sell a replacement for this radiator
Construction: Brass Tank/Copper Core
Core Width (In): 12 Inch
Core Height (In): 14-3/8 Inch
Core Depth (In): 1 Inch
Number Of Rows: 2
Inlet Hose Diameter (In): 1-1/4 Inch
Outlet Hose Diameter (In): 1-1/2 Inch
Inlet Hose Diameter (mm): 31.75mm
Mount Type: Saddle
Engine Oil Cooler Included: No
Transmission Oil Cooler Included: Yes
I believe you already sell a replacement for the 4cyl monza radiator so I am not going to
address it. I see radiatrs on ebay labeled silla but they are fabricated like yours?
There is a need for the curved neck v8 radiator and the straight neck v6 radiator. Presently
there is no viable option for a direct replacement. You would have the market covered - albeit it
is a small market as most of the cars have been crushed. But at the price point of your radiators
even people looking for a stock replacement would likely buy your radiator. Griffin is the only
firm to offer a direct replacement but it is in the $550 - $650 range.
The drivers side tank on the v6/v8 radiator is narrower at the bottom to clear the frame rail.
A coolant level temperature is on the passenger side tank approximately halfway down.
In my opinion the nipple for the overflow should angle 45 degrees toward the passenger side.
Some cars have the coolant recovery tank on the passenger side. Other cars have the coolant
recovery tank on the drivers side and a hose loops over the top of the radiator hold down.
I noticed that there are different factory part numbers for cars with the 2+2 rubber euro style
front end and the later metal bumper front end. The 2+2 was the original design offered with a v8.
When the Monza coupe was introduce it had metal bumpers and a redesign front fascia. I believe
the hoodline is slightly lower in the area of the upper radiator hose on the coupe. As a result, the
neck is curved slightly more downward for clearance. There would not be a need for two
different part numbers just make them all like the coupe version as it will still fit the 2+2
hatchback.
I can say that there is very little clearance around the factory end tanks. With the fabricated
tanks you are using, if you make the tanks the same width as the stock tanks there will likely be
interference due to the squared off edges. Make the tanks slightly narrower or slightly \_/
shaped.
A drain cock should be on the bottom of the passenger side tank. Would a transmission cooler
be included?
here are some links to check out
griffin radiators
http://www.v8monza.com/catalog/scripts/ ... iators.htmstock radiator text indicates it is from a coupe ( click on faq to left then scroll down)
http://v8monza.com/