When I had the engine in my '53 3100 restored 4 years ago the mechanic replaced the copper/brass radiator with an aluminum one. I asked him why he used aluminum as I wanted to keep it close to stock and he said because aluminum was better. Now I'd like to go back to copper/brass and I need some help getting the correct radiator. My engine is a 261 and the radiator in it is a Champion with 3 rows of tubes and measures 19-3/4 x 25-1/2 x 2-5/8.

My questions: 1) is it a mistake to replace the aluminum radiator? 2) How do I choose the size of the replacement? If I search by my model year the radiators are designed for the original 216. Should I just find one the same size as I have? It seems a bit tall.

Thanks for your help!

~Denny
1953 Chevy 3100
w/1960 261 cid, 848 head | Weber 32/36 progressive 2 barrel carb. | Three on the tree & 3:55 torque tube | 12 V w/Gener-Nator & 6 V starter
In the Gallery Forum
1998 Chevy Suburban 350 ci awd/4wd