looking for KKS radiator reviews

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str12-340

str12-340

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I'm looking for a radiator for my 70 Dart with small block and saw KSS offers one (KKS 526) for less than $200 delivered. It's aluminum 3 row with factory looking top tank. It comes with a lifetime guarantee. I am looking for folks who have actually had their radiators in their car regarding quality, function and fit, including the fit for the factory fan shroud.

Thanks for the help!
 
My question would be where are they manufactured? A lot of the junk from overseas may have a lifetime warranty & you spend a lifetime changing it out. Remember Autozone's lifetime warranty starters, alternators & such? I think I would investigate Cold Case (a vendor on this site), Griffin & other manufacturers just to be on the safe side.
 
I like my Cold Case Radiator, FABO price was very reasonable, with shipping included. You have to tell them that you are a member.
# mop756A. That's for a '69 cast iron pump.
Yours may be different, depending on the year. Remember, the '69 pump is 3/4" shorter than the aluminum , and the inlet is on the drivers side. Using the Hayden 2947 fan clutch. I also painted my radiator with a heat disapating flat black paint. Engine is 418 cu in.

20201101_121846.jpg
 
Just reading their website and they speak in the third person and their english is not no so good. No information on where they are made anywhere...
 
Sorry- ely, it's difficult to get anything that isn't made there, but it shouldn't cost $900+ for one here either.
 
HemiSSDart said:
Just reading their website and they speak in the third person and their english is not no so good. No information on where they are made anywhere...
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That could only mean one thing, its either made in Florida or the Midwest.

J.
 
So, seriously, as far as I'm concerned the proof is in the pudding no matter where something is made. I'm looking for a reply that goes something like, " I've had a KKS radiator in my Duster for X years, drove it all the way to the tip of South America and back and it was (pick one) Great/ Blew apart in the Andes/ wouldn't keep the engine cool in traffic...
 
Sorry, gave you my set up. Sorry that it isn't KKS. Went through this same deal last year, Cold Case Radiator is where I ended up.
Good luck!
 
str12-340, keep on keeping on. Obviously you aren't open to others opinions on possible other products that may serve you well.
 
FWIW, I don’t see anywhere on the Cold Case site that their radiators are made in USA.

I do like the top tank on Cruze418’s radiator much more than the welded sheet aluminum style.

I thought there was another aluminum radiator company that has tops that look even more factory. But appearance doesn’t seem like a concern or requirement of the OP.

Does the Cold Case radiator have brackets for a factory fan shroud?
 
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ok so I was just looking at the specs. It has a 2" core and is a 3 row. So at 2" divided by 3 rows gives you .66" per row before you consider ligaments between the rows. So lets say the ligaments take up roughly .5" total between the rows, that leaves you with 1.5" total or .5" per row. That doesn't seem like alot to me. The cold case has 2 rows at 1.25" per row for a total of 2.5" of cooling surface although the core is 3" thick. A definate consideration. The KKS does have a lifetime warranty...pretty good...but will it give you the cooling you want? Maybe if you have a stock engine with no modifications. Lots of other factors to consider too. Just food for thought.
I wish I could help you more but I've not seen anyone using these and I'm certainly no expert. Smarter folks will chime in. Good luck.

Item specifics
Condition: New Outlet Diameter: 1 3/4in.Passenger Side
Vehicles fitment 1:: 1971-1972 PLYMOUTH VALIANT V8 ENGINES Core Height: 17"
Vehicles fitment 2:: 1970-1972 DODGE DART V8 ENGINES Row Count: 3 Rows
Transmission Oil Cooler: Yes Style: Downflow
Other Part Number: KKS526,CC526,CU526,DPI526 Custom Bundle: Yes
Brand:
KKS Motor Sports
Interchange Part Number: CC526,CU526, DPI526
Fitment Type: Direct Replacement Material: Aluminum
Overall Size: 22 5/8" H x 25" W x 2 3/8" T Type: Radiator
Core Size: 17" H x 22" W x 2 1/5" Thick Color:
POLISHED
Inlet Diameter: 1 1/2in.Driver Side Manufacturer Part Number:
KKS526
Warranty: Lifetime Core Length: 22"
Mounting Hardware Included: No Core Thickness: 2"
Bundle Description: RADIATOR CAP INCLUDED Vehicles fitment:: 1971-1972 PLYMOUTH DUSTER V8 ENGINES
 
str12-340 said:
So, seriously, as far as I'm concerned the proof is in the pudding no matter where something is made. I'm looking for a reply that goes something like, " I've had a KKS radiator in my Duster for X years, drove it all the way to the tip of South America and back and it was (pick one) Great/ Blew apart in the Andes/ wouldn't keep the engine cool in traffic...
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Sorry, never heard of KKS before this post, but I have had nothing but bad luck with any aluminum radiator and stick to factory style materials for the older cars. Good luck!
 
Some feedback
kks radiator vs champion

an actual KKS customer:
KKS radiator?

this street aluminum radiator market is a unique. There’s a lot of Internet and EBay stores and “brands” that are “ship direct” where seller never or seldom warehouses the item. A lot of those radiators are made by same place and some private labeled through same place.

9 years ago, I bought a bottom of the market (at that time) Champion 4 row for my stroker 416.

It’s functioned fine with no leaks since.

But... the bracket holes needed massaging, the upper hose location was not right and it, the whole radiator was twisted a little, and it didn’t take a factory shroud. I had to fix all that. Since then that company (and most others) have somewhat fixed those issues. Except now they offer electric fan with shroud (no thanks)
 
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3 row copper brass is OEM for Mopar. 3 row aluminum is NOT the same as 3 row copper/brass. Not so good.

Also, these ebay and Amazon no name brands have not done any of the research to make sure they fit properly. In many cases, you can't install the factory shroud on the radiator.

If anyone is considering a radiator like this, shoot me a PM and I'll give you a special forum price that will make the decision a lot easier. :)
 
OK so I guess this is as good a place as any to provide some feedback on the KKS radiators. I am not an expert on radiator design/construction, so any inputs are appreciated. Fitment was excellent. The welds all looked really nice as well as the overall construction. The radiator worked fine with my 340 but I only used it for a couple of months lite duty around town before I shut it all down to restore the body. Overall, I was really impressed with the value and overall quality.

I installed this unit about 4 years ago and used it for about two months as I said above. Then the car sat for about 3 years during body restoration. I started it up today for the first time and its leaking from the top and bottom (see pic of the top leak). The top leaking area had plastic wrap in it that was used I guess for shipping. It's strange that the leak is from there. The area its leaking is not a welded area, and I am not sure how its constructed, but the failure is the same type on the bottom as it is on the top.

Apparently, the radiators have a lifetime warranty but when I called KKSMotorsports the phone number is no longer good. No I just called and then sent an email. I am hoping to hear back since their website is a good active website that is actually well done. So, I am not really sure what to say at this point but will let you guys know how this goes......

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IMG_2197.jpg
 
Even though Cold Case is an advertiser here, I'll never use them. I tried posting on this site, tried the website, the phone number to no avail. They claimed on this site to want to support us, but I don't see it. I went to another manufacturer and bought their radiator. If Cold Case doesn't want business, I think they should be taken off of the site.
 
340inabbody said:
OK so I guess this is as good a place as any to provide some feedback on the KKS radiators. I am not an expert on radiator design/construction, so any inputs are appreciated. Fitment was excellent. The welds all looked really nice as well as the overall construction. The radiator worked fine with my 340 but I only used it for a couple of months lite duty around town before I shut it all down to restore the body. Overall, I was really impressed with the value and overall quality.

I installed this unit about 4 years ago and used it for about two months as I said above. Then the car sat for about 3 years during body restoration. I started it up today for the first time and its leaking from the top and bottom (see pic of the top leak). The top leaking area had plastic wrap in it that was used I guess for shipping. It's strange that the leak is from there. The area its leaking is not a welded area, and I am not sure how its constructed, but the failure is the same type on the bottom as it is on the top.

Apparently, the radiators have a lifetime warranty but when I called KKSMotorsports the phone number is no longer good. No I just called and then sent an email. I am hoping to hear back since their website is a good active website that is actually well done. So, I am not really sure what to say at this point but will let you guys know how this goes......

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Generally, the KKS radiator is one of the better imported Ebay brands. However, the two big issues I have with that brand is 3 row aluminum is not ideal (although it seemed to cool your car fine) and 2. I highly doubt they are going to replace that unit for you after this much time has passed. Cold Case has a lifetime warranty.
 
Demonracer said:
Even though Cold Case is an advertiser here, I'll never use them. I tried posting on this site, tried the website, the phone number to no avail. They claimed on this site to want to support us, but I don't see it. I went to another manufacturer and bought their radiator. If Cold Case doesn't want business, I think they should be taken off of the site.
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Sorry to hear you are so upset you want us removed from the community. Going back 2 years in my messages and I don't see anything from you. I've personally provided technical information in dozens of topics on this forum. I've also successfully given dozens of members special pricing on radiators. Not even close to breaking even for how much we spend to be an advertiser but the goal was to support the Mopar community and gain your trust. I guess it kind of back fired with you. Any reason why you wouldn't reach out to us here on the forums where we're advertising?
 
I reached out to you, if you read my post. I waited over 2 months for someone to get back to me. My time was up, big bracket race coming up and didn't have anymore time to waste. This is the first post I've seen from you in over a year, I'm on this site multiple times each and everyday for the past 14+ years. Look at my profile to see what all I've post in, or to.
 
I have had zero issues to date with my Cold Case radiator, 3 years now. Bought it through or on this site. OEM radiator shroud fit perfectly, no issues installing radiator either. No mods to make it fit.
 
CRUZE 418 said:
I have had zero issues to date with my Cold Case radiator, 3 years now. Bought it through or on this site. OEM radiator shroud fit perfectly, no issues installing radiator either. No mods to make it fit.
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I recently pm’d @Ccas hopefully Ill hear back about what Coldcase offers ffor my 1970 Bbody. Really need a solution to my failed radiator. KKS might be out of business.
 
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