Champion Cooling CC2101 3 Row Aluminum Radiator
$284.99 price checked August 2026
If your setup requires a bracket mount and an included transmission cooler, this radiator is the right choice.
Where the Champion CC2101 Radiator Fits
The Champion Cooling CC2101 3 Row Aluminum Radiator is for drivers needing heavy-duty heat exchange for high-output engines because it features a 3 Row core and a 2 1/2 inch tank thickness.
Overheating caused by insufficient surface area can lead to immediate engine damage or a significant loss in power during heavy use. A radiator with a small core often fails to keep up with the thermal demands of high-performance cooling systems.
The Champion Cooling CC2101 3 Row Aluminum Radiator provides a solution with its 3 Row core and 2 1/2 inch tank thickness. These dimensions ensure the unit can handle significant heat loads while maintaining structural integrity under pressure.
We evaluated the other complete radiator options we compared for this category to determine the best fit for high-demand applications. This review is for the reliability-first buyer who needs to ensure their cooling system can handle sustained high-output heat.
If you drive a GM truck, see our full 3 Row Aluminum Radiator review for detailed specs.
How Carworship picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed complete radiator listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 59 qualified. This product is one of 10 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).
The Short Answer on the Champion CC2101 Radiator
Best for: you need a 3-row aluminum radiator that includes a built-in transmission cooler for a bracket-mount setup.
The Champion CC2101 Radiator is a solid choice at $284.99.
- Pro: The 3-row core provides a larger surface area for heat exchange than standard 2-row units.
- Pro: It includes a trans cooler for integrated transmission cooling.
- Pro: The 2 1/2-inch tank thickness provides structural durability.
- Con: The 1 1/4-inch inlet and 1 1/2-inch outlet diameters may not match your existing hose connections.
- Con: The 23 1/2 x 25 1/2-inch overall dimensions may cause interference with specific engine components or AC compressors.
Don’t buy this if: your radiator support does not accommodate a bracket mount or your vehicle requires a core width larger than 20 inches.
Price assessment: The $284.99 price point is fair for a 3-row aluminum unit with an included transmission cooler.
Carworship score: 6.1/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
You might also prefer looking at the CoolingSky 3 Row Radiator review for a different brand option.
The Specifications That Matter
| Core Dimensions | 18 1/2 x 20 |
| Overall Dimensions | 23 1/2 x 25 1/2 |
| Hose Connection Diameter | In-1 1/4, Out-1 1/2 |
| Core Thickness | 2 |
| Tank Thickness | 2 1/2 |
| Mounting Type | Bracket Mount |
| Trans Cooler | Included |
| Item Weight | 18.85 pounds |
The Champion CC2101 Radiator includes a trans cooler as a standard feature.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 59 products screened for this category, this one’s 3.9 rating places it #38, on 50 ratings – above the 20-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 8 of them.
Before You Buy: Champion CC2101 Radiator Checklist
The first thing to check is the orientation of the hose locations, as the Champion CC2101 Radiator features a specific In-Passenger and Out-Driver configuration.
- ☐ Confirm hose orientation — In-Passenger and Out-Driver locations must match your existing plumbing layout.
- ☐ Measure core dimensions — The 18 1/2 x 20 core must clear your engine block and fan shroud.
- ☐ Verify hose connection diameters — Ensure your hoses match the In-1 1/4 and Out-1 1/2 fittings.
- ☐ Check mounting points — Verify that the bracket mount aligns with your specific vehicle’s radiator support.
- ☐ Measure overall footprint — The 23 1/2 x 25 1/2 total size must fit within your engine bay.
You should not buy this radiator if your vehicle‘s plumbing requires a centered or opposite hose configuration, as these specific port locations are fixed.
Protect your investment by reviewing the radiator assembly warranties before you buy.
Performance: What the Specs Deliver
Integrated Transmission Cooling
The Champion CC2101 Radiator includes an integrated trans cooler to manage high-heat transmission fluids. This integrated setup provides the cooling headroom required for heavy towing or high-heat conditions without requiring a separate, secondary cooling unit in the engine bay.
Heavy Duty Tank Construction
The Champion CC2101 Radiator features a 2 1/2-inch tank thickness to handle high-pressure systems. This thickness provides the structural integrity needed to prevent leaks at the seams, a common point of failure in thinner aluminum radiators under high pressure.
Bracket Mounting System
The Champion CC2101 Radiator utilizes a bracket mount system to secure the unit to the vehicle. You must confirm your vehicle’s bracket layout matches this mounting type before ordering, as a mounting point mismatch will prevent the radiator from bolting to the frame rails.
How the Champion CC2101 Radiator Compares to Alternatives
Comparison to Similar Radiators
The Champion Cooling CC2101 Radiator provides a 3 Row core and a 20-inch core width for the same $284.99 price point as every other radiator in our comparison.
- The Champion Cooling CC2101 Radiator shares the $284.99 price point with the Champion Cooling CC7180 Radiator International Scout-Pick-Up.
- The CC5100 Radiator Chevrolet Trucks has a 20 3/4 x 19 1/4 core, while the CC2101 Radiator features an 18 1/2 x 20 core.
- The CC1165 Radiator Ford F-Series offers a larger 23 1/4 x 31 1/8 core compared to the CC2101 Radiator.
- The CC5241 Radiator Willys MB GPW CJ uses a pin mount, whereas the CC2101 Radiator uses a bracket mount.
- The MC180 Radiator Toyota Landcruiser has a 4.6 rating, which is higher than the 3.9 rating of the CC2101 Radiator.
If you require a larger surface area for a heavy-duty truck application, the CC1165 Radiator Ford F-Series is the better choice due to its larger core dimensions.
Owners of older trucks should view our comparison of the complete radiator for dodge dakota and ram.
The Champion CC2101 Radiator: Remaining Questions
Is the bracket mount on the Champion Cooling CC2101 3 Row Aluminum Radiator sturdy enough for high-pressure vibrations?
The Champion CC2101 Radiator uses a bracket mount system designed for secure positioning on the radiator support. Because mounting stability depends on your specific frame rails, you should confirm that your vehicle’s mounting points align with the 23 1/2 x 25 1/2 overall dimensions before installation.
Is the Champion Cooling CC2101 3 Row Aluminum Radiator worth the extra cost over a standard 2-row unit?
The 3-row core provides a larger surface area for heat exchange compared to standard 2-row units, which is a decisive factor for high-output engines. While the 3-row design increases the price, the 18 1/2 x 20 core dimensions provide the necessary cooling capacity for applications requiring more than basic street performance.
Does the Champion Cooling CC2101 3 Row Aluminum Radiator fit my vehicle?
Yes, the Champion CC2101 Radiator fits vehicles that can accommodate the 23 1/2 x 25 1/2 overall size and the specific hose connection diameters. You must verify that your upper and lower hoses match the In-1 1/4 and Out-1 1/2 fittings provided on the unit.
Is the Champion Cooling CC2101 3 Row Aluminum Radiator a good value?
The Champion CC2101 Radiator offers a balance of high-performance specs and a 3.9 rating from 50 buyers. At the $284.99 price point, it includes a trans cooler and a 3-row aluminum core which provides more cooling surface than entry-level options.
Understanding your needs is easier when you see different types of radiator assemblies explained.
Is the Champion CC2101 Radiator Right for You?
The Champion CC2101 Radiator suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 3 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the Champion CC2101 Radiator is for, and what it does well
Who the Champion CC2101 Radiator suits
- Heavy-duty towing truck owners — the 3-row core provides the high-capacity cooling needed for pulling large trailers
- Off-road vehicle builders — the bracket mount and included trans cooler support rugged terrain and transmission heat management
- Diesel truck owners — the 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 hose fittings accommodate the high-flow requirements of large diesel engines
- Performance car tuners — the 2 1/2 inch tank thickness provides the durability needed for high-pressure cooling systems
- Fleet vehicle operators — the lifetime limited warranty offers long-term reliability for high-mileage commercial use
What the Champion CC2101 Radiator handles well
- Heavy towing — 3-row core capacity for maximum heat dissipation
- Transmission temperature management — included trans cooler for heavy-duty gearboxes
- High-pressure cooling systems — 2 1/2 tank thickness for structural integrity
- Custom engine builds — bracket mount for flexible installation options
- High-flow cooling — 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 hose fittings for large volume coolant movement
What the Champion CC2101 Radiator is the wrong choice for
- Compact car replacements — overall dimensions of 23 1/2 x 25 1/2 may be too large for small engine bays
- Standard passenger vehicles — 3-row core is overkill for low-stress daily commuting
- Tight-clearance engine bays — 20-inch core width may not fit in narrow front-mount spaces
What to budget alongside the Champion CC2101 Radiator, and what to skip
Worth buying at the same time
- Radiator mounting brackets — required for the bracket mount installation type
- 1 1/4 inch coolant hoses — required to match the inlet hose fitting
- 1 1/2 inch coolant hoses — required to match the outlet hose fitting
- Transmission fluid lines — required to connect to the included trans cooler
- Engine coolant — required to fill the 3-row core system
What you can skip
- Separate transmission cooler — already included in the product
- Thin-wall radiator — the 2 1/2 tank thickness is already built-in
- Standard radiator brackets — the bracket mount system is already part of the design
Where to Buy the Champion CC2101 Radiator
These retailers sell Complete Radiator generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- RockAuto (online only) — massive catalog of various brands and price-competitive shipping
- Summit Racing Equipment (online and physical stores) — specialist performance and heavy-duty cooling options
- Amazon (online only) — broad range of aftermarket and budget-friendly cooling products
- AutoZone (online and physical stores) — wide availability of standard replacement parts and in-store pickup
- O’Reilly Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — extensive inventory of cooling systems and local store support
- Advance Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — large selection of aftermarket cooling components and trade accounts
Final Verdict on the Champion CC2101 Radiator
If you need a 3-row aluminum radiator that includes a transmission cooler for a bracket-mount setup, the Champion CC2101 Radiator is a solid choice at $284.99.
The Champion CC2101 Radiator provides a 2 1/2-inch tank thickness and a 2-inch core thickness, offering substantial build dimensions for reliable heat exchange.
Skip it if: you require a specific hose connection diameter other than the In-1 1/4 and Out-1 1/2 fittings, or if your mounting points do not align with a standard bracket mount.