3 or 4 core radiators

[Minion1186]

Having overheating issues with my 2 core radiator and my 355 olds.I want to upgrade the radiator and just wanted to see if anyone on here knows any good deals on them and where.I am a little worried about getting a 3 core because this thing overheats at idle in less then 2 minutes after cold start up so a 4 core may be the one i'll get.This engine has an 11.77:1 compression,402 horspower/500 ft/lb torque.

 

[pontiacman469]

Yes 2 core is small but have you looked at your thermostat or waterpump?Sometimes its the small details.Aside from that a Factory 87 Monte SS Radiator from any autopart store should cool you down with a 180 deg. Stat and good pump.

 

[84cutspreme]

This is the 3-core one I picked up for my cutlass. Not cheap at $300, but works well for me. However I only have a mild chevy 350 setup with about 8.69:1 compression. So not much comparison

 

[Blake442]

Check your fan clutch, it could be bad and not be pulling enough air through the radiator.

I got an aluminum 2-core that's as wide as a 4-core off eBay a couple years ago for like $200. Keeps my 455 happy.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

I paid 125$ at a local shop for a rebuilt 3 core radiator, put in a 160 t-stat (down in south texas gotta keep cool), and have a flex fan along with an electric fan as backup. With a stock fan, my stock clutch went out the first time so I switched to a straight clutch. Then about 3 years after that swap, the straight clutch went out, so I just swapped to a flex fan to get rid of the clutch system completely.

 

[ERIC87442]

how about this?

http://www.genesisautoparts.com/product ... 9213aa.htm

 

[RegalBegal]

I got an aluminum 2-core that's as wide as a 4-core off eBay a couple years ago for like $200. Keeps my 455 happy.

He's right, I have the same radiator and have never had overheating issues.

 

[omegaman211]

NEVER use a 4 core unit!!!! The added resistance of the extra tubes actually increases the amount of air that can pass through the radiator.

 

[86 regal]

i would go with an aluminum one, not that much more money

 

[shotgun]

Before "swapping parts" how about we figure out what is wrong first?
In the end you could end up needing a rad but by installing one without knowing what is going on you may fix the symptom not the problem.

Define overheat, gets to 220 degrees or sprays water out the cap?

Does it do it when going above 50mph?

What fan set-up?

What stat and is it working?

What coolant mix?

Running a shroud?

Does it idle high?

Intial timing?

Lean carb?

Etc etc etc.