78 Cutlass factory 305 to 71 455 olds

Status
Not open for further replies.
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
The wider A body rad is a good idea but the cradle needs some trimming to fit being 2 to 3" wider. Go with either a 4 core or a 2 core with 1" or larger cores to cool a 455. Problem with aftermarket electric fans is some don't move anywhere near the air they claim.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Alerch

Master Mechanic
Jul 15, 2013
285
171
43
Goose creek SC
I have the champion radiator in my car with flexalite black magic dual fans with zero issues cooling..
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
I have the champion radiator in my car with flexalite black magic dual fans with zero issues cooling..
Curious, how many cores? I had their 3 core, it ran 195 to 215 with a 403 with a 160 high flow thermostat but my 88 has always ran warm. A good comparison being another BBO but the 403 and 455 seem to run the hottest of the Olds V8's.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Alerch

Master Mechanic
Jul 15, 2013
285
171
43
Goose creek SC
Curious, how many cores? I had their 3 core, it ran 195 to 215 with a 403 with a 160 high flow thermostat but my 88 has always ran warm. A good comparison being another BBO but the 403 and 455 seem to run the hottest of the Olds V8's.
I do believe it’s the 3 core.. mine runs around 185-195 sitting in traffic on a hot summer day. Once driving it will cool down to 180ish cruising...
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

500/600

Royal Smart Person
Nov 17, 2018
1,167
2,638
113
West Virginia
Stock Monte 305 V8 fan shroud. Champion aluminum radiator with three 5/8" cores. 18-3/8" plastic flex fan which is very aggressive at idle. Two 12" electric fans with a thermostat control. Yep, both electric and mechanical, I just don't have that much faith in Chinese made electric fans and like the peace of mind. And it all fits in and under that stock unmodified shroud. Oh, and the trans cooler is on out in front, ahead of where the A/C condenser will be.

Your $300 budget is reasonable.

fans.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
Stock Monte 305 V8 fan shroud. Champion aluminum radiator with three 5/8" cores. 18-3/8" plastic flex fan which is very aggressive at idle. Two 12" electric fans with a thermostat control. Yep, both electric and mechanical, I just don't have that much faith in Chinese made electric fans and like the peace of mind. And it all fits in and under that stock unmodified shroud. Oh, and the trans cooler is on out in front, ahead of where the A/C condenser will be.

Your $300 budget is reasonable.
The exact same rad I had, just shows my car is the issue. I know my gauge reads 10 degrees high according to a temp gun but still. Also towing a 16' boat it would creep to 230. Seems my 88 is the issue, likes to run warmer than nearly any other G body. Ironically, the heat has always been poor.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor