78 Cutlass factory 305 to 71 455 olds

[olds307 and 403]

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.

 

[Alerch]

I have the champion radiator in my car with flexalite black magic dual fans with zero issues cooling..

 

[olds307 and 403]

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.

 

[Alerch]

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...

 

[500/600]

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.

 

[olds307 and 403]

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.