radiator size

[dedub]

I'm sure there are dozens of G body owners who have done what I'm about to do. I have a 383 stroker en-route and I'm a little concerned about the cooling capability of the stock radiator. It had a 305 originally, previous owner put in a crate 350, I pulled it and I'm putting in a 440 HP stroker. I'm using a clutch fan and a decent shroud. Has anyone put a beefy sbc and kept the original radiator without issues?
BTW it's an 80ss Elky

Thanks

 

[jrm81bu]

Since it was an original v8 car it might be ok. I'd try it and if it runs hot then i'd change to an alum rad.

 

[adumb]

i remember seeing that a 88-92 camaro 5.7 alum. radiator would work, checking into those they are only a single core, are they still a good upgrade?

 

[jrm81bu]

i remember seeing that a 88-92 camaro 5.7 alum. radiator would work, checking into those they are only a single core, are they still a good upgrade?

For what they cost new compared to a say summit or griffin alum rad, I'd say no. They will prolly handle most engines but i'd rather go overkill on the radiator. Not only is the f-body rad a single core i don't think it is even an inch thick core(could be wrong). Where the aftermarket ones have two 1" thick core or for more money two 1 1/4" cores. If you can score a used f-body rad cheap, go for it.

 

[adumb]

Would this be considered a good upgrade?

 

[jrm81bu]

Would this be considered a good upgrade?

That one seems decent. It's a little small on the core area though. I was thinking something like this: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... toview=sku

 

[custom442]

If you can score a used f-body rad cheap, go for it.

X2, call around some salvage or junk yards, try to find a used Z28 one.

 

[Hippi]

I used an A body wagon rad on my first 355 it just barley fit my core support and you have to use the upper and lower shrouds from it and redrill the top hole but it kept it cool no problems,and its easier to rum the universal upper and lower rad hoses than trying to get an oe one

 

[Blake442]

I bought a new stock 3 row HD radiator when I put in my 455, and it couldn't keep up. I swapped to an aluminum one with two wide rows off ebay for $170 and it dropped right in with no mods and dropped my temp 15 degrees.

I also bought a 7-blade fan with the hopes of it pulling a bit more air than the stock 5-blade fan, but have yet to install it.

 

[dedub]

That one seems decent. It's a little small on the core area though. I was thinking something like this: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... toview=sku

Thanks jrm81bu,
You did the research for me though that was not my intent. It's nearly a perfect match for what I pulled out of the 80 Elky and I like the price.

Darrin