guys- project coming along... I'll have a Dart block pumping out approx 500+ hp, carbed and a 4 speed manual. Need some experience for radiator selection. Anyone with something close that can advise? Car will have air conditioning, too. Of course, age old question on electric vs belt driven fans! Any thoughts appreciated. Thx... Oh, 78 monte
Radiator suggestions help
- Thread starter Geo's66
- Start date
- Status
if you had the engine built I would ask the builder what is needed to keep it within operating temps.
I've had good service with the Champion aluminum radiators, which are on Ebay all the time.
Currently have a 3 row core type cooling a 507 inch Caddy in an El Camino...works good...
Currently have a 3 row core type cooling a 507 inch Caddy in an El Camino...works good...
Griffin are very good and have great combo packages with SPAL electric fans.
Have purchased one for my build and am impressed with the construction (have not installed or used yet)
http://www.griffinrad.com
Definitely worth checking out.
Have purchased one for my build and am impressed with the construction (have not installed or used yet)
http://www.griffinrad.com
Definitely worth checking out.
I would look for something in the 31" x 19" range for size in an all aluminum radiator with a core size minimum of 2.25"
Also look for one with the billet neck instead of the stamped one (much stronger)
For a SBC you can run a large single electric fan or dual fans that will give you more clearance.
Since a cooling system can be thermostatically controlled it is better to "overkill" the cooling system on a powerfull street car otherwise you could be constantly fighting cooling issues.
In my Monte I have a Griffen with dual 1.25" tubes and a Intrepid dual electric fan and for my Regal I bought a Champion radiator that I have yet to install but test fitted it and it looks good.
Also look for one with the billet neck instead of the stamped one (much stronger)
For a SBC you can run a large single electric fan or dual fans that will give you more clearance.
Since a cooling system can be thermostatically controlled it is better to "overkill" the cooling system on a powerfull street car otherwise you could be constantly fighting cooling issues.
In my Monte I have a Griffen with dual 1.25" tubes and a Intrepid dual electric fan and for my Regal I bought a Champion radiator that I have yet to install but test fitted it and it looks good.
In my SS I also use a 31x19 Griffin with dual 1.25" tubes, dual 12" fans, custom home built shroud and Victor Jr water pump cooling over 600hp 406 SBC. Even on 100* days never breaks 200*
Last edited:
As bad as it is I'm running a 3row old school radiator, yes I had cooling issues. Now I run a 160* thermostat, besides the flexilite water pump fan, I also am running an electric as a pusher for the in town driving when over 85*(oh and I keep it running at 190* with the sending unit in the head). I'm looking at the new tri flow from eastwood as an option for an upgrade to aluminum.
One of the mistakes I made was not measuring BEFORE I disassembled, was to measure what size radiator I could get in there later- is this Griffin an easy bolt on or did you have some mods to get fitment? Shroud? Why Intrepid fans vs the more advertised units? Thanks very much!
The Intrepid fans fit very well with a relatively low profile and have two speeds and can be bought brand new on Ebay for a low price.
Here is just an example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radiator-Co...ash=item485b2ad9a4:g:v-8AAOSwBLlU9sYv&vxp=mtr
You will have to make mounting brackets for the fans and most universal radiators you will need to make or buy brackets to mount it also.
They have direct fit radiators that will bolt in but if you have the typical Chevy factory 2 piece shroud you would not be able to use a dual fan set up.
Here is just an example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radiator-Co...ash=item485b2ad9a4:g:v-8AAOSwBLlU9sYv&vxp=mtr
You will have to make mounting brackets for the fans and most universal radiators you will need to make or buy brackets to mount it also.
They have direct fit radiators that will bolt in but if you have the typical Chevy factory 2 piece shroud you would not be able to use a dual fan set up.
I built a custom shroud for my SS because I got the dual 12" fans from a buddy's abandoned project. They were free and didn't have a shroud.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
