Aluminum Radiator size.

[camaro383]

heres a question that I'm sure a lot of people can answer for me. I have a 383SB running 537 HP, I do drive the car on the street. Where I live- in Buffalo NY, it doesn't get that Hot around here, so the radiator that I have works fin. (BB radiator) I'm moving to Charleston and I know that I will run into heating problems down there. What size aluminum radiator should I get into? I know that I am going to need one, and when racing it will obviously. help. Any suggestions???

[GearHead72]

A lot of the universal 2 row aluminum radiators are 27x19 or 31x19. They both will fit with minor modification to the lower mounting.

[Granpas 68SS]

BeCool makes 3 sizes 400, 700 and 1000HP.
all the same rad 2 core aluminium, the difference is the fan CFM's and area. Griffin, or any including sumit 2 core will do it for you if you go twin fan.
I run the 700HP 2 fan, have Vintage air II run 530HP 540TQ in a 406 SB, and in 95 degree heat stuck in traffic, does not matter, it stays at my therm 180 degree's.

Alum, and the fans are they key.

[camaro383]

outstanding. both a big help. Thanks very much.
Just so I have an idea. mgtshawnee, when you say that I will have to do a few mods to the lower rad suport. what are you talking about. I don't mind doing them, just currious.

[hhott71]

Zero modifications and cools an 11 second 71 Camaro.
using stock water pump with a moroso electric drive and an electric fan.

Part # 438162 at autozome . rockauto.com etc for about $100
Make: GM
Core Size: 26 3/8 x 17 x 1 1/8



Inlet Connection: 1 5/16-1 9/16 Top Left
Outlet Connection 1 9/16 Bottom Right
TOC: 8

Construction: Plastic Tank Aluminum Core
Mounting: Channel
Comments: New- Heater Return Line & Coolant Level Sensor on RH Tank

[cam80]

hhott71, you don't happen to have pics of yours in the car, do you? Sorry to hijack the post. I'm in the market for a replacement myself!

[Rascal]

After much research here is what I found: hhot71 radiator suggestion in almost all cases where your “mill” is a <500hp SBC with <11.5:1 compression or a <500hp BBC and <10.5:1 compression will work (cool). IF you have a “mill” bored > .040 and >500hp and it’s a SBC with >11.5:1 compression or a BBC with >10.5:1 compression the AutoZone radiator MAY not be sufficient.

I have a ’73 Camaro CS with a 436 stroker .040 over GM 400 block with >12:1 compression and I am mostly on the street (case of octane booster in the garage). I am running at 210-220 degrees with a two core radiator (stock small block); I did this for about 20 minutes. It’s in the garage until the new radiator arrives hopefully Friday and I alleviate this temperature issue. I need to run at or near 180 degrees plain and simple.

After much research here are my conclusions.

Not a choice:
Be Cool aluminum radiators are just plain over priced for basically the same product as Griffin or Summit (Northern) universal. The Be Cool Universal is $80 more than the Summit (Northern); The Be Cool direct fits at $500 for 70-81 gen 2s is just outrageous and $600 if you want the automatic transmission cooler this is almost felonious. Spend the savings on electric fans.

1st choice:
Griffin 600 HP aluminum race radiator with dual 1.25” cores and 31” x 19” (overall). The problem is this radiator is a 6 week back order through MuscleMotorSports,Inc
11136 Sam Furr Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078 (NASCAR Land)
Toll Free 1-877-6MUSCLE
http://store.yahoo.com/musclemotorso...31ch600hp.html. This radiator could still have height installation issues according to this site because the filler neck is straight. Price $239.00. (I really wanted this radiator and it would probably be worth the height installation hassle, I just couldn't wait 6 weeks).

2nd choice:
The Summit universal aluminum race radiator with dual 1.00” cores and 31” x 19” (overall). This radiator will most likely have height installation issues according to this site because the filler neck is straight. Part # SUM-380331, price $169.95.

3rd choice:
Summit Direct fit aluminum radiator for GM 67-78 with dual 1.00” cores and 32.937” x 18.625” (overall). Based my 1973 Camaro there is 33.5” TOTAL radiator width space and my current radiator is 18.75” in height. By the numbers this radiator should fit. Additionally, the filler neck is at 45 degrees for additional clearance. Part # SUM-380457, price $254.95.

The 3rd choice is on its way, I figured that $85.00 is worth the effort of likely having no height installation issues. I will post installation upon completion.


************************************************** **********************
*** OK It arrived; Damaged!!!; But IT DOES NOT FIT IT IS TOO WIDE BY ABOUT AN INCH. WILL NOT FIT BETWEEN FRAME........

I ordered the Griffin 600 HP aluminum race radiator with dual 1.25” cores and 28” x 19” (overall). It should arrive by 7/1/2006. In the mean time I will follow hhot71 advice and I am headed to autozone. ************

[hhott71]