Help me buy a radiator

[jmurray192]

Ive got a BB427 in my 71 c-10. I have a OEM style radiator in there now. I doesnt cool the 500hp really. Any hot day it starts to warm up to much. Dont want to spend alot but dont want to go cheap. I also want to run an electric fan because they cool better??? I have seen the $1400 becool set up and flexalite $1000 set up should I get these or can I get cheaper? Are they just over kill for what I need....


PLEASE HELP!!!!

[jablack]

is it a 4 core radiator that you have?

[jmurray192]

Im not sure. Do I have to drain it to be able to know. With 500hp would I be good to just get a cheaper 4 row radiator?

[Lee H]

If all the components in the system (water pump, clucth fan, no sediment in block, proper timing, hoses, etc) are working properly a stock 4 core will work just fine. Before chasing an overheating problem with money be sure it is really overheating and then track down why.
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[GMC Canuck]

pull the rad cap and look down in. You should be able to see three or four rows of pipes in the core. On my '68 the curbside mounting could be in one of two spots. So as well as different core thickness the rad could be two different widths as well but I think the smaller width rad was for I6 engines. To change from a three to a four core you'll need to change the upper and lower mounting brackets and rubbers. The lowers are riveted to the front rad support.

[ole dollor]

jmurray192: there is some pretty good prices of what you are looking for on ebay. i priced rad. around my area for over $400.00. i bought a all aluminum racing rad. on ebay for less than $250.00 shipped to my door, it was for 500 hp motors, sorry i cant find the invoice right now for the guys name but will try and find it later if you want the name....

[svereeke]

I had this same problem with a different car i built many years ago, it ended up i just had my overflow mounted too low, i re located the overflow and my over heating issue went away

[BIGKEV]

I run a 3 row all aluminum champion, and it cools my 400+ small block almost too well. I have to run a 195 stat to get it up to 180 in traffic. I also run an intrepid fan, that only comes on in traffic, and it was 99 out today. http://dillonradiators.com/ Also, check your radiator cap first! I can't tell you how many vehicles I've had come in with over-heating issues that were that simple. Most of them make it to the shop after everything else has been replaced.

[Red68]

I have been looking at entropy radiators. They have 3 core and 4 core for 68-72 trucks and include electric fans with a shroud and their prices seem reasonable. entropyrad.com is their website, check them out.

[ole dollor]

also forgot to say it was a 4 core rad...

[jmurray192]

Well I think the overheating is starting because it has a hairline crack in it and is leaking. I got to replace it. Its an extremely old rad.

So Im going to have to pickup a 4 core it sounds like. Saw some of the ebay ones but just wasnt sure if they were junk or not. If you have a name or link for your ebay buys that are good just let me know

[jmurray192]

Im confused also because im looking at some of the links you guys gave and there 2 core rads that say they cool up to 800hp?

[SOON2BLAZE]

I just put in one of these: Amazon.com: Griffin 8-00008 Dominator Series... Can't argue with 1 1/4 tubes and the price with free shipping. Direct fit where my 4 core used to be. All I had to do was make 1/4 spacers to go between the upper mounts and core support.

[BIGKEV]

Originally Posted by jmurray192

Im confused also because im looking at some of the links you guys gave and there 2 core rads that say they cool up to 800hp?

Less passes with bigger tubes! There is a fine balance, and it changes greatly from material to material.

[jmurray192]

So I just learned that this is the orignal rad. It is a 3 row. Im running a corvette steel block so would it matter if I used an alum. rad unstead of the old brass?

Also I am running a fan off the motor. Should I run an electric fan or just leave it the way it is

[jablack]

I've ran aluminum intakes for years and never had a problem with it. If you were closer to me I have a 4 core I'm probably not going to use.

[Daddy Brim]

I bought a OEM 4 core at O'Reilly for $194.34 out the door.

[jablack]

That's not a bad price. Was it copper or one of them plastic ones I've seen at the local parts house.

[jmurray192]

Im really wanting to stay with alumium. Entorpyrad seems pretty cool emailed him a few questions. They ebay radiators are not the right dementions cant find one that will fit. My oem rad core is 28x17 about 2inch thick. Just couldnt find anything

[GASoline71]

I have a pretty stout SBC in my 1972 GMC that's puttin' out 425 hp, and I have an ebay cheapy 2-row aluminum radiator in there now with the stock water pump, fan and shroud. Cools it no sweat.

It had a stock 4 core in there originally.

Gary

[Daddy Brim]

Originally Posted by jablack

That's not a bad price. Was it copper or one of them plastic ones I've seen at the local parts house.

It is copper. No plastic junk. Comes with lifetime warranty.

[jmurray192]

Well the ebay guys shop was about 10mins from my house so I went down there and bought his 3 row alumuium rad for $239. Fits perfect no mods. Hey said should hold to up to 800hp so we will see how she does with my BB, Installed just waiting for the next hot day