The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 350 engine in a 1956 Task Force?

I posted a question on the HiPo Forum about whether to go with a 305 which I have or a 350 in my 56 project.

Most folks say 350, but the issue of overheating with a/c in southern summers has come up. I'd like to hear from those of you with a 350 and a/c. What are your experiences? Any overheating with 56 radiator, and if so, what have you done to solve it?

Having fought overheating before in 65-66 Mustangs, I really don't want to venture down that path again.

I have too little hair left as is. Does the 305 really run cooler in your experience in these trucks? :confused:

Hey Clint, I've got a 59 chev with a 283 in it and also a 4 core rad. I've had a lot of running hot issues with mine. what I found worked the best for me was a fan shroud that kept the temp right down there now I can drive in parades. Also a larger or smaller (I forget which one it is) pulley on the water pump to get the fan and the water pump to spin faster helps.

That would be a smaller pully to make it go faster.

I wouldn't base your motor choices on cooling issues. Install whatever engine you desire along with the proper sized components to provide adequate cooling. In my opinion, you should be able to install a big block and be able to maintain normal operating temperatures, so long as everything else matches cooling requirements.
Whichever size engine you decide on, will require the proper size radiator to keep it cool.
If your ultimate goal is keep a radiator sized for a 6 cylinder, then you shouldn't go any larger than a 6 cylinder.
The engine compartment on a Task Force is huge, your engine choices should be unlimited. It is a fact that larger engines require a larger cooling capacity.
It's no different than sizing a home to an air conditioner that you may already have. A one acre lot will provide ample space to build a mansion, but you're not going to cool it with a 110 v window unit.

Good Luck

John

You can't tell me that there will be much difference in cooling between a 305 and a 350. If your cooling system is already borderline, upgrade to an aliminum crossflow and electric cooling fans. An adequate if not overboard cooling system is a must for any engine operating in any part of the world,
Scott

there shouldn't be any heating issues with any small block behind a TF rad, AC or not, but it's mandatory to have a shroud as the engine sits too far back to actually function properly

Bill

red58 said it right. I have a 350 in my '58 and it always runs about 200-210. It has never overheated but no doubt would run cooler with a shroud. Been thinking about adding an electric fan to assist with cooling. I dont really think a 305 will run any cooler than the 350. The secret is in the radiator and the airflow regardless of engine size.

Carl

yep!

people often forget that part. I've seen the same thing in vettes. Spend a ton of money on aluminum radiators, electric fans, etc, when all they really needed was to get the air through the radiator (barring a clogged up radiator, of course)

Right on with the fan shrouds.They do a lot of good,directing the cooling air to where it should be.Too many people are running the fan about 6 to 8 inches behind the radiator with no shroud.The fan is pulling air from everywhere but thru the radiator.

This might be a stupid question; but, can you buy a fan shroud, or you just need to go junkyard shopping?

check yer favorite suppliers - I know there's shrouds designed for the TF trucks , prolly for AD's as well - they're fiberglas that might need a bit of fudging - I found a metal one at the wreckers for my 58 that I think came from a 70's GM car

Bill

Clint,

I've got a 56 TF w/ a 350 and 400 tranny. Living in a higher altitude and arrid climate (Colorado) it runs hot and I'm constently checking it out when driving around town. I'm going the way of a new desert cooler radiator with an electric fan.

My .02
Paul

Fan shrouds are probably the #1 thing people overlook when it comes to cooling issues.

Focusing the air from the fan right to the radiator makes a world of difference in the radiators ability to cool the fluid.

I had an s10 years ago that i'd swear had a steam engine under the hood.. the previous owner who sold it to me thought perhaps the thermostat was bad, or maybe the water pump was going bad.. he sold it to me real cheap as a result.

I happened to be over at a buddies house and we were looking under the hood.. his biker neighbor came over, folded up a piece of cardboard and said try that.. and the temp gauge dropped like a rock.

"You need a fan shroud in there, stupid!", he said as he polished off the PBR in his hand and tossed the can into the yard, "You think they put 'em in there at the factory just for decoration?"

yes Paul, as Fumblin points out, ya need a shroud if the 350 runs hot, any small block in a TF truck either needs a shroud or the factory 55-57 setup that moves the rad back about 4" - the fan needs to be about 1/2 - 1" max if you don't have a shroud

Bill

Good story Fumblin . that was some what of a smart remark the guy made but was right .
I put a 400 30 overbore in my 55 TF and about burn it down ..then put a 4 core block rad in with a flex fan no shoud it setting there running and my buddy dropped a tool and grabbed for it fan got his hand so it was off the ER ..one more why one should have a shourd ! . it would get hot put a big clutch fan on and now closer to rad seems to help but i am going to look for a shourd after reading the post