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I am installing a 400 small block in a truck which formerly had a 6 stock. Unlike the previous/recent post I want to reuse the stock tanks and radiator location but am not sure.

The facts are this - the stock radaitor is 18x20 with a 3 inch core. The radiator the 400 used to live on was 18x28 with an integral transmision cooler.

So I was thinking that even though the stock radiator has 1/3 less surface area [but is 1/3 thicker] if I recore the unit with new high efficiency core and separate the transmission cooler it should be up to the task???

Is this a route that others have used successfully - or is a custom made aluminum the only option???

I was hoping to use the factory fan from the 400 (its a 7 blade) but wont know until the next few days if I have the room.

I'd appreciate all advice... Its always a waste to waste.

abell,

Not sure about TX in the summer, but up here in Washington State I had no problems with a recored original radiator with a healthy small block in the original location. Changed the water outlet / thermostat cover to one that stuck straight up instead of at an angle and clearance from fan to radiator was plenty as the 8 is shorter than the 6. I did make a shroud to make sure as much air was pulled through as possible and I used a flex fan on a spacer to get it close to the radiator.

When it was in the mid 90's outside and I was in traffic, the temp would climb up to 200 (normally around 185) and stay there. I turned on the heater and rolled down the windows when it did this . . . my girlfriend didn't like it, but considering how much work and cash I had tied up in the motor . . . well, I had my priorities straight!