The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Radiator for '53 gmc truck with 350 chevy in it?ia

Guys,
The radiator that came in my '53 gmc that's on a '76 chevy frame just isn't getting it done. I had a mechanic look at it today and he said he's seen bigger radiators on 4 cylinder trucks, which backed up my suspicions. It's mounted on the bumper side of the real radiator location.
I was wondering if anyone could give me a hint on what kind of radiator they used on their truck. Is there a cheaper option that I can make a mount for. It doesn't have to be factory correct (as my whole truck isn't anyway). I'm not wanting to part with the huge amount of money I'm seeing for a radiator that will fit in my truck in the stock location, then have to buy an electric cooling fan AND an extra transmission cooler for my automatic transmission since the only one I found was at JEG's that fit in the stock location and had an integrated transmission cooler and cost over $700!
Heck, at this rate, I'll be out a thousand bucks just to keep this thing running cool! It's not a corvette and I'm not rich!
ANy ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Jason

Mine is an Dodge Aspen, it works for my 350ci

Thanks BC52. I have been searching the internet for topics on this and I believe a 1964 mustang radiator might fit. Summit Racing has one with integral auto. trans. cooler in it for $300. Anyone have any thoughts on this, or have done this swap? I also heard it's only good for 300hp but I don't think my 350 is making that much, even with the edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carb.
Thanks,
Jason

I added an 18" 7 blade fan and homemade fan shroud to cool my 350. Now it stays @ 194 even in the 100 degree weather. I do have the "new" stock radiator. The point is, fan shrouds really make a difference.

Although the Mustang radiator might work, are the connections on the wrong side? The Dodge Aspen radiator is a better fit but I can't seem to find one.

I have a 350 in my 48 4400 that stays cool. Try putting a big truck radiator in it,
Scott

thanks guys,
I've got the mustang rad. on the way, along with an electric fan and will make a shroud if necessary after the "test run". It's about 100 degrees here so I should be able to test it well.
I'll let you know the results.
Later,
Jason

I think the bottom hose will be on the wrong side if I remember my Mustangs right. Let me know how it works out.

Thanks Monster..
Summit had 2 different types, one with both on one side, and one with the inlet and outlet on different sides. Hopefully I've got the right one!
Jason

I've got a new 4-core radiator with trans cooler that I got from Jim Carter. An ME355A, I believe. It's too thick to work with my 235, but should work fine with the short v8. Let me know if you're interested.

regards,
Leon

Thanks Leon,
I've gotten my mustang radiator in from Fedex and am working to get it in the truck. IF it doesn't do the job, I'll give you a holler!
Thanks again,
Jason

I am interested in your radiator for my V8 conversion. PM me if you still have it and a price.
Thanks,
Ron

Well,
I've gotten my moosetang radiator in and electric fan. I used a 185 degree thermostat. The fan switch is supposed to kick in at 170degrees but it doesn't according to my temp. gauge. The engine runs about 200 to 210 degrees according to my cheapo temp. gauge. I really don't like my trucks running that hot. I have to keep the manual switch for the fan on to keep it about 200 degrees. At least it seems to be working though. It's not continuously rising like it was.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get it to run about 165-180 degrees? I know that probably isn't the optimum temp. but maybe just a little closer to that range would please me. I guess I might try a lower thermostat and see if I can find a little cooler fan switch.
I did get to take a nice long drive in my truck today! It was a lot of fun. Of course, I noticed several more "jobs" I need to do. .....Bad power steering hose for one. Ugggh.

Thanks for all of your help,
Jason

first thing to do is find out what the actual temp is - get hold of a laser digital thermometer and check at the thermostat housing and the inlet/outlet of the rad, then you can decide if it needs "fixing" .... the 350 will run best with a 185 or 195 thermostat, and the system should be able to keep it hovering within 3* + or - of either

Bill