The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Help with radiator selection

Hi! My 51 3600 is going back together now and I am starting to think about the radiator. I have changed to a 283 with a 700r4 transmission. I would like to use a radiator that has a transmission cooler built into it. Is there a production radiator from some other vehicle that will work? I know I can use the measurements and look for an aluminum aftermarket radiator but they sell for $300 to $500 dollars. I am hoping a radiator for a production car or truck would be more cost effective. What do you think?

I think finding a used aftermarket or original radiator (and separate trans cooler) for your truck will be a better option than finding a used but doesn't quite fit right radiator from something completely different.

But even then you may find you're better off with a new one, then you have a better chance of getting a serviceable one to start with. Could be that a used one and a new core is less cost effective than a new one?

Grigg

I tend to lean toward Grigg. One thing you don't want is to have over heating problems right from the git go. Those things will spoil the first solo of the project,and cause you to re-trace your steps. I think I would go with a new item, even if it costs more, and be sure this thing is 100%.

Hi Grigg and Tim. Do you happen to know if the stock 6 cyliner radiator will handle a 283? How about if I want to a/c in a couple of years? I don't mind having a seperate trans cooler if the stock radiator will cool the engine. In fact, I like the idea of keeping the stock radiator as long as it will work. What do you think?

If the stock one does not work (worth a try if you already have it) then one from a 2 ton truck fits just the same in a small truck and has a much thicker core, as thick as the tank is thick.

Might be you can have your old tanks with a new full thickness core? Or find one complete from a 2 ton (possibly 1.5 ton?)

Grigg

The LMC catalog tells me that the 6 cyl. and 8 cyl. radiators are all the same, with 3 cores plus a trans. cooler. A properly working stock radiator with proper shrouding ought to be OK. When I put a 383 TPI engine in my '62, my goal was to be able to drive the thing in traffic in downtown Chicago on a 100 deg. day with no worries. My point is, you have to think about the driving you will be doing and then make sure the cooling system matches, with the asumption that you may have A/c in the future.

The stock radiator will cool a V-8 with no problems as long as it's in good shape and you have the proper fan. That's what I currently have in my rig in addition to a Mark IV electric fan, but I will be replacing because of corrosion. I've seen new aluminum replacement units on Ebay from $200 & up. You can also look at a universal type that I've seen there as well that start at around $150 for a new one and even less for used if you can find one. The 22x19 size should work but you'd have to alter the mounts because the tanks are on the side. Jegs also has them on sale right now for $150.

Hi All,
I found this radiator on Ebay. Aluminum, says it can handle the V8, and has provisions for transmission cooler. I don't know radiator brand names so I don't know about the quality. Anyone know anything about this radiator? (Rand) Care to hazzard a guess?!! The price is right but if anyone knows its a piece of crap let me know!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-...torsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I would have a custom one built by your local radiator guy. It will be less expensive than the ones on Ebay. Plus, if you want a bottom tank cooler, they will add it.

Scott, please give me the name of your "local radiator guy". Never in a million years would I find someone around here who would custom build an aluminum for $190.00!!! I would be glad to have him make me one and mail it to me, or you could be wrong...

Valley Radiator - Depere Wisconsin. His Name is Mike. Going rate is between $200 and $250 depending on how much welding is required and if you want a bottom tank cooler, fill ports, etc.

22 x 19 is a common core size used in race cars.

Hi Scott, I have to admitt, I thought you were pulling my leg with that price range because it is sooooooo much better than what I could get it done for here. Sure enough, I called Valley Ratiator and explained what I wanted. They will recore my tank and add a transmission cooler for $250.00. I think everyone here at Stovebolt.com needs to know of this place. I now need to see how much it will cost to send my tank to him and have it shipped back. Again, thanks for the information and I am sorry for ever doubting you! For everyone who is interested, the phone number is 920-336-9099 and they have a Green Bay mailing address.

I wont tell you my price

Valley Radiator services the racing crowd, and Mike is a great guy that doesnt believe in Raping and Pillaging. Find the local race track in your neck of the woods and check with them on who they use. you will most likely get the same price from them.

Univeral Radiator in Milwaukee was similar 20 years ago, not sure if they still are around.