350 swap, Overheats
07-09-2012, 08:07 PM
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350 swap, Overheats
Hello,
I recently swapped a 350 into a 1985 TA that had the 305 before.
I had a tune up done and was told that the 305 stock radiator would keep up with the 350. Since that time I've blown 2 different radiator tubes. I know believe it to be the radiator instead of the tubes.
Will the stock radiator work? The 350 is from an old truck and its the 4 piece seal.
Also, the nearby U Pull it place doesn't seem to have anything that fits.
Lastly, is there a truck radiator that would fit? As in, if I go into a local AutoZone can I just ask for an 89 Chevy truck stock radiator? When autozone looks up my car the 350 isn't even an option.
Thank you
I recently swapped a 350 into a 1985 TA that had the 305 before.
I had a tune up done and was told that the 305 stock radiator would keep up with the 350. Since that time I've blown 2 different radiator tubes. I know believe it to be the radiator instead of the tubes.
Will the stock radiator work? The 350 is from an old truck and its the 4 piece seal.
Also, the nearby U Pull it place doesn't seem to have anything that fits.
Lastly, is there a truck radiator that would fit? As in, if I go into a local AutoZone can I just ask for an 89 Chevy truck stock radiator? When autozone looks up my car the 350 isn't even an option.
Thank you
07-10-2012, 12:23 AM
#2
Re: 350 swap, Overheats
With regard to I know believe it to be the radiator instead of the tubes.
what are "tubes" ?
Yes, a good operating condition 1985 TA original radiator would cool a 350. But...
I don't know if 85 TAs came with the copper brass radiators like other 85 GM cars but they came with one of the following: 2-row copper brass or 3-row copper brass or 1-row aluminum/plastic which is the best of the three. Aluminum sheds heat better. The single row flows better and allows better airflow. If your 85 has an original radiator, it's corroded and it's clogged. Get a new one. What you could have done during the engines swap is remove the lower radiator hose from it and look inside to see corrosion and clogging.
Autozone just needs to look up an 87 TA if you want a "350 radiator" which is exactly the same as the "305 radiator."
Your engine may have incorrect timing or be running lean too. A 350 on a Q-jet tuned for a 305 will run mildly lean. But, it's summer.
Junk any Robertshaw thermostat for a Stant. Make sure the fan shroud is in place and the fan is about half into it. Make sure the under-core-support air dam is in place.
The last copper-brass original 1980s radiator I remember junking was 12 years old. It was corroded and clogged. A new one (stock replacement V8 F-body plastic/aluminum) worked great as a replacement.
Sometimes when doing engine swaps, budgeting for new stuff to eliminate possible headaches is money well spent.
what are "tubes" ?
Yes, a good operating condition 1985 TA original radiator would cool a 350. But...
I don't know if 85 TAs came with the copper brass radiators like other 85 GM cars but they came with one of the following: 2-row copper brass or 3-row copper brass or 1-row aluminum/plastic which is the best of the three. Aluminum sheds heat better. The single row flows better and allows better airflow. If your 85 has an original radiator, it's corroded and it's clogged. Get a new one. What you could have done during the engines swap is remove the lower radiator hose from it and look inside to see corrosion and clogging.
Autozone just needs to look up an 87 TA if you want a "350 radiator" which is exactly the same as the "305 radiator."
Your engine may have incorrect timing or be running lean too. A 350 on a Q-jet tuned for a 305 will run mildly lean. But, it's summer.
Junk any Robertshaw thermostat for a Stant. Make sure the fan shroud is in place and the fan is about half into it. Make sure the under-core-support air dam is in place.
The last copper-brass original 1980s radiator I remember junking was 12 years old. It was corroded and clogged. A new one (stock replacement V8 F-body plastic/aluminum) worked great as a replacement.
Sometimes when doing engine swaps, budgeting for new stuff to eliminate possible headaches is money well spent.
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