I just got a new exhaust sytem put in and my trans am is finally gonna be back on the road this summer! Im so excited.

I have one concern however.
Im now running a 350 and my temp gauge isnt working yet. (still got a few things to fix)

I still have the original thin radiator that came with the 305 and i noticed that 350 vehicles usually have a rad thats about twice as thick.

Does the 350 run hotter than the 305? And will the stock radiator provide adequate cooling? Im also using the stock fan that attaches to the water pump. Would adding an electric fan to the front of the rad help much? My front bumper doesnt have any holes or grill or anything so my rad only gets cold air from underneath.

Im already keeping my eye out for a thick radiator that will fit in the third gen. But if you guys tell me this is very important I will make it a priority.
When I get my temp gauge fixed I will be able to tell more acurately how my engine is running.

thanks in advance guys. This site rocks!

 

Too small....make it your priority

 

I was afraid Id get that answer.

Will the stock rad supports and fan shroud work the thicker rad?

And does anybody know off hand of any vehicles that came with a thick rad that would fit in a third gen?

Something tells me Im not gonna be able to find what I need from a junk yard.

 

I'm running a 350 HO Deluxe with a stock replacement radiator (though IIRC it's a three-row) with GM dual electrics and I've experienced no problems--shoot, it runs cooler than my old LG4.

JamesC

 

but would you say a 350 will make more heat than a 305?

 

what engine was originally in the car and how much power did it make.. if anything pick up a radiator off a later year f-body.. While your at it add an engine oil cooler.

 

the 305 and the 350 had the same radiator just a different fan set up the 350 had 2 fans the 305 had one prirer to 1986 they used a cluch fan off of the waterpump

 

My car originally had a carbed 305. I cleaned up the engine bay alot when I did my first engine swap. All the air conditioning and excess tubing is gone. I also got rid of the crappy log style manifolds.

 

Hey guys, im new to the site. It should be fine and not overheat, if you want you can upgrade to an aluminum radiator or get dual electric fans.

 

I pulled my 305 out and I am now running a 408 engine and I did not change my radiator I am still using the same radiator as the 305 and I have no problems whatsoever.

 

I swapped in a 355 crate in place of the old 305 tpi. All I did was pick up a new stock radiator and my engine never gets hotter than about 190 degrees with the dual electric fan setup.

 

i'm running my stock 305 radiator with my LS1 and no problems.

Justin

 

No problems here with a stock radiator, single TBI electric fan, and a 350 carbed motor - but I did skip the junk stock fan switch and install a seperate fan controller (Flex-a-lite) box with the probe that goes inbetween the fins on the radiator, and I love it - fan always works when it's supposed to.

 

oh thanks guys. I feel better now about running my stock rad. Im still gonna keep my eyes open for a better one.

Ive got an electric fan and Ive been thinking of mounting it in front of the radiator. so then itd have a fan blowing on both sides. I figure it couldnt hurt.