jimmy2s83

So I am looking at the prospect of a 454 in a third gen.
Wondering about the cooling. Basically if there is an alternative to ordering a custom built radiator.

Any stock radiators that could get the job done or some others that would fit with some mild modifications?

Engine will be a stock 454 from late 80s. Possibly get some better upgrades later but all in time. Goal right now is to just get it on the road as a driver. Not racing it.

Saw an old thread that mentioned the 91 camaro radiator was bigger than previous years? Can't find a radiator that listed as a 91 only or a 91-92 only option.

Not looking to pinch every penny and cut corners but don't want to spend $600 on a radiator thats going to be overkill for the purposes. If I planned on taking it to the track somewhat regularly I'd just do it. Just want a street driving BB 3rd gen.

Any suggestions?

midias

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mishimoto-Performance-Radiator-82-92-Camaro-Firebird-MMRAD-CAM-82-/331170418497?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d1b4b8f41&vxp=mtr

jimmy2s83

Has anyone ran this radiator with a BBC?

It doesn't mention anything about big block cooling. Certainly has the capacity but its also a brand I am not familiar with.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

I completely overhauled my cooling system. Leaving nothing untouched. My 305 still gets up to operating temp fairly easy. Maybe 10min for complete warm-up. Just the better parts allow for quick heat dissipation and high flow, pushing cooling abilities to the next level.

3 core aluminum radiator (from the famous So you want a 3core thread), dual 10" fans (same thread/seller), stage 2 water pump (higher flow rate) with matching thermostat that has 3 bypass holes for constant coolant flow from Stewart. Aluminum heatsink style radiator hoses, 50/50 coolant mix with Royal Purple Purple Ice additive. I believe my car can sit in 60* weather without fans needing to be turned on, anything after, including driving in 60* weather, fans with shroud and air dam are a must.

So for a sprightly 454 that may see future power mods. A nice 4 core or 3 core with dual 12" fans. Push or pull is preference.

jimmy2s83

I read through the 3 core thread. Didn't see any reference to a big block being cooled with them. Also seen in other threads some debate as to whether a 4 core is the better option.
If the Champion would be enough I would go with it as is an affordable option. Hoping somebody thats swapped to a BBC would mention what they went with. Unless they went the custom order option at $500 and up. Which if I could I would like to avoid.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

From what I've read it usually comes down to the fans keeping a BB cool. There was a thread on here where someone posted estimated air outputs needed to cool certain motors at certain temp ranges. I want to say the stock clutch style fan is rated around 3000cfm but don't quote me. I want to say it said Big Blocks need at least 3,000cfm (at least). My dual fan setup I have is somewhere right around 2800-3000cfm or that of the stock fans both electric and mechanical. Dual 10" fans. If I went to the 12" fans which output a bit more, I'd be right around 3600cfm. I may end up upgrading to 12" fans. With the hotter days and future mods I plan, as well as how hard it is to tune an LO3, meaning I want the temps in a set range, all the time, no matter the temps, I'll more than likely head up to the 12" dual fan setup. May try the 10" fans in a push style next, see if it helps any more or less. Would be nice having a bit more room in the engine bay too. Anyway good luck. I KNOW there is a thread fully explaining how much cfm of air you'd want to push for your setup. I just can't think of a keyword to help in the search. It was when i was researching my radiator fan setup I'm talking about.

8790gta

On ALL 3rd gens, NOTHING is more important than the lower front plastic air dam being repaired if cracked or replaced if missing. I have seen cars that had overheated, new antifreeze, radiator boiled out, lower thermostat installed, pinholes drilled, etc... had problem for years, IMMEDIATELY fixed with a replacement. Hope all who read this take it as gospel! Good luck with the bigblock and remember the added weight!

jimmy2s83

I've seen the air dam mentioned several times. I think mine is torn so a replacement will be sought.


On the cfm I remember someone stating 4000 was the suggested number for a big block. So unless told otherwise I will weigh the differences between the stock 91 replacement with dual 12" fans or the Champion with dual 12" fans. Champion had a larger capacity so that would probably be the best bet.
Probably go with a cowl or ram air hood for some extra air flow.


Keep the suggestions coming. All good info!

Ron U.S.M.C.

A Champion two fan three row radiator flows 1740cfm

A two row Champion with a single 16" fan flows at 2500cfm
That's with the fans they sell mounted to their radiator.

This has some serious pullers and will give you an idea as to what it may take to get near or even to 4000cfm.
You can pick what size you want and what cfm you want in the options area.=

http://www.summitracing.com/search/d...engine-type/v8

There’s always the Ford Taurus Fan option but I’m not sure what they pull.
Apparently they are 2500cfm on low and 4500cfm on high.

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

A stock radiator and a proper functioning cooling system will cool a properly tuned mild BBC no problem.

jimmy2s83

That'll be the first attempt. Use the factory cooling (maybe add a set of better fans for safe measure)

Car is a 1992 Firebird with a 454 BBC and TH400 trans. Current goal is to get it running. Making sure it doesn't get too hot just idling.

midias

You should be fine with the stock radiator on any stock 80s BBC.

Get a 210 fan switch and a 180 T stat and enjoy it.

MoTie

What about an aluminium headed mid 70's BBC ?