CrazyRob75

hi guys. My project is nearing the end and I need to find a bigger rad. First off, aftermarket rads are way too expensive right now so I won't be going that route. SO, this Sat., I'm going to go junkyard hunting for a 3 or 4 core rad. I was hoping you guys could steer me in the right direction as to which cars to check out for a decent size rad (31" tank to tank and a max of 19" high). I run dual junkyard electric fans as the 454 leaves no room for a clutch-type fan. I'll take aluminum or copper/brass, it doesn't matter to me as long as it keeps the car fairly cool. Any suggestions on what to look for is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

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85 Berlinetta Iroc exterior Lg4 305 best e.t 14.4 street tires naturally aspirated....installing/ rebuilding 450-475 HP 454....YAHOOO!!!

The ODB

I get away with the stock radiator, but man I think I'd invest in a good aftermarket aluminum model if I ran a 454. I honestly don't know a factory radiator of any size that would be a good fit for an F-body. I do know that Griffen will build to custom specs for under $200 last I heard.
anyway don't know
good luck

CrazyRob75

thanks....but I'm from Canada, so you could pretty much double any American price! I forgot to say that I have an automatic so cooler fittings are a must. I was going to check out a 3-core from an 80 Z28. it was 19" tall, but only 20" wide. I don't want to give up 10" of rad, so now I'm looking. I was thinking about late 70's fullsize Gm cars Delta's, cutlass' and the like. The odds of scoring one from a truck are pretty slim around here. So let the search begin..................

AlkyIROC

The 31x19 GM rad is pretty common. Look in larger model cars especially if they have AC. Most are 1 or 2 core but there are quite a few 3 cores out there. I have no idea if a 31x19 4 core ever came factory equiped but they probably did at some time. Truck rads are too large so you don't need to look at them.

You can always find the header tanks for the rad then get it re-cored to a 4 core.

If my 3 core can't remove the heat at the track during the summer, I'll have to get a 4 core or invest in an aluminum rad. I won't know for at least 3 more months. So far the 3 core is enough while running the engine for testing. No thermostat and both fans working are keeping it below 160 for over 1/2 hour at idle.

As long as the temp gets below 180 by the time I get back to the pits I'll be happy.

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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
461 Big Block installed and ready for the 2001 racing season

Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

CrazyRob75

thanks Stephen....that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm guess I'm going to try and find a 3-core, slap a bigger air dam on the bottom and toss a bottle of Water Wetter in there, unless someone tells me different. Any opinion on Water Wetter? Do you use it yourself?