Another dumb question: On my 1948 F2 if I put a big block motor in it will that original radiator be enough to cool it?

 

I'm guessing here, but it should be fine during the winter-not so great during the summer.

 

I don't know the condition of your radiator.... There are a lot of vehicles that have BB in them and have small motors... I had a 425cu in my first '49 and it never overheated on me. Even when it was 115 deg in the middle of the Arizona Summer...

 

Just don't use more than a 7# cap or you'll blow the top tank loose from the core.

The cooling core should handle any engine choice.

 

I thought the original radiators only ran 4 lbs...

Can I have my original radiator redone at a shop to run the typical 16 lbs or whatever is typical of todays engines? Anyone do that?

and whats a typical expected cost to redo one?

 

the tanks & core aren't designed for a 16lbs pressure... they can be built to handle it but it will be cheaper to buy a pre-built one...

 

Ok then! thanks Moe!

 

I think I will get the radiator with the motor I get. Thanks for all the replies.

 

Hi Jeff and Nicolle, are you planning on running AC? Installing at the time of the engine? I'm running a stock radiator with a 4# cap with my SB. You have to remember to check your radiator as these didn't come with a overflow tank that replaced fluids as it cooled off, like modern cars.... I have to add a cup or two a month...

 

Hey Moe,
I don't know how the heck I missed your last post on this?
I wish I knew the condition of my original radiator. I will have to check it out!
That would be nice to not have to play the radiator fitment guessing game.

 

I am doing that right now.

The shop is "re-coring" my radiator with a 4 row core and the guy doing it (the owner) told me I can use a 13psi cap. no more.

It's going to be $640+ tax.

Pictures to follow!




Cheers,


Rick

 

YEOUCH...$640....I would have to save awhile for that one, but it sure would be nice!

 

Yeah it's not cheep!

I did call around. The brass cores are pretty expensive and they're custom made to order right here in the NW (I think mine might be coming from Vancouver Ca)

When you buy something locally, and have local labor make it it's definitely more expensive because the people making it aren't being paid $2.50 per hour.

I guess I don't mind keeping the local guy in business.....

 

Well thank you for the reply! I gotta get off here and get some sleep! Got alot of stuff to get tomorrow and not a ton of time to get it! I would love to see those pics!

 

The radiator is supposed to be ready tomorrow. when I get it, I'll post them in my gallery along with all the other ones!


Cheers,


Rick