Calling all Darksiders... I'm wondering what radiator you are running in front of a SBC and how you went about mounting it. I'd like to avoid an aluminum unit. I figured it would be cheap to get something from a '70s full sized car but I've never mounted a radiator that wasn't a direct replacement.

Thanks.

 

You have several options. When I was trying to decide what radiator to run I scoured the online radiator catalogs. Some of them will give you pic with all the dimensions, bracket dimensions, inlet, outlets, etc. Here's a few links;
Quanta Products
Radiators, automotive radiators, condenser, oem radiators, truck radiators
U.S. Radiator Catalog

The US Radiator catalog was very helpful to me. Once I decided on what radiator I wanted I went to my local Autozone and ordered it through them. I think I paid about $125 (its been several years)
I ended up running a mid 1970's full sized dodge truck radiator from a truck that had a big block. I'm running a 500ci Caddy in my 49.

Another helpful tip: You can get radiator hose reducer bushings from NAPA auto that range in 1/4" increments from 3 1/2" all the way down to 1 1/2" diameters.

Bobby

 

Bobby,
I figured I could just find a Chevy one and not have to worry about the reducers...some universal hoses should work fine. I'm wondering about the physical mounting of the radiator. Summit sells radiator mount kits, but I don't know how good those work or look. How did you mount yours?

 

What are you putting it into? I am using a rad from a 1973 Dodge dart and all I had to do was some minor trimming on the mounting flange and drill new holes and uses the stock mounting bolts. If you get a used one get it tested before you modify it.

The ones from summit seam reasonably priced.

 

I followed everyones advice last year when I asked the same question. I ordered a rad for a mid 70s Dodge truck. Fits very well with out to much work. I had to have the lower outlet changed to the other side because I am running a SBF. But a SBC would work perfect because your water pump inlet is on that side.Mine is a Spectra rad part #315. You can few there catalouge online and look at the rads.

Been awhile since I posted anything on here. I check up once in awhile to see whats going on.Work on the truck has slowed but got some done. Trying to safe money to fix a leaky basement. And now part of my house roof disappeared Sat. afternoon during a storm.Lifes great! Got to have bad days to know when your having a good one.

 

Oops...it's a '60 F100. Did the Dart Radiator have the inlet and outlet on the appropriate side? Do you have any photos?

 

Just a follow up...I've been online quite a bit and the mid to late 70s Dodge D100 V8 radiators look like very good options...they only offer a 16 psi cap, though. If I run 16 psi through that heater core is it just going to burst? Am I just overthinking this?

Thanks.

 

I fabbed my own radiator support in my truck. Other people have used the mid 70's dodge truck radiator with a SBC (I think they used the one for a Dodge with a 260ci engine) with the stock "U" shaped radiator support. I used the radiator for a truck with a big block (440ci) I'm not sure if there is a difference.

Bobby

 

I used a radiator from a dodge sketch van with a 360 v8(got it for free). Had to do a little work with the angle grinder and drill new holes but it went in pretty easily and is much better than the stocker, which was leaking plus I'd need one anyway when I eventually put a v8 in it.

 

You can get lower psi rad caps. They will fit with no proplem. just take the cap to your parts store and match it up.And ask for a lower psi.

 

FWIW- I am running a 408 Stroker and I used the original radiator out of the 79 Bronco. Pics are in my gallery.


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46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F-1 - As darks as it can get