I'm not sure a stock radiator would have enough capacity to cool a bigger motor. Maybe a repro that looks like a stock radiator, but has more capacity? That might cost more, though.

Dave

 

Can you run a 15 lb cap on those?

 

The stock radiator has plenty of capacity to cool a normal small block Ford or Chevrolet. Probably even a Mopar, too. I used the original 6 cylinder rad with my 289 in my 50 and it worked perfectly, even with the stock 4 lb. cap. It's about twice as big as the one found in a Mustang with the same engine combo. The only modification I made was to the upper water neck. I had it come out straight (90 degrees) from the top tank, as opposed to the down angle as original for better hose to fan clearance.

If you want to run a pressure cap, like a 15lb., I would go with a new, aftermarket replacement that's designed for that purpose. No sense taking a chance on busting a seam on an old rad not made for such pressures. Those kind of things only happen at the worst possible time.

 

I had been running a stock radiator in mine with a 460, but it'll heat up on a hot day or when idling around. I don't have a shroud and that would probably help a bunch.

The truck is torn apart now to do body work etc. I'll probably try to find a different radiator when I get it running again to eliminate some over heating. Also, I'm adding airconditioning, so will need more capacity with the condenser up front.

 

We have stock radiator with a SB350 in our 55 and it has no problem keeping it cool. It was a fairly easy install but we do have an ABS shroud that we bought from Mid-fifty.

T900

 

I would stay with a 7-9 lbs cap on a stock radiator. Good flex fan, shroud and 180 degree thermostat. Cool runnin'

 

In Tempe, AZ I had a stock radiator (home made shroud) and external trany cooler in my 49 f1 with a '66 425 Super Rocket V8 / T-400 combo behind it didn't overheat... a few years after I pulled it out when I was working at a radiator shop and took it apart and cleaned it... no problems used it that way for about 5 years until I had a brain fArT and sold the truck... Wish I could find it again, hard to give up your first love....