Radiator question
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,352
Likes: 1
From: Waleska, GA
Can you run a 15 lb cap on those?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,191
Likes: 4,800
From: Burbank, WA
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.
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.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,556
Likes: 80
From: Manhattan, KS
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.
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.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
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....
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