I have a 1977 F250 4x4, manual transmission, no AC. The truck came with a factory 19” tall radiator. This was the basic/standard radiator. Currently I have to replace both the radiator and shroud.
With a possible 460 swap coming in future years, I am looking to upgrade to a Super Cooling radiator. I checked various threads and websites. Here re some options I am considering:

Option 1: $400, Copper/Brass, 26” Tall, 3 Core, “Super Cooling model”, Radiator Express #39209
Option 2: $339, ALL Aluminum, 19” Tall, Smooth polish, Radiator Express #221573

Option 3: $680, Copper/Brass, 26” Tall, 4 Core, “Super Cooling model”, Radiator Express#221500
Option 4: $116, Plastic/Aluminum, 19” Tall, 1 Core, standard replacement, Rock Auto #CU433

For both options I will purchase a factory shroud from Dennis Carpenter.

Questions:
1. Any regrets on the Super Cooling radiator? Space hog? Overkill and expensive unless you really need it?
2. The All Aluminum radiator is a new concept, but it could be fragile and may not install perfectly.
3. A standard plastic/aluminum replacement from RockAuto at $116 is tempting to just fix it cheap. I could tackle the big radiator with 460 later…




Super Cooling vs Standard.

 

Super Cooling Radiator in a 1979 Ford Truck (26" Tall)

 

Standard Radiator, Manual Trans, No AC, 400M, 1977 F250 (19" Tall)

 

Go big..... spend money only once. Your engine will thank you..

 

Go big or go home! The super cooling is the only way to go.

Sitting in the border line in Mexico, waiting for two-three hours, in 118 degrees, in stop-n-go traffic...not any place you want to overheat!

 

Super Cooling. 4 core.

 

So how much more liquid do the super cooling rads hold over the regular rad?

 

The Super Cooling system holds 24 quarts.

The radiator itself holds three gallons.

I don't know that "three gallons" is published, but may be only anecdotal. When I flush the cooling system, and refill, three gallons of antifreeze concentrate fills the radiator.

 

1973/78 F100/350 with round headlamps: TWO different radiator supports.

The Super Cooling radiator support has a larger opening radius.

Original Ford 460 Super Cooling radiator specs: 24 11/16" high x 26 1/4" wide x 2 5/8" core thickness.

D3TZ-8146-D .. Fan Shroud / Marked on upper left corner: D4TA-CA or CB / Reproduced

1973/79 F100/350 460 with Super Cooling radiator.

Note as original: 1973/74 F100/350 460 could have a standard or Super Cooling radiator / ALL 1975/79 F100/350 460 have a Super Cooling radiator.

 

There is a super cooling radiator in a 77' with a 460 in a local JY. Is it worth picking up for $100?

 

100 bucks is kinda expensive for a used radiator, even if it is a Super Cooler.

 

Kinda what I was thinking. Thanks.

 

Bill, Thanks for the info. I will need a "front mount style" radiator . I will be sure to double check when ordering parts to make sure I get the right model.

 

I think of the "super cooling" radiator as basically an industrial radiator. Lots of capacity at low speed or stopped... even with heavy load applied.

Since it sounds like you have the smaller core support (for 19" radiator) I would suggest an alternative. A 4 core Champion plus a stout fan. It will need more fan than the original on the truck for extreme heat standing still. A high capacity mechanical fan (7 blade?) or the Mk IV electric upgrade.

On the road rolling, I think the 4 core Champion would be fine with any fan.

 

I just did the champion 3 row, no regrets...except I had to send the first one back for a major leak upon installation. But the return was effortless and I am very pleased.


I did have to trim out some of the factory radiator support on the driver's side to take advantage of the full width, but it was easy. I detail the trimming in a thread called "Champion Radiator fitment issues" from about a month ago..