I have 53 F100 & will be running a stock 302 engine. my question is how much radiator do I need, 2 or 3 roll ? And how many fans 1 or 2?

 

With a stock motor a 2 row would be sufficient but 3 row wouldn't hurt .
And if possible use a stock mechanical fan on the water pump as per factory .
They are more reliable than electric fans .

 

Thanks for the help

 

TV, I see you're in Arizona... I would look at only 3 and 4 row radiators, especially if you intend to add A/C.

You can put your location in your User Profile in the UserCP, it is useful in situations like this.

 

I'm running an aluminum 3-row with A/C in my 53 Chevy. Works great. Never goes over 180 but I live in a cool climate. I would stay away from 4-row radiators. My experience with them is that air does not get through them very well. The 3-row is a great compromise.

 

Before you decide go read this web page about aluminum vs. copper/brass radiators because it has a lot of good information about radiators.

Aluminum VS. Copper-Brass Radiator: Final Thoughts

Don't forget to read the other parts as this is the final summary.

If you go with aluminum do NOT get one with welded seam tanks as they are prone to cracking in the heat-effected zone next to the weld. With the cost of copper up, the aluminum radiator will be a whole lot less.

Remember, that the wider tubes will have more surface area to transfer heat so a two row radiator with wider tubes can actually transfer more heat than a three or four row with narrower tubes.

Philip

 

I bought a 4 row copper and brass radiator and have not ever had any trouble. That was 12 or 13 years ago. Boy have the prices gone up since then. If you will be in any stop and go traffic, I would recommend getting the very best you can afford. Heat kills motors and automatic transmissions so I have the radiator I described already with a 5 blade manual fan, and two trans coolers.(one built into the radiator, and one in front of the radiator) and gauges for oil, coolant, and transmission, so I know just how hot all my fluids are. Well I wish you all the enjoyment that we all get out of this bobby, keep asking questions, there is no such thing as a silly one. And welcome to the FTE family.