Radiator einforcement panel.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Radiator einforcement panel.
In the future i am planning to swap to a 302 from my 300.Since the truck has a 6 it has a smaller radiator than a 302 would.I was wondering.When i swap to the 302,and add a bigger radiator,will i need to swap reinforcement panels too since the hole is only cut for a small radiator?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
The 300 had three types of cooling systems.
Standard (Small radiator)
Extra Cool (small Radiator)
Super Cool (large Radiator).
Super cool radiator was standard with A/C on the 300.
The 300 and 302 radiator are different. You will have to get the radiator that matches your engine.
As for the Radiator support. I recommend changing it out when you install the large 302 radiator.
Even though the 302 larger radiator will fit and bolt up to the support you currently have, the hole in the front to let air to the radiator fins is smaller to accomodate the small radiator.
I recommend getting the radiator support for the larger radiator, that has a larger hole in the front. This way the maximum air flow can reach the radiator.
hope this helps.
Standard (Small radiator)
Extra Cool (small Radiator)
Super Cool (large Radiator).
Super cool radiator was standard with A/C on the 300.
The 300 and 302 radiator are different. You will have to get the radiator that matches your engine.
As for the Radiator support. I recommend changing it out when you install the large 302 radiator.
Even though the 302 larger radiator will fit and bolt up to the support you currently have, the hole in the front to let air to the radiator fins is smaller to accomodate the small radiator.
I recommend getting the radiator support for the larger radiator, that has a larger hole in the front. This way the maximum air flow can reach the radiator.
hope this helps.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
The 300 had three types of cooling systems.
Standard (Small radiator)
Extra Cool (small Radiator)
Super Cool (large Radiator).
Super cool radiator was standard with A/C on the 300.
The 300 and 302 radiator are different. You will have to get the radiator that matches your engine.
As for the Radiator support. I recommend changing it out when you install the large 302 radiator.
Even though the 302 larger radiator will fit and bolt up to the support you currently have, the hole in the front to let air to the radiator fins is smaller to accomodate the small radiator.
I recommend getting the radiator support for the larger radiator, that has a larger hole in the front. This way the maximum air flow can reach the radiator.
hope this helps.
Standard (Small radiator)
Extra Cool (small Radiator)
Super Cool (large Radiator).
Super cool radiator was standard with A/C on the 300.
The 300 and 302 radiator are different. You will have to get the radiator that matches your engine.
As for the Radiator support. I recommend changing it out when you install the large 302 radiator.
Even though the 302 larger radiator will fit and bolt up to the support you currently have, the hole in the front to let air to the radiator fins is smaller to accomodate the small radiator.
I recommend getting the radiator support for the larger radiator, that has a larger hole in the front. This way the maximum air flow can reach the radiator.
hope this helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
I installed a factory A/C setup in a non-A/C 300 truck several years back. It took about three minutes to enlarge the radiator opening using a sawzall. It's all thin sheet metal...the bracing is around the larger opening. If you look at your exisitng support closely you'll see it's essentially pre-marked for the cut. I wouldn't consider changing the core support for even a second.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I installed a factory A/C setup in a non-A/C 300 truck several years back. It took about three minutes to enlarge the radiator opening using a sawzall. It's all thin sheet metal...the bracing is around the larger opening. If you look at your exisitng support closely you'll see it's essentially pre-marked for the cut. I wouldn't consider changing the core support for even a second.
14 bolts and screws hold the support in. It's not a hard swap.
It would even make swapping engines easier. IMO.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
It would make swapping the engines easier....
I did my swap in 2002, and I don't specifically recall reworking that lip, although it would be pretty simple just to tack it on in the new location. It's pretty small to begin with. In my case, it was either there already, or I didn't need it. The truck had no temperature issues with the new setup in it, but that was still with the 300. The 302 might run a little hotter.
I did my swap in 2002, and I don't specifically recall reworking that lip, although it would be pretty simple just to tack it on in the new location. It's pretty small to begin with. In my case, it was either there already, or I didn't need it. The truck had no temperature issues with the new setup in it, but that was still with the 300. The 302 might run a little hotter.
