I need a radiator for my SBC conversion, Ideas? Part numbers? Options

[pete]

I need to purchase a radiator for my SBC conversion and am in need of some suggestions/part numbers. JEGS? Also, will need a over flow canister and hoses.

[BRAVE_HELIOS]

In my setup I went with a Giffin radiator, model 125241-H... no radiator cap. The dimensions are 16"x 27.5" x 3". It's installed to float in its mounts versus mounted rigidly.

I also used one of the most powerful fans ever put in a production vehicle (Google it)... an early to mid-ninties Ford Taurus/Sable fan. I think the only one more powerful (and larger) is out of a Mark VIII. Local junk yard for $20.00. Note that fan shroud covers about 90% of radiator surface... perfect! Then of course, you need to get the controller, mine is an adjustable unit.

So far so good!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[pete]

In my setup I went with a Giffin radiator, model 125241-H... no radiator cap. The dimensions are 16"x 27.5" x 3". It's installed to float in its mounts versus mounted rigidly.

I also used one of the most powerful fans ever put in a production vehicle (Google it)... an early to mid-ninties Ford Taurus/Sable fan. I think the only one more powerful (and larger) is out of a Mark VIII. Local junk yard for $20.00. Note that fan shroud covers about 90% of radiator surface... perfect! Then of course, you need to get the controller, mine is an adjustable unit.

So far so good!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

This is a nice clean set up and I would be inclined to go with 1 fan rather then two as long as it keeps things cool. So you have a remote filler for the radiator? Also, those look like 2-3" hoses going through the floor. Are you running hoses that large of a diameter under the car?

[BRAVE_HELIOS]

Hey all,

I've had my setup in place for a while now and have been contending with a hot running engine scenario every time I take her out for a drive. It is time to finally figure out what’s going on.

More details:

- I am using rectangular tubing for the under chassis cooling lines. They are 1” x 0.5 “and have a profile area of 0.5 square inches.

- I called Griffin because of my issue and was able to confirm that the radiator is of sufficient size and design to keep the engine running cool.

- The sales rep did mention that they prefer to place the temp sensor for the gauge in place of the radiator petcock. Mine is located in one of the intake manifold ports.

Questions:

? Am I getting a “false” reading of the temp because of where the sensor is mounted? I am pretty sure I would get a lower temp reading at the radiator versus at the intake manifold.

? What about the rectangular cooling tubes. The profile area of 0.5 square inches is much smaller than what Renegade recommends with the Gates green stripe hoses… a 1.25 inch ID hose has a profile area of 1.23 square inches and a 1.00 inch ID hose has a profile area of 0.79 square inches. The radiator actually has an inlet of 1.5 inches (1.77 sq. inches) and an outlet of 1.75 (2.41 sq. inches). Obviously, I had to use adaptors to make it all work.

? Is the smaller rectangular tubing impeding the flow of coolant to the point that it is causing the engine to run hot?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

In my setup I went with a Giffin radiator, model 125241-H... no radiator cap. The dimensions are 16"x 27.5" x 3". It's installed to float in its mounts versus mounted rigidly.

I also used one of the most powerful fans ever put in a production vehicle (Google it)... an early to mid-ninties Ford Taurus/Sable fan. I think the only one more powerful (and larger) is out of a Mark VIII. Local junk yard for $20.00. Note that fan shroud covers about 90% of radiator surface... perfect! Then of course, you need to get the controller, mine is an adjustable unit.

So far so good!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

This is a nice clean set up and I would be inclined to go with 1 fan rather then two as long as it keeps things cool. So you have a remote filler for the radiator? Also, those look like 2-3" hoses going through the floor. Are you running hoses that large of a diameter under the car?