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I have a 63 conv. With a b.b. 454 in it. The car runs at about 210 degrees but when I'm in traffic it goes up to 220 degrees. Is this normal operating temperature or should I do something to bring it down to under 200. The radiator is the original that came with the car and the small block engine. Am I worried for nothing or should I replace the radiator with a b.b. Radiator? I don't want to make changes if there isn't going to be a big improvement.
Then I'd say it's doing the best it can do. 220 isn't terrible, but I'd be prepared for a leak to spring up inside that radiator about any time.
Thanks for the info guys. I'm going to up grade the radiator when I get the chance. I have a few other things that are in need first. The B.B. DeWitts sounds like the way to go.
Thanks for the info guys. I'm going to up grade the radiator when I get the chance. I have a few other things that are in need first. The B.B. DeWitts sounds like the way to go.
You may need to use a '65 396 radiator. A 66 or 67 radiator requires a different radiator support.
Yeah, didn't think about that. There were no BB cars in '63. Would a BB rad even fit?
Yes it will fit but you have to replace the SB radiator support with a BB radiator support. The means of support is different for the BB radiator and it inclines at a steeper angle.
You may need to use a '65 396 radiator. A 66 or 67 radiator requires a different radiator support.
A 396/L88 radiator also requires a different support. Although visually similar to a SB radiator, it is wider and the core support has a larger opening for air flow.
The cheapest way out is to use a 1966 427 radiator setup; core support, radiator, fan shroud, clutch and fan, headlight opening support rods & hardware etc.
The cheapest way out is to use a 1966 427 radiator setup; core support, radiator, fan shroud, clutch and fan, headlight opening support rods & hardware etc.
About $1,500 in parts.
Dewitt sells a b.b. Radiator that will fit the 63 with a few modifications. Mostly just moving the horn relay and voltage reg.
DeWitts also sells a direct fit radiator with 1.25" tubes, which is an increase in size from what you now have. The number is 1249063M (painted black). $680. You might want to talk to them, as it's suppose to be for performance engines.
I have a 63 conv. With a b.b. 454 in it. The car runs at about 210 degrees but when I'm in traffic it goes up to 220 degrees. Is this normal operating temperature or should I do something to bring it down to under 200. The radiator is the original that came with the car and the small block engine. Am I worried for nothing or should I replace the radiator with a b.b. Radiator? I don't want to make changes if there isn't going to be a big improvement.
220 in traffic with lots of sitting and idling time is pretty good actually. 210 when you are at speed for a while is a little high but still not really a problem. I'd put the cooling on the back burner if you have other items you want to do with the car.