Big Block VS small block Core Support
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 993
Likes: 44
From: Jefferson Hills PA
Big Block VS small block Core Support
Looking for some info on the differences between core supports. I have a new one that came with my project and there seems to be a difference with the top right bracket that hold the radiator in. The holes for mounting the brackets have different center to center distances on a small block, I have a small block car sitting next to this one for comparison in the garage. The one I got with this project has the same center to center dimensions on the left and right brackets. Any pictures or other info would be great.Its the last piece before I start my engine in the chassis, and I'm a little impatient to say the least.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
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From: North of Toronto - Ontario
The BB rads are wider (various references of 27, 27-1/2 and 27-5/8. I believe the 27-1/2 is correct)
SB were only 26" wide, Also, Manual w/o AC used a pin mounting system on the bottom instead of the tank cushions. I think the auto or ones with AC used the 26" tank mounts
Yes, I believe the RH brackets were the changed ones.
M
SB were only 26" wide, Also, Manual w/o AC used a pin mounting system on the bottom instead of the tank cushions. I think the auto or ones with AC used the 26" tank mounts
Yes, I believe the RH brackets were the changed ones.
M
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 993
Likes: 44
From: Jefferson Hills PA
By the description you gave me of the pin mounts on the bottom, I don't think this is the correct core support. I do have a manual w/o air. This core support has the brackets on the bottom that hold the rubber cushions like those on top.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
If you measure between the two bottom saddles, 27-1/2 for BB, 26 (maybe 26-1/2) for SB auto or 4sp w/air
I'm pretty sure the 4sp w/o air used the 2 pin method up til 72 or 73
M
I'm pretty sure the 4sp w/o air used the 2 pin method up til 72 or 73
M
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Just checked and yes the right side is where the differences were between the 26 and 27-1/2 rads. two different upper brackets and the lower one is welded farther over
Looks like the 26" upper bracket are the same for either the pin style or saddle mounts though
M
Looks like the 26" upper bracket are the same for either the pin style or saddle mounts though
M
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 993
Likes: 44
From: Jefferson Hills PA
Here's one last question.....Can you check the center to center on the bolts that hold the left and right top brackets on. Small block has left at 2-1/2" and right at 3-1/4". My rad support for the big block has both the brackets at 2-1/2". I just bought a new Right top bracket from Paragon and it has the wrong center to center dimension.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Here's one last question.....Can you check the center to center on the bolts that hold the left and right top brackets on. Small block has left at 2-1/2" and right at 3-1/4". My rad support for the big block has both the brackets at 2-1/2". I just bought a new Right top bracket from Paragon and it has the wrong center to center dimension.
I just checked mine and left is 2-1/2", right is 3-1/4" (again, 72 BB with 27-1/2" rad)
M
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 993
Likes: 44
From: Jefferson Hills PA
The distance between the two mounts is 27" as it should be for a big block. The only problem is the center to center on the bolts for the top right rad mount. It must be for a different year.