which radiator?
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: Washington nj
which radiator?
Hi all. Looking for some opinions. Changed out the engine, 350 in my 74. So im putting stuff back in. Its a 4spd and converted the factory air to one of nostalgic airs systems. The radiator is in good shape and it cooled fine before. That was without the ac working. Also when I removed it found that it was running without a t- stat. So my question is do I change over to a new aluminum radiator or put the old one back in? Trying to keep costs down, but that went out the window when I pulled the engine lol. Don't want overheating problems down the road.
Thanks Brent
Thanks Brent
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
Doing the same thing. I don't know the age of my existing radiator and it's so much easier to remove with the engine out.
I'm a big block though. I bought a Champion and it wont fit. Doesn't fit into the hold downs at all. Ordered a Dewitts from Summit which everyone says is a drop in.
Hope they are right.
I'm a big block though. I bought a Champion and it wont fit. Doesn't fit into the hold downs at all. Ordered a Dewitts from Summit which everyone says is a drop in.
Hope they are right.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 12
Well, the radiator is just a surface area to cool down the coolant. IMO, especially if you're trying to cut on cost, if it is not leaking, just stick with it. Not running a t-stat increases use on the water channels for nothing and makes the engine run cool for nothing. Adding AC won't change anything regarding temps since it doesn't use the same circuit (unlike heating)
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
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From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
take the radiator in for a pressure test and checkup,
they can tell you if it will function properly, or if it needs rodded /cleaning inside.
if they say good to go, run it.
it was originally designed to cool a small block, if in good shape I prefer the original.
highly suggest adding the T-Stat back in to the car.
they can tell you if it will function properly, or if it needs rodded /cleaning inside.
if they say good to go, run it.
it was originally designed to cool a small block, if in good shape I prefer the original.
highly suggest adding the T-Stat back in to the car.
Last edited by 69Vett; Mar 9, 2015 at 12:22 PM.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
On the other hand......my 350 SBC was staying cool with a 180* thermostat.....I installed vintage air and had overheating problems in traffic to the point that I had to turn the a/c off in traffic jams in July/August......NOT GOOD!
I added a pusher electric fan which helped some, but still overheating and I wasn't going to fry a good engine.
I bought/installed a late-model GM aluminum radiator the correct size and the SBC is as cool as can be in 99* traffic jams.
If my project were completely original I would have bought a direct replacement radiator....but it's a resto-mod because of previous owners butchering.
I added a pusher electric fan which helped some, but still overheating and I wasn't going to fry a good engine.
I bought/installed a late-model GM aluminum radiator the correct size and the SBC is as cool as can be in 99* traffic jams.
If my project were completely original I would have bought a direct replacement radiator....but it's a resto-mod because of previous owners butchering.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 17
From: Pasadena MD
Hi all. Looking for some opinions. Changed out the engine, 350 in my 74. So im putting stuff back in. Its a 4spd and converted the factory air to one of nostalgic airs systems. The radiator is in good shape and it cooled fine before. That was without the ac working. Also when I removed it found that it was running without a t- stat. So my question is do I change over to a new aluminum radiator or put the old one back in? Trying to keep costs down, but that went out the window when I pulled the engine lol. Don't want overheating problems down the road.
Thanks Brent
Thanks Brent
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
If you want a new radiator that really fits,
Do yourself a favor and buy a DeWitts.
I searched and searched for a really good sale,
Then ZIP sent me deal via my email.
With 10% off, free shipping and no sales tax,
I placed my order, grabbed a beer, and sat down to relax.
......
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
I was in the same boat also. I upgraded my engine to a GMZZ5 and added a Vintage air . I never had overheating issues prior to the disassembly of my 1974 . I wasn't sure if I wanted to use the original radiator again after a core cleaning and inspection. after thinking about it for a while I decided to pull the trigger.although I'm still in the middle of the resto/mod I'm sure I will be glad I wont be pulling the radiator out of that tight spot once I'm done..!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
If the original was not a problem and you're trying to keep cost down do this
On the other hand if that turns out to not be the case as the others have said Dewitt's is the way to go. Yes you can spend less and it may or may not fit without issues but you get what you pay for. IMCO there is nothing more important than the cooling system (maybe the oiling system) so that's not the place to gamble.
take the radiator in for a pressure test and checkup,
they can tell you if it will function properly, or if it needs rodded /cleaning inside.
if they say good to go, run it.
it was originally designed to cool a small block, if in good shape I prefer the original.
highly suggest adding the T-Stat back in to the car.
they can tell you if it will function properly, or if it needs rodded /cleaning inside.
if they say good to go, run it.
it was originally designed to cool a small block, if in good shape I prefer the original.
highly suggest adding the T-Stat back in to the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Hi Brent,
Consider that air conditioning was an option in '74, I would check the AIM under C60 and see what we're the differences for the small block cars with AC vs. non-AC cars.
If the radiator is in good condition (straight fins, clean, passes pressure test) I would strongly consider reusing it. Make the necessary adjustments for C60 (7-blade fan perhaps?).
If, in the future, you are not satisfied with your cooling capacity, evaluate the entire system and determine if the radiator really is the problem. You'll find replacing the radiator a fairly straight forward project.
Consider that air conditioning was an option in '74, I would check the AIM under C60 and see what we're the differences for the small block cars with AC vs. non-AC cars.
If the radiator is in good condition (straight fins, clean, passes pressure test) I would strongly consider reusing it. Make the necessary adjustments for C60 (7-blade fan perhaps?).
If, in the future, you are not satisfied with your cooling capacity, evaluate the entire system and determine if the radiator really is the problem. You'll find replacing the radiator a fairly straight forward project.