Radiator Air Flow Modification
Thread Starter
Disabled by request 8 JUN 2025
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 329
Likes: 94
From: St. Augustine, FL
Radiator Air Flow Modification
For those of you experiencing over heating problems, here is the modification I did to ensure 100% air flow through the radiator. I addition to the necessary foam strips on either side of the radiator, I felt that a lot of air flow was slipping by over the top of the radiator. If you're a purist this mod may not be for you but it's a practical solution to a potential problem. I took a heavy weight truck mud flap (available at most truck stops) and cut it out to fit from the top of the AC condenser and over the top of the radiator, securing it in the corners by tucking it under a support bracket. The mud flap material (3/8 inch thick) is heavy enough to hold it in place with no fasteners. This modification in addition to the foam strips ensures that almost 100% of the air entering the grill will flow through the radiator. Again, not for the purists or restorers, but it works for me.
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Did you notice a significant temperature drop?
Thread Starter
Disabled by request 8 JUN 2025
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 329
Likes: 94
From: St. Augustine, FL
I wouldn't call it a significant drop but temp on the highway would run about 210, but dropped down to 195 (thermostat temp). This a small block with the AC on. I have a 180 stat to put in and I'll be curious to see if it will drop down further.....1981 de-smogged.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,209
Likes: 9,347
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
That's good actually, to drop 15 degrees with just a simple model like that and if you can get it to drop down to 180 when you put in, would be even better
Thread Starter
Disabled by request 8 JUN 2025
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 329
Likes: 94
From: St. Augustine, FL
Sorry, didn't think to take a picture till after I was done. I realize I didn't have any foam across the top of the radiator support, but in pictures it looks like they only seal the hood to the support and still allow airflow to escape over the top of the radiator. The "mud flap" blocks all airflow from escaping.
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Joined: Jun 2000
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From: FL
Sorry, didn't think to take a picture till after I was done. I realize I didn't have any foam across the top of the radiator support, but in pictures it looks like they only seal the hood to the support and still allow airflow to escape over the top of the radiator. The "mud flap" blocks all airflow from escaping.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,209
Likes: 9,347
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
and it worked
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From: SW Florida.
another mod that may help. the spoiler lip underneath the front valence. imagine cutting the lip and folding it forward just outside the air entry holes above it. adding a piece there to stop air from flowing sideways off the lip may be helpful. and one could use duct tape and cardboard or stick on weatherstrip foam to try it and see if it works.
Last edited by derekderek; Nov 6, 2019 at 05:39 AM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,209
Likes: 9,347
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
another mod that may help. the spoiler lip underneath the front valence. imagine cutting the lip and folding it forward just outside the air entry holes above it. adding a piece there to stop air from flowing sideways off the lip may be helpful. and one could use duct tape and cardboard or stick on weatherstrip foam to try it and see if it works.