73 Auto - Manual Radiators Different?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
73 Auto - Manual Radiators Different?
Trying to install a new aluminum radiator made for an auto trans in my 73 with manual trans. Since bought it on Ebay don't know if there's a difference or if it's not made properly. The perches are too far apart on the car. Either way, since bought it about a year ago, then have to decide whether to take an electric saw to the car or buy a Dewitts. Time to watch NASCAR, they're on a road course today. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,990
From: Connecticut, USA
The radiators were different for the SB 4spd and SBauto & BB cars. The stock aluminum rad is for the SB 4 spds, the auto's and BB's used a larger copper/brass rad along with different shrouds.I have seen stock 69 350-350's with the larger rad too?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Is the auto trans radiator bigger (larger capacity) than the manual? It sure looks like it. My original radiator is packed away with the other original parts. Think I'm going to modify the radiator support and have a bracket made so the new radiator can be installed.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Did some research last night. As far as capacity, the SB manual and auto are the same, the BB has a larger capacity. Would have installed an aluminum radiator for a BB if had known. Looks like the only mod for the car to accept the auto radiator is new perches. Going to have a one piece aluminum bracket with perches made into it fabricated, a little extra insurance.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Originally Posted by gtr1999
The radiators were different for the SB 4spd and SBauto & BB cars. The stock aluminum rad is for the SB 4 spds, the auto's and BB's used a larger copper/brass rad along with different shrouds.I have seen stock 69 350-350's with the larger rad too?
The 73-76 uses a 27.5" core (the distance between the headers) and there was no different in sb and bb. Automatics simply had a trans cooling inside the end tank, manuals did not. Here what they look like
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Originally Posted by FAST73
Appreciate the info. If I had to do it again, would buy it from you.