How should I cool my 383?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
How should I cool my 383?
I'm rebuilding the front suspension on my 74 and then will drop in the Crate 383 I bought, 440HP! 
I'm trying to figure out what I will do to cool this bad boy. I was thinking of using an electric fan and high output alternator, but I'm seeing people with problems on here. My car has AC, but I don't much see the point so I'm leaving it off. If it gets hot, I'll drop the T-Tops (guess that's the jeeper in me talking). I'm guessing my stock radiator will be less than sufficient. What would you suggest? I'm looking for little fabricating, relatively cheap, and works. Thanks.
I'm trying to figure out what I will do to cool this bad boy. I was thinking of using an electric fan and high output alternator, but I'm seeing people with problems on here. My car has AC, but I don't much see the point so I'm leaving it off. If it gets hot, I'll drop the T-Tops (guess that's the jeeper in me talking). I'm guessing my stock radiator will be less than sufficient. What would you suggest? I'm looking for little fabricating, relatively cheap, and works. Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg IL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Breckenridge Colorado
I am still running the stock radiator with my stroker 385. I have a 180 thermostat and had to make sure my seals were in place and the front dam was functioning but I have not had a problem. I ran a bit warm before I put all the seals in place, but i run at about 180-200 all the time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
I have the Be Cool system with dual 11 inch fans and a large aluminum radiator.I ditched the engine fan altogether.It has worked like a charm since day 1...even in blazing Sacramento Ca heat...in traffic the Vette rarely bugdes over 200 degrees.The car actually felt a shade quicker as well...maybe less drag and lighter radiator.
I understand DeWitts is excellant as well...you cant go wrong IMV if you go with one of these systems.
I understand DeWitts is excellant as well...you cant go wrong IMV if you go with one of these systems.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
My '72 originally was a "no power options" Corvette, so it came with the small 17" radiator (first used in C2 Corvettes). It now has a 383 stroker in it (built from a ZZ3 block) and an L88 hood, and I'm still using the original radiator with a single Derale 16" puller electric fan for cooling (it comes on at 160) with no thermostat. I'm still dialing in the engine, but so far it runs nice and cool.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Same here...still running the small c/b radiator in my 383. It tops out at 220* if I get stuck in traffic, then levels off at 215* once moving. Running 1 puller electric, 16 inch....too bad my '68 small-block core support won't accept a bigger rad.
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: LaSalle ON
DeWitts direct fit and dual electric fans out of an '85 Camaro, 180 deg thermostat, fans come on at a little over 180. Hardly ever sees 200 sitting heavy traffic and runs at 180 in the city and on the highway.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Thanks, I think I'm going to have my radiator cleaned and pressure tested and try it with an electric setup, I'm still deciding on what fan, but I'd like to ditch the mechanical setup all together.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
Twin flexolite fans with aluminum rad. in my 73 with 383.Reverse rotation edlbrock water pump long.And serpentine belt system off a 4.3 S series truck. aftermarket L88 hood. Runs cooler than my stock 77
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
I don't quite have 440hp, maybe around 400hp. I have a Griffin radiator and Flex-a-lite 210 pullers with a 160 stat. Sometimes I wonder if it's too cool. It runs around 170 in the Summer and much lower in cooler weather.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,715
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Originally Posted by cduemig
I'm rebuilding the front suspension on my 74 and then will drop in the Crate 383 I bought, 440HP! I'm trying to figure out what I will do to cool this bad boy. I was thinking of using an electric fan and high output alternator, but I'm seeing people with problems on here. My car has AC, but I don't much see the point so I'm leaving it off. If it gets hot, I'll drop the T-Tops (guess that's the jeeper in me talking). I'm guessing my stock radiator will be less than sufficient. What would you suggest? I'm looking for little fabricating, relatively cheap, and works. Thanks.
I'm trying to figure out what I will do to cool this bad boy. I was thinking of using an electric fan and high output alternator, but I'm seeing people with problems on here. My car has AC, but I don't much see the point so I'm leaving it off. If it gets hot, I'll drop the T-Tops (guess that's the jeeper in me talking). I'm guessing my stock radiator will be less than sufficient. What would you suggest? I'm looking for little fabricating, relatively cheap, and works. Thanks.