I've been following the good radiator thread as of late, and have decided you SB folks have a nice range of choices. I'm going to be putting a 454 in my '69 sometime this winter (it's finished machining, but I to put everything else back into the front end first... ). It will be manual with no A/C. I've got several questions. Optimally I would get a new radiator support, Dewitt direct fit aluminum BB radiator, and dual SPALs. However, it's somewhat pricey, so I am attempting to see what options, if any exist out there.

My current radiator core support is an SB aluminum support, and I think it is salvageable (there is some rot at the bottom). Are the dimensions for all three supports in 1969 identical? Is the only difference between the SB aluminum support and the other supports the two metal panels on each side, as well as the mounting brackets at the bottom?

Are there any other viable options out there for aluminum rads? How much extra cooling does a BB radiator offer over an SB? There are some "direct fit" aluminum rads as well as universals out there, are any of them viable for me? I don't have any problems with a lot of to get things to fit.

If my only real option is to shell out the $300 for a support, $500 for a radiator, and several hundred more for fans, then that is what I will do. Any insight?

Thanks

 

There is no substitute for core area size. You can always bring the temp up to the proper spec with a thermostat.
I believe the late 77 and up are the largest replacement rads and I think the core support will fit, but not sure.

 

Yes, all 69-72 core supports "start out" as the same part. The one for the sb aluminum obviously has the two feet for the pin mount radiator but the biggest difference is a piece of sheet metal is welded over the openning to make the hole smaller. If you cut this piece off and welded the two lower U brackets on, you could convert it to the 26" sb or 27.5" bb support. The only difference between the two is the position of the lower right bracket. The two upper brackets are "bolt in" and the holes are already there. Just bolt these bracket in and you can use them to line up the lower ones. The top left use the same bracket for both 26 & 27.5.

As far as radiator options go, I think we've beaten that horse dead about four or five times. You know whats available

 

Just dont buy a Silla they are crap!

 

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I suspected this was true but I've nothing to really compare to except grainy pictures. A hack job on the core support makes me feel good about getting one of your direct fits.