1972 454 Engine Install
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
OH HELL NO...... Engine first, all else after... If you are putting the motor/tranny in together the balancer will barely clear the core support as it is..... No crank pulley on it. Tight fit for sure...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
Is your radiator core support still in the car? If it is, you won't really change the amount of clearance you have available for dropping in the motor no matter when you put the condensor back in - it sits in front of the core support. If the core support is out already, leave it all out until after that motor is sitting between the frame rails again... Not asked, but those core supports do get rusty and weak and they are part of the support for the front clip of the car. Finding tons of rust on my core support a week ago, I took mine out and will replace it when I install a new aluminum direct-fit radiator - and a Vintage Air Sure Fit Gen-IV a/c system!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,381
Likes: 789
From: Redondo Beach, California
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 18
From: Boca Raton Florida
Took it out to patch and paint. Car has been on jackstands inside the garage since 1983. There's no frame rust and two small holes in the birdcage so I wasn't expecting big problems. Tapped the surface rust with a screwdriver and it just fell apart.
There's nothing left but paint and rust (and not a lot of paint).
It's too far gone to cut and patch but luckily a reproduction radiator support is available from all the major outlets ($320-$350 plus shipping).
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Assuming your front clip is supported by the front bumper that is still attached, you can remove the radiator core support. If not, you will have to support the front clip. The engine and tranny are best to go in as a unit. You can have the water pump, pulley and belt to the crankshaft on, but leave the rest of the accessories off for now. Assemble your radiator to the core support with the proper seals, then the fan shroud with the proper seals. You have to think in terms of assembled units...the factory did. You can do a much better job with this assembly on the bench or floor...believe me. The entire radiator package can then be installed in the car in just minutes. You might even be able to mount your A/C condensor to the package before installing, but I don't know for sure.
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Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,381
Likes: 789
From: Redondo Beach, California
Mucking around with a BB and the it's factory radiator shroud can be a real problem. A solution is to get an aluminum radiator and electric fan assembly. (For instance Dewitts). This assembly is a lot easier to work with, cools better, and also gets rid of the mechanical fan. With electric fans, you can work on your engine with the engine running and don't have to worry about being maimed by the mechanical fan. Downside is the close to $1000 for the Dewitts package. I have an aluminum radiator and electric fans on my 68 SB (BeCool). BeCool is just fine (about the same price), but for my BB I thought I'd go DeWitts since they get a lot of favorable comments on the forum.
Once you work on an engine with electric fans, you'll never, never go back.
Once you work on an engine with electric fans, you'll never, never go back.
