The aluminum Be Cool Radiator that I ordered from Jeg's apparently is not going to work (too small and doesn't fit in the core support correctly). I'm going to send it back and get another one. I am looking at spending around $500 for the radiator. Could you big block guys please give me the model radiator you are using. I want to get an aluminum radiator...and would really like a Be Cool.

Update on progress:

I put a heli-coil in the crank and got the flywheel on. I set up the clutch and bellhousing and dropped the engine in. I tried bolting the transmission up to the bellhousing last night but it would not go. I pulled the transmission back out to check the alignment (my arms were dog tired from holding it up there for as long as I did by myself). Much to my dismay I looked in to see if my clutch was aligned properly (I used an alignment tool)....the clutch disk was a course spline (10 spline) :mad. I ordered a fine spline (26 Spline) and they sent me the course spline (10 spline). I guess the guy who puts the orders together at Jeg's thought that a course spline would work better for my application :rolleyes:. It's pretty much my own stupidity for not checking the clutch though. I pulled the bellhousing, clutch and pressure plate back off and will be returning them. I ordered the correct clutch (again) and it will be here on Wednesday. I bolted in my core support and tried to fit my radiator in but the radiator is too small so I need one that is a direct replacement aluminum radiator (if there is such a thing). I am exhausted...

The plan was to fire it up this weekend but now that my clutch and radiator will not work, it has been pushed back another week. It never ends.

 

Sorry to here about your setback I sure they make an aluminum radiator that loos stock. I think Elkers sells them but they are like six or seven hundred dollars.
I just checked my Elkers magazine they dont list that they make a reproduction aluminum radiator for your 76.


[Modified by Wightnite, 2:35 PM 4/20/2002]

 

Are you putting back a small block radiator with your new BB or did you find a BB radiator supports for it?

 

Bence, Check the BeCool website for the application guide. I can't remember which model number I have but can call them on Monday. Mine fit perfectly and is the biggest radiator they make for our vettes. Tonight we are going to install the motor, can't wait to hear it. Let me know if you have other questions on the radiator, I know the owner really well and he can give us the answers you need. Good luck, Tom

 

Shane,
I'm running a factory BB radiator in my car. It's the original radiator to the car. I'm going to start out using a regular fan, but if it doesn't cool well enough I'll go to some electric pushers. It's a big 4 row radiator, so I'm sure it'll be fine.

I'm surprised you haven't chimed in on my BB threads yet :confused:

What intake did you end up using?

Sorry to hear about the clutch fiasco, but that's minor compared to what I'm dealing with at the moment :(.

 

Hi Shane,

I know how you feel. My motor has been at the machine shop now for 9 weeks. I get an email from Dave at the shop asking me for the pressure plate so that they can balance the assembly. It took 9 weeks for him to ask me for it. :mad Why? All the other parts are there and ready to go. Just more wasted time.....

I am being as patient as possible. I ordered the clutch and should be here next week. I ordered the Centerforce dual friction. Which one did you end up buying?

Did you see Steve Straus' pics of his installation? You should take pics and do the same. I know that your digital camera is crap but at least use 35mm film and scan the pics later or have them developed and put on a 3.5" floppy too. You don't want to miss this opportunity.....

Bob :cheers:

 

I'm runnin a four core BB radiator from GM. about $250.

 

467-Ratman:
Thanks for the tip, I'm gonna check out there web site right now.

Steve:
The reason I haven't chimed in on any of your threads is because I have spent nearly all of my free time up in the garage trying to get this project squared around. When I have been on here lately it's because I had a problem that I needed some advice on. A normal night is me working from 5:30PM - 1:30AM and some times later. I have had very little time for anything else. In fact one of the reasons I'm on here is because I have some free time because I can't really do anything until the clutch comes in on Wednesday. I'll be sure to check out your threads though :) :cheers:. I've kind of been in my own little world the past couple of days between school, work, my car and my girlfriend I don't know whether I'm coming or going. By the way what problem have you run into?

 

Shane, have you checked with Tom DeWitt? He might give you some guidance on which is the best radiator for your car.
By the way, the engine looks great! You've just about completed something that you can talk about for many years to come.
Good Luck on the clutch and radiator!

 

Thanks smokehouse for thinking of me! Bence, I would need to know more info to be sure of what you're trying to accomplish but the stock small block radiator would be the way to go if you still have the core support for it. That radiator has a 26.2" core and could cool down a bb without any problem. This is a direct fit rad, uses stock hoses, mounting, etc. and cost $495. I think you'll like the pressed formed end tanks a lot better than BC. td

www.dewitts.com/pages/productdetail.asp?prodID=15

 

No problem Tom, I always try and support the vendors that support this forum. You convinced me with the quality of your stuff and your service with the Twin Spal setup I got from you. I showed my fan setup to a buddy yesterday and he is going to order one from you as soon as he scrapes up the necessary cash!
Needless to say, I'd be putting my dual Spals behind that aluminum radiator if I had an extra $500.00.

 

just a tip on electric fans. FIAT X1/9 cooling fans are only about 10 inches across and crank out a hell of a lot of air. They come in their own shroud and it's cut at an angle because the FIAT radiator lays down like the vett's. I don't know it they would cool a BB by themselves but two of them fit in just fine and cool a small block pretty good. Go to the local boneyard and pick up a set cheap. they can be taken apart and lubed too.