ZZ4 Upgrade - Do I need a new Radiator?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
ZZ4 Upgrade - Do I need a new Radiator?
Looking to drop a new ZZ4 with a Comp ***** Thumper cam kit into my '80. I should be at about 420hp/420tq at the crank. Wondering if I should be considering dumping the original brass radiator for an aluminum unit and go with electric fans to keep it cool. Just not sure if I will get the cooling I need from the stock radiator (which worked fine with the stock L48, no overheating issues).
Have my eye on a Dewitt's with dual 11" fans, beautiful looking unit and I have heard nothing but good things about them on this forum, but if I don't need to change out the stocker it'd save me a bunch o cash. Any input is greatly appreciated!!
Have my eye on a Dewitt's with dual 11" fans, beautiful looking unit and I have heard nothing but good things about them on this forum, but if I don't need to change out the stocker it'd save me a bunch o cash. Any input is greatly appreciated!!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Running a 3 row brass with close to 600hp if that helps.
Single 2200 cfm spal, 160 stat, underdriven too do use a HV water pump though
Do what you want with the car will probaly be fine either way.
De Witts is nice stuff though if you got the coin why not.
Single 2200 cfm spal, 160 stat, underdriven too do use a HV water pump though
Do what you want with the car will probaly be fine either way.
De Witts is nice stuff though if you got the coin why not.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
It doesn't get that hot in Wisconsin so you should be fine with your stock one. Never heard a negative thing about Dewitts either but I doubt that you will need one. I'd try the old one first since you'd rather not spend the money.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
Thanks for all the input guys, thinking I can keep my brass unit for now, if I have any hassles I can always replace later. I'm still considering going with the electric fans just to clean up the engine bay, get rid of the shroud, etc. Any thoughts on that would be great as well. Much appreciated!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Has the old radiator ever been overhauled? Is the water pump on the new engine a 'hi-flow' pump? If the answers are "No" and "Yes", you should either have the original radiator cleaned out, checked, repaired or recored (if necessary), or just change it out for a larger capacity radiator.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
I had to replace the oem radiator in my '69 in the early 80's. The car was "parked" from 1989 to 2002. Never had any heating issues with either the oem unit or the similar brass replacement. I have a ZZ4 and just had the rad boiled out and pressure tested. they said it just needed some solder around the bottom neck. I was thinking of getting a new one but needed to cut back on some expenses since I needed all new fiberglass from the firewall fwd and new retractables - so I decided to just use what I had.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 669
Likes: 80
From: NE USA
At a minimum you wouldn't want to send crud and crap into the water jacket of your brand new engine. For the money there is no better way to keep it cool than the Dewitt rad. It's a no brainer, spend a bunch o $$$$$ on the engine, all associated systems should be of the same quality.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 11
From: EVANSVILLE Wisconsin
Very good guys, thanks for all the info on what you're running and what's working. You all know what a catch 22 business this is.... If I do x I need to do y and if I do Y I need to do z etc..... Arrgh, it never ends with the projects and the funds. Oh well i'm still having fun and that's what this should be about. (that and making some dude in a mustang eat crow off the line) 
