383 stroker cooling system help

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Sep 15, 2012 | 03:37 PM

n076720

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Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2010

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383 stroker cooling system help

Now that parts gathering for the stroker is winding down I want to look at the cooling system. Is an electric water pump worth it? How many GPM do I need? 35, 50, 55? Are any more reliable than others? Moroso, Meziere or Proform or the economical Mr. Gasket or stick with a standard belt driven pump?

As far as the radiator, should I go for an aluminum unit with an electric fan that fits a small block or go with a big block sized one? I don't want to be sitting in Garden State Parkway traffic on a summer day hoping that I don't overheat.

Sep 15, 2012 | 03:58 PM

oldalaskaman

Le Mans Master

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http://www.dewitts.com/

Sep 15, 2012 | 04:05 PM

Street Rat

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5,339

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From: Central Texas

I once had a 468 Chevy that I couldn't keep cool. After the usual trial and error I bought a Stewart components water pump. Problem solved and I never looked back.

Sep 15, 2012 | 04:17 PM

n076720

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2010

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Just spent some time on Dewitts web site and the radiators look great and best of all, attractively priced. I'll call them next week and see what they say.

Sep 15, 2012 | 05:08 PM

oldalaskaman

Le Mans Master

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Tom Dewitts is on here almost every day answering questions and helping with cooling issues

Sep 15, 2012 | 09:12 PM

Phil Zell

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 1,874

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From: l In

Do the DeWitts, Throw the shroud away get rid of all the factory hodge podge and you will be a happy camper. I have a 75 with a 383 and the DeWitts setup, can't beat it.

Sep 15, 2012 | 09:12 PM

garygnu

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 818

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From: coon rapids mn

I had good luck with a stewart water pump on my bbc with a small alum radiator in my 66 chevelle.I run a elderbrock water pump on my 80 vette.I use a plastic flex fan with a stock shroud and a alum radiator.I have CST thermostat housing with a cap on top for bleeding air.the car runs cool in traffic.I use wetter water with straight water.I have no heater core.I run coolant lines from the back of the intake to the water pump.

Sep 15, 2012 | 11:35 PM

donyue

Pro

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 523

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From: Calgary Alberta

I went with the Edelbrock 8812 on a SBC and the Dewitts aluminum radiator and dual fans. I haven't completed the installation as of yet, however according to information I gathered it should provide adequate cooling for just about any SBC that I would ever want to put into the engine bay. If I ever go with a BBC then I may consider an electric water pump but I think for a SBC it is probably more than what is required.