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Assuming electric fans on the radiator. How much could you tilt the radiator backwards (= to the motor) ? I think this might be usefull to gain clearance between the radiator and the radiator support on top to get a air inlet tube of 3.5" to pass through the opening.
The electric fans solve the fan/shroud issue (as he said, assuming electric fans).
Are C3s really that close to the tipping point as a far as overheating? And how would the angle of the radiator affect coolant flow? I've seen radiators mounted basically flat in some off-road trucks.
Not sure, but I do not think tilting it backwards at the top approx. 1" makes a difference in the water circulating. This is a closed system with a coolant tank.
The limit seems to be the proximity of the A-arm bushings.
I know you are looking at running the CAI to the front. If you don't mind changing a few things, here are a couple of ways that come to mind:
Lower the rad and tilt it back a bit. Maybe even a shorter rad but in aluminum to make up the efficiency.
Use a narrower rad and run the CIA to one side. Maybe just enough to have two 2" tubes, or an oval tube merge into your 3.5".
Of course you would need to make changes to the radiator core support, and have your pressure tank, (or some point), as a way to bleed air if the rad is not the high point of the system.
But I like your idea and the looks of a rectangular induction plenum going over the top of the radiator to the air cleaner better.....and since Bubba already cut the top off my project-radiator-support........!
But I like your idea and the looks of a rectangular induction plenum going over the top of the radiator to the air cleaner better.....and since Bubba already cut the top off my project-radiator-support........!
Do you still have enough cooling capacity with that small radiator ?
That one is not ours (White epoxy) but we do offer cut down C5 and C6 radiator for the purpose of SC or turbo. We could do the same thing for C3 Rads if anyone wanted it.
Do you still have enough cooling capacity with that small radiator ?
It's a stock SBC cools well with the custom shroud/aux electric fan inside the shroud that blows Only Ambient air onto the engine when it is running.
(Shroud, aux fan, extra ambient ductwork not shown in the above photo)
This is not something I would do to an original engine bay (since I acquired the car with no mech. fan or shroud--I tried the set-up below).........
There are two 4" ducts drawing ambient air into the round shroud.......hot radiator exhaust-air is diverted to the pavement with the downward vented shroud that is in front of the fan shroud. The only airflow in the engine bay is constant ambient air from the aux electric fan----all experimental at this time.
Last edited by doorgunner; Aug 20, 2014 at 10:41 PM.
Not sure what a stock C3 1979 alternator has for amps but I assume I need to change to a heavier model as well ? Is there a stronger replacement that fits ?