I purchased a 71 corvette that has a small block in it. I ordered a new radiator and it was the wrong one. The support was rusted out so I went to try and find the correct one and it turns out the radiator, support and shroud are for a big block. It appears to be the original by it's condition. so now I either need to order a small block shroud and support for the new sb radiator or send it back and order a bb radiator and support since I have a bb shroud. What the heck is going on? Goin to check numbers to ID the car. It has a small block hood. Do you think the factory installed everything for a big block and realized, whoops.

 

FWIW: Small block cars with AT and factory air often got big block radiators, shrouds, and fans. Does your car have AT and AC?

 

I've been through quite a bit of BB vs SB on my car (see link below). Based on the information you have provided, I would choose whether I wanted a big block car or a small block car, and I would order everything based on that choice. More simply put, avoid mixing big block this with small block that. If you plan on keeping the small block (which is what I would do), get a small block radiator support, radiator, shroud, fan, hoses, and expansion tank.

Just out of curiosity, does your fan have the tips that curve up and around the radiator shroud? You might find that you have a nice supply of sell-able big block parts if you wanted to consider going that direction with it.

http://www.72stingray.com/p/intake-m...nd-tuning.html

 

My car is a 4 speed, a/c, manual steering, manual brake car. I already bought a Dewitt SB aluminum radiator so I guess I will by the SB support and a new shroud. Not sure about the fan blade curve. Thanks

 

I do have a set of coated headers and an intake that came off my 68 BB car if someone needs them. Thanks guy's

 

Not that it's any of my business, but if you have the aluminum radiator already, out of the car, now might be the best time to go to an electric fan. You have to pull the shroud anyway. DeWitts makes a dual Spal fan kit, or you can fab up something yourself. You will likely need to upgrade the alternator and some wiring, but you can future-proof your car a bit.

Sorry for the scope-creep, but better now than later

 

cost the same,... always go with BB support and radiator, for most cooling capacity.
core support and radiator, are bolt in interchangeable.

 

And the hoses will go from the engine to the radiator just fine...

 

T
Congrats on your win last year.

 

So, I returned the SB radiator and exchanged for the BB one. purchased a BB Mount and bolt kit, so I can keep the car the same from the factory have better cooling, and now it will all bolt back in without a problem. I could see the top brackets were different, Shroud was different, the a/c condenser mounts all different on the small block. It would have been a continual buying spree to get everything converted. Thanks for all the input.