In the process of 455 build, TA Stg 1, SP1, TA413,TH400, etc and looking for suggestions on best radiator/ cooling system. Car will be warmer month weekend use and occassional track. Please share your set-ups/ suggestions. Thanks. Steve
I mean, my mom says I'm pretty cool. However, if you still have the stock radiator and fan, it might not need anything, even with the greater heat produced. The SP1 will also shed heat because of aluminum. Lower thermostat is more of a myth, but it will keep your engine starting to cool itself at a lowe temperature. A bandaid that can be used is a cool thermostat, but the engine should only exceed 10-15* of the thermostat rating while idling in heavy traffic in the dead of summer. Otherwise your system is nearly inadequate. Others will chime in shortly as well, but you can't go wrong recoring your stock radiator for a mild/mid level build like yours. Just $$$
Aluminum radiator, two core, 1” tubes minimum. Be careful, there are aluminum radiators out there with smaller tubes, avoid them, 1” minimum. There are also late model single core aluminum radiators out there that can be made to work.
I went Ron Davis Aluminum from TA upon recommendation from Buickrat. Pricey, yup , but I had overheating problems in the past and didn't want to revisit that BS. Won't even hit 180* (thermostat rating) idling. Max I have seen on the guage was 200*, usually after shutdown . I think a great radiator is as important as the TA front cover on a new build. Jim
Yep, fans are pretty pricey...trying to decide. I would like to stay with stock as Johnriv mentioned but car has been sitting a long time and afraid existing radiator is gummed up beyond saving
This is my secret cooling device. I use an RV fan recommended by someone in some post here. I also use a 160 degree thermostat and Water Wetter additive to my 3 core radiator. I used to overheat because it's super hot here in TX. Now I don't even get close even when i am idling in traffic for 30 minutes. The water wetter keeps you 10 -15 degrees cooler. https://www.ebay.com/p/Engine-Cooli...-Works-22045/75248446?iid=272875224650&chn=ps https://www.summitracing.com/parts/red-80205
The stock clutch fan and good shroud is all you need. That is all I have. The radiator is the key along with the right ignition timing. There is no need for electric fans IMO.
Thanks, was thinking the same thing Larry. BTW, as you've probably noticed, I've been asking quite few questions about several different things. You have answered to pretty much every one...just wanted to thank you for passing on your expertise. Steve
I lost 20-30 degrees by replacing fan clutch - old one seemed to freewheel when it got warm. 180 with stock radiator.
This is a picture of when I had the HD clutch (NAPA271301). I have a stock fan clutch on it now, so there is a little more room. No, I am not going out there to measure.
