I'm putting in a 455 ci engine into my '66 skylark and I'm concerned about engine cooling. The radiator is fairly small. I did find the following 4 core aluminum radiator: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BWD4ZP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's a 4 core with a built in shroud. I was also going to add an external transmission cooler and not use the one in the radiator to help the radiator be more efficient. Will this work? Does anyone have a picture of their setup? Any suggestions?
No good. If you see an aluminum radiator with more than 2 rows, it’s a waste of money. The biggest reason for using aluminum for radiators is it's stiffness compared to brass/copper. Brass/Copper is relatively soft, so tube sizes are limited to approximately 5/8". Aluminum is stiffer. Tube sizes can be as big as 1 1/2", and that is what increases cooling capacity. Brass/copper actually transfers heat better than aluminum, so this radiator is likely inferior to an equivalent brass/copper radiator with 5/8" tubes. I have been warning V8 members about this for a long time. Look for a 1 or 2 row aluminum radiator with big tubes (1" minimum). You may be able to have one built. Check Post #11 (by Bluzilla) in this thread, http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?th...e-use-one-of-these-units.332629/#post-2794179
I have read that it is possible. Haven't seen it advertised. I have 2 rows of 1 1/4" tubes. That is a Griffin radiator. You can call around and inquire if you like. See if Dewitt can do that.
So far I've only seen 1 1/4 but will check with Dewitt. I see you're not a fan (pun intended) of electric fans. I was originally thinking of going that route with the thought that it would improve, if ever so slightly, engine performance but going through the threads the prevailing opinion is that electrics are a waste of money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007N0K6WC/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_c_utFpCbE4JH0DE That is the one I'm running in my 65 455. It's the largest one I could get without modifying the core support. The 68 and newer cars can run larger radiators then us early guys. They make a shroud version also but for now I'm just running 2 electric fans, offset one as a pusher one as a puller. I use stock 300 crossflow radiator hoses.
