Big Block radiator question
 

Looking for they type and size of the radiator you're running in your truck if you have a big block in a 60-66... or on hell of a small block. I have a big block with a decent sized cam in it and am wondering if my radiator is too small or if my single, large, "cooling components" fan is just not enough to cool this thing in the summer time. Thanks!

Alex

Re: Big Block radiator question
 

Mine is a '69, but I'm running a big block with a dual Derale e-fan setup and a radiator from these guys http://www.speedcooling.com/radiators/. no issues. Radiator is very nice quality. I would think a big clutch/mechanical fan would be fine with the right size radiator, but since 60-66 C10's didn't come with big blocks, I don't know what stock application would be best. My truck had a stock BBC 4 row brass radiator and a stupid flex fan in and it cooled fine. The reason I'm using electric fans now is because I switched to a March serpentine accessory drive setup.

Re: Big Block radiator question
 

Hi Adam, sorry for the late reply I didn't get an email notification. I've seen a lot of guys saying they are running the stock 63-65 radiator and I just can't believe that's enough even for a stock big block, nevermind my warmed up big block. My issue is space. I have 3 inches front the water pump to the radiator core. I see you're in Sherwood, I spent a few years in Benton growing up.

Alex

Re: Big Block radiator question
 

The company in the link I posted has a radiator for the 63-66 C10's, says it will reliably cool 700hp. I didn't have much space either, I'm using a serpentine drive setup and long reverse rotation water pump and I have literally 1/4" from the back of the electric fans to the nose of the water pump pulley. But I'm not using the fans that ECP offers with their radiators, I'm using a Derale setup. It's a tight squeeze but it all works and keeps everything cool, even with the a/c on.

Re: Big Block radiator question
 

Ya, I may consider a radiator change. I was wondering about the fans, they looked thick. I may have to try and find specs on the 63-66 radiator and see what size electric fan I can squeeze in. Thanks!

Alex

Re: Big Block radiator question
 

Hopefully Im not too late to the party. My '63 runs the stock 4 core brass radiator, 7 blade mechanical fan with a clutch, headers, fairly strong Straub towing cam in a Vortec 454 with the factory fuel injection with bigger injectors. Supposedly 450 hp and 550 -600 tq. I do have the 63 - 66 reproduction fan shroud (trimmed to clear the huge fan) and a 180 deg t stat.

It generally runs at 190 in any weather. Highest it gets is when towing 12 - 13k GVW in 100+ heat and its really huffing. It will hit @210 and stay there as long as I'm making it work (long extended grades) but will come right back down to 190 as soon as Im either coasting, at cruise speed or in traffic. When the fan comes on, you can literally watch the temp gauge go down.

Was going to get an aluminum myself but never got to it. The stock one is working well enough so why mess with it?

Hope this helps.

Re: Big Block radiator question
 

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the reply. I'm really surprised the stock radiator is that good. I had no idea. If I can find a carburated guy with a bit more cam saying it's good too I may just go and find a stock replacment. Thanks!

Alex

Re: Big Block radiator question
 

Alex,
I run an older Griffin 2-row aluminum radiator in my '66. It has 2 1 1/4" wide rows and it keeps my 600-ish hp 434 sbc cool. With a Mezeire 55 gph electric pump, it runs around 170-185 or so around town. I also run a SPAL 16" single electric fan mounted on a self-made aluminum shroud that's mounted to the radiator.