Will a stock radiator work for a sbc?

[ScottH]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience running a stock radiator in a 46 with a 350 engine?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

[ScottH]

anyone?

[Wrecker55]

I have a stock style 4 core in mine with a 275hp 350....runs 180-190

[ATVYP]

When my dad first assembled our 46' Chevy 1/2 ton truck in the early 90's, he just had the original radiator rebuilt with a heavier core to use with a mild 350 SBC with TH350 transmission. He used a hose adapter for the lower and upper radiator hoses because the stock diameter was smaller than the SBC, and a lower temperature thermostat. it has worked well, as long as it doesn't idle in hot temperatures too long. I don't think this would have worked too well in parades. He used a shroud around the fan and spaced the fan as close to the radiator as was safe. It may work in parades with a second large electric fan on the front of the radiator.

Twenty years later it is my toy now. I'm not quite ready to assemble the radiator yet, but I see that I can purchase a brand new highly efficient aluminum radiator much cheaper than I can have the older radiator rebuilt. This obviously would not be a good choice for those doing original restorations, but I believe this is a great option for us street rod guys.

I can try to send you pictures if it would help. The info might be in my build thread "Uncle Howard's 46' Chevy Truck." Send me a note if not.
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[ScottH]

Thanks guys, appreciate the info.
Got a great deal on a stock one so gonna give it a try.

[paintman]

Originally Posted by ScottH

Thanks guys, appreciate the info.
Got a great deal on a stock one so gonna give it a try.

Hey Scott! Did you ever find rear fenders for your truck? When I bought my 46 the guy was using what I believe is the original radiator with an electric fan in front and a flex fan on the motor. For as much as I used it before I tore the truck down, (5 miles here and 5 miles there), i never had any overheating trouble. However my electric fan would kick on and run for about 5 minutes after I shut the truck off.

[ScottH]

Yes I did find one, needed some work but a lot less than the one I had. Just gave it to a body guy yesterday, hopefully it will turn out nice.

How is urs coming along?

[paintman]

Originally Posted by ScottH

Yes I did find one, needed some work but a lot less than the one I had. Just gave it to a body guy yesterday, hopefully it will turn out nice.

How is urs coming along?

whole lotta work going on with mine! Putting a new front end in her!

[mr48chev]

I had a stock four core out of a 2-1/2 ton in mine for a lot of years but old age and vibration finally got to it. It worked great with the 350. I had the radiator shop clean it and change the neck on it and probably ran it for 20 years.

If you are planning on running an old one that you have cleaned up you have to remember that it is "old" and may not hold up over a long period of time. But they are easy to pull out and replace so if it looks good run it and you can replace it later if it doesn't work as expected. They only have a 4 or 6 lb cap though.

[ScottH]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. When I get the one I just bought I plan to have it cleaned and pressure tested, so hopefully after that I will be good to go. I'll make sure to get a low pressure cap.

[ScottH]

Finally got the stock one and turns out its only a 2 core (my bad for not asking b4 buying it).
So looks like I will end up and bite the bullet and get an aluminum one after all.

Thanks for everyones input.

Scott