Correct radiator?

[1969CoronetR/T]

I have my R/T in the shop for interior work and some engine detailing. I bought new radiator hoses from YearOne and the mechanic at the shop claims I have a small block radiator as all big block radiators have the upper hose that connect towards the passenger side. Any idea if this is correct radiator for a 440 cid engine?

 

[monaco66coupe]

do you have the number from the tank? I can look it up for you.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I will have to stop in the shop to take of picture of the number on top of the radiator.

 

[ODZKing]

Here are your choices for 1969 B body - 440
If it isa not a 22 inch which it does not look like, you can scratch the first one off.
Which leaves you with either 2949054 or 2049055.

2949053	1969	B	22"	440	Auto	Heater
2949054	1969	B	26"	383 440	Both	Heater	With N51
2949054	1969	B	26"	426 440	Both	Heater	Daytona
2949054	1969	B	26"	440 6BBL	Both	Heater	A12 PKG
2949055	1969	B	26"	440	Manual	Heater	Less N51
2949055	1969	B	26"	440	Auto	A/C

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I will have the sop send me a picture of the number on top of the radiator in the morning. The upper radiator hose is too short from YearOne to fit my application.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

The radiator has a number 2949043 stamped on top. I think this is for a 318 C body. Would running a small block radiator hurt a big block engine?

 

[monaco66coupe]

2949043 is a 1969 26" C body 318 radiator. I'm curious, as the 318 typically has the smaller lower water outlets than the 383-440. I have that radiator in storage, and will measure it to confirm. The driver side outlet matches a small block, as the A/C sits to the left of the hose.
On a 383-440, the hose is on the left(passenger) s the compressor sits to the right.

I did have a 67' C body 26" A/C radiator, 27859949. It has a 1 1/2 inch bottom outlet, and 1 1/2 top. I checked all my C body 318 radiators, and all had a 1 1/2 inch bottom outlet. Your engine has
a 1 3/4 bottom outlet. how is it attached? The radiator you have is wrong in any event. A C body 383-440 radiator will work for you, just try to match the width of your opening.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

Would a small block radiator do any damage to a big block engine?

 

[ODZKing]

A) You could eventually have cooling issues as it is too small for the car.
B) If you are looking for matching #s, it is clear that it is not correct. Even your wrench pointed it out apparently.
Will it hurt, no not until when/if you overheat.

 

[440beep]

Not have enough cooling capacity? which would be bad.

Would a small block radiator do any damage to a big block engine?

 

[monaco66coupe]

as long as it is in good shape, and it is a two core, a three would be better. your climate isn't like Texas, Just get a good temp gauge,
and monitor it regularly.I would still be concerned about how your bottom hose is attached. If it blows, you won't have much time.

- - - Updated - - -

I agree with odzking and 440 beep. It isn't worth the risk. I'm sure somebody close has a big block radiator either 22 or 26 that can help you. I do if nobody else does. However, I'm 900 miles west of you.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I am looking into getting a 26" replacement radiator. I may go with a Be Cool radiator as I am not concerned with appearance or originality. Anyone need a 318 C body radiator?

 

[monaco66coupe]

Looks like you have a nice car! good idea getting the be cool.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

Be Cool is only good for 400 horsepower without their electric fans. I do not want tot use electric fans. I have 400 horsepower with a mild camshaft only. Are OE rated for 400 horsepower also?

 

[monaco66coupe]

OE up to 400 HP

2949054 26" is the same number for 383-440-426 in 69' So they did work well, as the 440 and 426 were underrated at 375 and 425.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I narrowed it down to either an aluminum 'shiny' radiator from Be Cool or go with a stock replacement from Glen-Ray. I most likely will be upgrading the engine with ported heads and possibly a stroker kit so I will need a radiator that can handle 500 horsepower. I do not go to many car shows and I do not raise my hood when I do go to a show so the radiator will go unseen. Any suggestions?

 

[2059]

Use Glen-Ray; you will not be disappointed. Used them on the '64 and haven't looked back. this is a shot of the horns but you can see the radiator.

 

[ODZKing]

I agree 100%. Bob is a great guy to deal with. You may pay a little more but well worth it for a quality product and a correct-matching radiator as a side advantage.
Glen Ray all they way.

 

[monaco66coupe]

now that is settled, any pictures of your car? in case I missed it? I can guess it's yellow, and a coronet?

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

Sure.

After it was painted last winter.




The fratzog emblem was turned upside down in error. I noticed it later that day fixed it.