Small Block Radiators

[74chAARger]

Well, I transplanted a 408 stroker into the 74 Charger, and put all the 6-pack stuff on it. The intake, carbs, air cleaner, and the 1970 exhaust manifolds all came off the 318, and transferred to the stroker. I got a new torque converter and a rebuilt 727 trans, and installed it all, no problem. I was driving and noticed some high temps on the gauge. It still had the 318 radiator, 2 rows, 18 x 18 inch, pretty small.
So I ordered a new 18 x22 rad from Cool-it, on the internet. Talked to the guy on the phone, he says we have it. Ships next day. He phones next day and says it will be a few more days, but it's on the way.
When the rad came I was busy with work, so I put it off until after Christmas. The rad hose locations are in the right place, but the top tank is much higher than the original. The original is 2 inches , tank to top of filler, the new one is 3 1/2 inches. If you install it with the shroud on and centered on the fan, it seems to fit, until you try to close the hood. Then it is about an inch too high, and the hood won't close. If you lower it an inch, The lower hose is pushed against the K-member, and the fan will not center in the shroud. Removing the shroud might work, but with less cooling.
I think this is a chevy rad with Dodge mounting brackets. It has air gaps where it fits the rad supports, too. I would like to stay with a brass rad, and look fairly original, except for the carbs.
The six-pack fit under the stock flat hood nicely, and does not need the bulge hood.
Has anyone else had a similar rad fitment problem, or know a better source of O E type brass radiators?

 

[Wookie316]

My car was a small block car originally. It has a big block now. I have a Champion Aluminum rad for it. It is a 22” so it fits correctly. The car does not have the correct support for the bigger 26” rad. I have not tried to fit it yet, but it looks like it will clear fine. I am doing a 496 stroker in mine. I know the core that was in the car seemed to cool the Big block ok and I am not running a shroud either. That may change with the stroker? Nice to know a fellow Charger fan so close to me. Happy New Year.

 

[74chAARger]

It's good to know that the Champion aluminum rad fit properly. The rad I bought from cool-it was made by Spectra. It is 22 inches wide , but the high top tank is not going to work. I would like to keep the shroud, too. Where did you buy the Champion rad?

 

[74chAARger]

I looked at the cooling system tech on this site, and it looks like other people are having the same issues with this rad. I think it is for a C-body, no hood clearance issues. Cool Craft lists a 22 inch rad for a 73-74 small block in copper brass. Has anyone tried a Cool Craft rad, and how did it fit?

 

[AZRC]

Using the fan shroud will help performance so I would try to keep it if possible. I have a HD 22" radiator in my 72 Satellite that came with the vehicle so I do not have experience in aftermarket systems. I do remember seeing a company in one of the Mopar mags being utilized in a 71 or 72 project. I am fairly sure it was Wizard Cooling. Good Luck.

 

[Randy73]

I second Champion.

Also, why did you put stock 318 manifolds on a stroker????

69-70 340 I could understand, just not 318. Was it fitment or ??

 

[74chAARger]

The Six-pack, intake , carbs, and the exhaust manifolds, were all from a 1970 340 car. I had these parts on the 318 last year, until I got the stroker done, then they all went on the 408. It kept the car on the road while the new motor was being built. I am getting a 22 inch rad recored, I test fitted it in the car first, too.

 

[Wookie316]

Post a photo of your car. Would love to see it.

 

[ramairthree]

for a 74 how about a 28 inch?

original, original gone over, or after market (watch after market to make sure has trans cooler and hoses on right sides)

you will need fan shroud 3673819
(and yes I know I need to get my shroud on)

 

[74chAARger]

The re-cored rad is in. It fits well, and the shroud fits, too. I ran the car for a few minutes to check for leaks, but will wait for spring for a good test. I think the 3 core 22 inch rad will do the job, a 26 inch would require modifying the rad support, a lot of work, and might not look right.