Small block to big block radiator

[pipdog69]

Hey guys, been a while since I’ve posted anything on here. I am getting close to being able to put my engine together and get it in my 67 Belvedere. I’m swapping out the 318 with a 440. My question is on radiator swapping. What are y’all’s Suggestions on what I should do? Do I run the small block that I have or switch to something else? My engine is not a race machine but rather a mild street build, maybe 400 horses. Is there an alternative? Since this is my first build I just don’t want to make any more mistakes than I have already . Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GTX JOHN]

Some of the factory Mopar water pumps have
the outlet on the same side as the small blocks.
You might find one of those. I believe
many Canadian Big blocks cars in the old days had that
style pump.

Of course, you old radiator may not be optimal for cooling
the big block engine. New aluminum big block 3 or 4 rows
can be found usually for around $150. I have used them on
several of my cars with good success and I live in Nevada where
it is HOT!

 

[WileE]

Do you have a 22" or 26" core support opening ?

 

[pipdog69]

Do you have a 22" or 26" core support opening ?

Do you have a 22" or 26" core support opening ?

Hey WileE, I apologize for the late reply. I have a 26” support opening.

 

[dadsbee]

Ran a 22" small block rad in the Bee for probably 35 years. Only actual difference between it and the correct big block radiator is the lower outlet spigot is a size smaller than a big block pump inlet hose. RTV and 2 worm clamps.. never a leak.

 

[GTX JOHN]

Correct in Canada BUT in the US one of the radiator
inlet is on the opposite side of the other inlet generally.

 

[dadsbee]

If you say so John.. lol The radiator I ran, and still have, was out of a small block 1967 C body !

 

[RemCharger]

Canadian big block pumps are the same, drivers side inlet. Until the new 70s pump came out with the passenger inlet.
Unless we are talking about 50's cars??? I don't know about.

 

[RemCharger]

65 plymouth 318 rad;

Which is the same as another 66 coronet 318 rad I have.

 

[GTX JOHN]

If you say so John.. lol The radiator I ran, and still have, was out of a small block 1967 C body

Ya Know, I owned a dealership in the late 60s and three throughout most of the 70's. I
worked on these cars on a day by day basis.

There was definitely a different water pump housing location on the opposite side
on some big block vehicles in that time frame that I have seen and worked on. The ones that
I saw were on originally Canadian Big blocks in those days and that was to match up to radiator
outlet position on those vehicles. hat is not to say some American cars possible could have had them.
My assumption (A Guess) is that was to simplify the number of radiators inventoried in that market or perhaps
to match up to their current inventory of radiators on hand.

There may have been some in some lighter duty stationary engines and some
HD trucks but I do not remember for that for sure.

I am pleased and gratified that I was able bring a laugh to your day.

My .02 = For Free!