what kind of thermostat and radiator to run on a 493 with 650 hp

[70Charger493C.I.]

hey i have a 493 stroker thats going in my 70 charger, and was wandering what kind of thermostat and radiator to go with. i heard that 160 is too low. but i dont really know. it is going to be a street/strip car and has a 3500 stall. and the motor has round 650 hp. Anything would help thanks.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I think HP is not the whole story because it takes whatever it takes to get your car down the road. 1 HP per hour = 2544 BTU's. Running higher RPM at cruise seems to raise temps as well. I believe 180-190 is optimum temp for an engine.

Based on higher than normal engine RPM's because of the stall I would just start with the largest factory radiator and go from there. If it can't handle the job then you need more surface area for cooling - a bigger radiator.

 

[69HEMICORONETR/TCONV]

I think HP is not the whole story because it takes whatever it takes to get your car down the road. 1 HP per hour = 2544 BTU's. Running higher RPM at cruise seems to raise temps as well. I believe 180-190 is optimum temp for an engine.

Based on higher than normal engine RPM's because of the stall I would just start with the largest factory radiator and go from there. If it can't handle the job then you need more surface area for cooling - a bigger radiator.

Agreed. :yes: