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Wizard Cooling radiators 22”... or go 26”?

Dbl_R69

Dbl_R69

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Looking at buying a 22” wizard cooling radiator with the upgraded 1.25” tubes for my 600hp 440. Wondering if any of you guys are running one of their 22” radiators with your 440 and what’s your opinion.

My 69’ Roadrunner has the 22in core support, and I’m not really looking to replace the passenger side radiator support brace being the car is freshly painted. Wish I would’ve thought to change it before I painted the car, I’ll just chalk that up as a life lesson lol. Anyway, I also plan on using the stock fan shroud and stock 18” 7 blade fan (non clutch).

I see Wizard Cooling has two different 22” radiators. One with the inlet/outlet on drivers side and the other with a passenger side inlet like the 26” radiators. Anyone running either one of these?

https://wizardcooling.com/1966-1969...t-oulet-mopar-applications-aluminum-radiator/

https://wizardcooling.com/1966-1969-22-core-mopar-aluminum-radiator/


I’m also open to the idea of dropping in a 26” radiator. But not to sure how well that would work with the 22” opening and if there’s an adapter bracket out there to make it work. Any info on this idea would be great. Thanks
 
I got a 26 inch 3 core radiator from Glen Ray radiator. And he sells the brackets to mount the radiator on the 22 inch core support so everything looks factory.
 
I just bought a 22” aluminum rad from Auto City Classics. They sell on eBay under autocity1958. Good price and they got good reviews. I haven’t had a chance to install it yet, just came today.
 
I
Aron Gleason said:
I got a 26 inch 3 core radiator from Glen Ray radiator. And he sells the brackets to mount the radiator on the 22 inch core support so everything looks factory.
Click to expand...



I am not so sure, I purchased a 66 coronet with a 440 engine Installed, that had the 22 inch radiator opening and 26 inch radiator. It didn't work real well. Overheating was an issue at times, with a portion of the radiator short of cool air.In the North maybe ok, but down south not so good think. get a three core 22 Inch radiator, or wide widen the opening IMHO
 
The problem with a copper/brass radiator these days is crappy chicom copper and smaller than 1/2" tubes (factory was 9/16", max cool was 5/8"). Meanwhile the aluminum rads have 1" or 1-1/8" tubes.

These even have mounting studs for a shroud, will try to see if the factory 70-73 shroud fits tomorrow.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-Blac...521de3811a:g:L9UAAOSwjgZc~qTT&redirect=mobile

s-l400.jpg
 
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I can say that go with the biggest cooling option you can. More cooling the better. I have seen over the years where some manufacturers will put the minimum size in and its nothing but trouble later on. This across the board like wheel loaders, dozers, skid steers. Even some brand x cop cars and ambulances
 
As I have stated in previous posts here, I purchased a Wizard radiator (22") with 4 Spal fans (staged) to cool my 540 Indy motor with A/C. Wizard says it will do the job but, I have yet to complete the build.
Mike
IMG_1650.JPG
 
My 68 coronet is a factory 22" rad car, I went with a 26" aluminum. Widened the opening on the pass side and covered the edges with a small diameter black edge gaurd. Turned out really good, and honestly who will ever know other than you?
 
monaco66coupe said:
I

Well that's what I have. And after the owner of Glen Ray radiator telling me he uses the same radiator in his 572 wedge motor I figured that's what I would go with. Haven't had any problems with cooling.


I am not so sure, I purchased a 66 coronet with a 440 engine Installed, that had the 22 inch radiator opening and 26 inch radiator. It didn't work real well. Overheating was an issue at times, with a portion of the radiator short of cool air.In the North maybe ok, but down south not so good think. get a three core 22 Inch radiator, or wide widen the opening IMHO
Click to expand...
 
I use a 22” factory rad rebuilt by Glen Ray. 500 horsepower 440, never a cooling issue.
 
3sloppydogs said:
I can say that go with the biggest cooling option you can. More cooling the better. I have seen over the years where some manufacturers will put the minimum size in and its nothing but trouble later on. This across the board like wheel loaders, dozers, skid steers. Even some brand x cop cars and ambulances
Click to expand...

The issue is bigger than that though. With the current foreign production standards, nearly any brass/copper radiator that is available is undersized (based on OE spec).

The industry itself has changed and if you want something that cools as good as stock or better, your choice is Glen Ray ($$$) or aluminum. Sad to say but that’s the truth.
 
493 Mike said:
As I have stated in previous posts here, I purchased a Wizard radiator (22") with 4 Spal fans (staged) to cool my 540 Indy motor with A/C. Wizard says it will do the job but, I have yet to complete the build.
Mike
View attachment 1091814
Click to expand...

I’ve read a lot of great reviews on Wizard rads, but couldn’t get past the look of the top tank.
 
monaco66coupe said:
I




I am not so sure, I purchased a 66 coronet with a 440 engine Installed, that had the 22 inch radiator opening and 26 inch radiator. It didn't work real well. Overheating was an issue at times, with a portion of the radiator short of cool air.In the North maybe ok, but down south not so good think. get a three core 22 Inch radiator, or wide widen the opening IMHO
Click to expand...


Thats what I worry about with dropping a 26" into a 22" opening. During the non-summer months I'm sure it would be fine. But during the late spring into summer its a constant 90-100 degrees out here. Obviously it won't be a daily driver but I do plan to drive it on the highway to car shows during the summer and I'm sure ill hit traffic during the afternoons when the heat is at its peak. I know a 26" would have more capacity to keep it cooler since its bigger but if theres no air flow getting to half of it how much better could it perform... maybe electric fans would do the trick?
 
Montclaire said:
The problem with a copper/brass radiator these days is crappy chicom copper and smaller than 1/2" tubes (factory was 9/16", max cool was 5/8"). Meanwhile the aluminum rads have 1" or 1-1/8" tubes.

These even have mounting studs for a shroud, will try to see if the factory 70-73 shroud fits tomorrow.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-Blac...521de3811a:g:L9UAAOSwjgZc~qTT&redirect=mobile

View attachment 1091797
Click to expand...

I checked the ACC rad against the factory 70-73 B/E shroud. It's close but not exact - mounting studs are 23" x 14-3/8" vs 23-3/4" x 14-1/4" on the shroud. If I open up the slots a bit, it'll fit well enough. Even the tank recesses match up. It's a nice radiator, I'd be happier if it was a true 100% bolt in but overall it will work and look stock at a glance.

The shroud that I have is a repop, not sure if originals are spaced a little different. Mounting hole locations should be the same for earlier B-body. A-body shrouds are 22" x 13-1/4" and look like you wouldn't have enough overlap on the flange.
 
With 600 hp i would go with a 26" hands down even if you didn't cut the core support. I'm sure i'll get flamed out for saying that due to the fact that there are lots of guys on here with 22" radiators and warmed over engines putting out 400-500 hp and their cars run fine. You got to figure a 600hp motor is putting out 20 percent more than a 500 hp motor and it's that extra that puts you over the top. I would go with a 26" Cold Case and paint the tank if you want.
 
Montclaire said:
The problem with a copper/brass radiator these days is crappy chicom copper and smaller than 1/2" tubes (factory was 9/16", max cool was 5/8"). Meanwhile the aluminum rads have 1" or 1-1/8" tubes.

These even have mounting studs for a shroud, will try to see if the factory 70-73 shroud fits tomorrow.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-Blac...521de3811a:g:L9UAAOSwjgZc~qTT&redirect=mobile

View attachment 1091797
Click to expand...
EXACTLY WHAT is "crappy chicom copper"?? Never heard of it b4. The fins / inch count not the number of tubes are the heat exchanger surface.
If you want sn origional looking guaranteed radiator use Glenray Radiator.
Glen-ray Radiators, Inc.
2105 North 6th Street
Wausau, WI 54403
PH: 800.537.3775 or 715.842.3352
Mon-Fri, 7AM-5PM CST
[email protected]
Just my opinion of course.
BOB RENTON
 
Bob, maybe you could start a scholarship fund for poor schlubs like me who can’t afford a $1000 Glen Ray radiator. And you know exactly what I mean by crappy chicom copper.

Bob Renton, everybody - the kiss of death for any FBBO thread. If you don’t agree he’ll just keep posting until you go away.
 
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