Pinto Car Club of America

Shiny is Good! => Your Project => Topic started by: vonkysmeed on April 24, 2004, 03:14:36 PM

Title: Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: vonkysmeed on April 24, 2004, 03:14:36 PM
I am planning on doing an engine swap on my 73 runabout and have decided to use a 302 for the engine.  The biggest problem I have seen on other cars that have had the conversion done is that they tend to run very hot.  I was wondering if anyone can recomend a radiator that would be best to use.  I know that the more cores the better and that I will also need electric fans run on a thermal switch in addition to a fan on the pulleys.  

Thank you :)
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: vonkysmeed on April 26, 2004, 11:26:45 PM
Either no one knows or it is a closley guarded national secret.  Lots of looks but no replys
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: pinto_351 on April 27, 2004, 12:13:40 AM
i have a radiator from a datsun 280z in my car with a 351w and it cools it just fine.  had to cut core support but toher then thta simple install

Brad
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: superbeast on April 27, 2004, 03:08:02 PM
I am going to use the stock rad. w/ big electric fan. I figure it should be alright, although mine had A/C. Other wise I was looking at a griffin ,the nascar style one.
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: 78pinto on April 27, 2004, 03:23:06 PM
i used a mustang II rad....worked ok as long as you didn't sit and idle for too long. Custom aluminum rad will be in next weekend.
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: pinto_351 on April 27, 2004, 05:30:30 PM
if you are gonna go with the aluminum radiator check ebay.  they go any where from 50 dollars on up.  all widths and heights.
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: vonkysmeed on April 27, 2004, 06:51:14 PM
Quote from: 78pinto on April 27, 2004, 03:23:06 PM
i used a mustang II rad....worked ok as long as you didn't sit and idle for too long. Custom aluminum rad will be in next weekend.

That is what I am trying to avoid.  I live in Southern California and Traffic is a way of life here.  I will also be driving this to Rancho Mirage (palm desert) on a regular basis and will need it dependable.  
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: claudermilk on April 27, 2004, 07:54:00 PM
Quote from: pinto_351 on April 27, 2004, 12:13:40 AM
i have a radiator from a datsun 280z in my car with a 351w and it cools it just fine.  had to cut core support but toher then thta simple install

Brad

Core support?  Excuse my stupidity, but you mean the body crossmember with the hood latch mechanism attached, right?  If so, that was planned for.
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: 78pinto on April 27, 2004, 09:47:27 PM
my rad support is still in and will be staying in!
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: Thunder55 on June 03, 2004, 08:57:46 AM
Just a little side note guys... when I was stock car racing we used to put "Water Wetter" in the radiators.. we went from 220 to 210... she never got past 210 even when the temp outside was over 100. There is several kinds out there but the one that seemed to work the best I believe is made by redline. I can tell you the bottle is see threw.. and the chemical looks Neon Pink. WELL worth the money.. I plan on running it in my big block.. it's also a water pump lube.

Just my 2 cents.
Bob
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: gpinto2 on June 03, 2004, 04:47:27 PM
I'm running a radiator out of a V-8 Maverick in mine
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: claudermilk on June 03, 2004, 08:23:51 PM
How well does it fit?  What all needed to be chopped if anything? And the most important question, how well does it cool that V8?
Title: Re:Radiator for V8 swap
Post by: gpinto2 on June 03, 2004, 09:50:52 PM
Mine fit great, just had to drill new holes for the bolts,also with it being a 3 core I can idle all day and it doesn't heat up in any temp.