I am shopping for a 4 core radiator for my 71 Elky (454, w/AC & 4 spd M22) During my shopping it seems some vendors are showing sizes and I,ve looked thru my books and just cannot find size of radiator. I do have the extra extension pc on my radiator core support for 4 core radiator and larger top plate. I am looking for a decent quality radiator at a good price but I also want it correct for this elky. I have mixed emotions on aluminum vs stock as i will be using factory type clutch fan set-up and NOT electric fans. can anyone gove me dimensions and good source for the new Radiator.
Thanks
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Ground Up (Chevelle & Elky parts!) sell exact copy size wise for OEM fit of the original 4 row hd cooling rads for chevelle and elky .
I have installed this rad in 3 70-71 gen chevelle with bbc over the past few yrs with good results thus far.
Last i knew Ground Up (a team chevelle sponcer) also offered t/c members a discount so ask about that .
On you concern running AL vs STD type copper/brass HD cooling 4 row rad,in your app i have seen 1st hand how hd cooling 4 row stock type rad does vs a std type hi perf al rad does with 2-1" rows in a few of your gen bbc chevelles over the yrs and theres very little diff in engine temp between the 2 rads when running the upgraded clutch fan setup i rec n below with a new HD cooling 4 row rad.
Now if your comparing a std stock type 2-3 row rad (with less cooling capacity then the HD cooling 4 row rad) to the AL rad thats where the AL rad out cools the std rad.
But if you want an AL rad get it from Tom Dewitt thats also a team chevelle sponcer,he has a good quality AL rad for your car that should fit properly,Tell Tom Scott from t/c rec his rad to you if you decide to buy his AL rad.
While we are at it i came up with some things that enhance/increase cooling with gm's already good original clutch fan setup in your gen car that will ensure your bbc runs 180 deg + - few deg at cruise & 185-188 deg never hitting 190 in avg traffic all day long in 90 deg heat with non Ac setup which quite a few of your fellow t/c members did too.(Thats talking in head temp and not intaake that will show considerably less at same time in same op cond in warmer summer weather.)
With your AC on hot days you could see 6-8 deg max higher which still isnt bad at all.
Do the following to get the better cooling assuming your all ready running stock for 71 shroud , matched clutch fan,proper long w-pump for a 71(hi flow prefered if you havent bought pump yet,avail summit/jegs etc),and proper pulleys on crank & w-pump to enssure they operate at proper speed :
* Install Haydens HD 2747 thermal fan clutch that cools better then the stock std duth fan clutch. (good price from summit/aorck auto)
* Install an autozone 15356/160 stat that reduces overall stabilized engine/coolant temp
by a min of 10 deg vs 180 stat in summer temps.
* Seal all gaps between shroud and rad core with blk color adheasive backed foam insualtion used for heating/cooling apps avail in lowers/harware stores/etc.
Doing that ensures all air moved thru rad core by fan is actually sucked thru the rad core vs all the airgaps between rad core and shroud are present in stock setup ,doing that maximizes cooling efficiency.
* If the motor has a non stock non GM aftermarket cam Ensure your running at least 16-18 deg base timing because if your running less base timing then that it will be getting into the retarded timing range and retarded base timing can increase engine temp esp in traffic with AC on. How much it inc engine temp depends on how much base timings retarded.
* Run a 30% anti frz/70% distilled water coolant mix for better heat transfer then std 50/50 mix.
You must do all the above or you will not see anywhere near the nice temps i stated your bbc motor would run on hot days,its the old do it right (meaning everything i suggested) or dont bother at all . Thats because everything i suggested works together collectively as a team to reduce engine temps and one without the other kills my rec upgraded clutch fan setups ability to cool better then when its in completely stock form running a 180 stat or 192-195 stat too.
BTW,i did all the above upgrades to all the bbc chevelles i installed the above mentioend 4 row HD cooling rad from ground up in and also did the upgrades to my own 69 with bbc too.
PM me your email address so i can send you some real time cooling info for chevelles running bbc's.
Good luck.
Scott
