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67RSSS502
12-19-2004, 03:35 PM
I am getting to the point of needing to purchase a radiator and fan for my car and would like to be thrifty on this part. While I know I can go buy a module from Be Cool for $1300 I think I could achieve the same thing using a universal rad from someone and a Lincoln MK VIII fan and some custom mounts. Rather than reinvent the wheel I thought I would throw this out here, as I have read of a number of posts from others talking about doing the same thing, I am just looking for more specific details on what type of rad I should look for etc since I am a rookie at this stuff.

The car has a crate ZZ502 that has been worked on and should deliver about 600hp, connected to a Turbo 400 that will eventually have a Gear vendors under/overdrive unit attached. The car also has a vintage air A/C setup.

Thoughts on exactly what type of universal rad to use is the most important but the more info you would like to share the better in terms of mounting etc.

Thanks!

Dion
67RSSS502

dhardison
12-20-2004, 04:18 AM
Dion, I recently installed a Griffin racing radiator (the universal models) in my Nova. I'm running a BB as well and it dropped my temps 30 degrees across the board (stop-n-go or highway). The unit I purchased was only $190 and I use a water pump
mounted flex fan only, no electric fan.

Note that these rads do not have a cooler for your tranny. You'll have to add an external cooler for that.

Here's a link on the Jeg's site for their "racing rads".

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=3785&prmenbr=361

HTH,
Dan

dhardison
12-20-2004, 04:20 AM
In terms of mouting I only had to trim down the factory rubber mounts a bit. The only other trouble I had was finding a lower rad hose that would work with the Griffin 'angled' outlet.

Dan

CAMAROBOY69
12-20-2004, 04:29 AM
Cheap should be my new name on all the threads. I went with the universal radiator and Mark VIII fan. I dont think it gets any better for the price.
Radiator was around $150
Mark VIII fan around $160
So for just over $300 you can cool just about anything.

67RSSS502
12-20-2004, 04:51 AM
Thanks for the replies!! So the question is now what dimensions should I use? The Be Cool product search specs a rad that is 18" H x 24" W and 2" thick (2 rows of 1" tube)

Just curious what size you guys are running? From the JEG's website it looks like I could either order a 22" x 19" w/2 1" rows OR 23 1/2" x 19" with 2 1" rows.

Thoughts?

Dion
67RSSS502

gmachinz
12-20-2004, 05:48 PM
Dion, you have mail. :)

CarlC
12-20-2004, 06:07 PM
For angled outlets (Griffin, C&R, etc.) on a small block 1st gen Camaro a Gates 22125 hose should work fine after some cutting.

Rybar
12-20-2004, 06:43 PM
Would one of these universal rads work with an LS1 motor? Or do you need a special "reverse flow" type rad?

dhardison
12-21-2004, 04:34 AM
The NAPA part # for the lower hose that fits the Griffin angled outlet (for use w/a BB and LONG water pump) is #8220. It would probably work with a short pump as well.

Dan

porschev8
12-23-2004, 07:33 PM
Would one of these universal rads work with an LS1 motor? Or do you need a special "reverse flow" type rad?

You don't need anything special really, other than the hose connection sizes to match the engine. (1.250" upper & 1.5" lower)
If you want the best cooling, try to stay away from radiators with a low fin count and find one with about 18 fins per inch. (14 fins per inch is considered low)

streetk14
01-09-2005, 09:18 PM
Dion,
If you have not bought a radiator yet, I can offer you some advice. IMO, the best bang for the buck out there are the universal style from Griffin. I have been running one for several years (26" X 19"). unfortunatly, this radiator is not large enough to fit my new 18" electric fan. So, I just bought a 27.5" X 19" pn# 55242-x. It has 2 rows of 1.25" tubes, and fits 1st gen cars very well. I had a welding shop make me some nice brackets for a direct bolt in. If you have a big block, stay away from the 1" tubes. Griffin rates them to only 400hp, while the 1.25" models are rated to 600hp. I have been very happy with mine, and my car runs at 160 all day. Maybe a little overkill, but for a total investment of $280 it is a bargain. By the way, I have a Griffin radiator for sale. It is 27.5" X 19" w/ 1" tubes. It came out of my buddies 68 firebird, and has been modified to bolt into 1st gen cars. If anyone is interested, send me a pm or e mail.

Andy

67RSSS502
01-10-2005, 09:24 AM
Hi Andy,
I just bought a radiator last week.... sorry! Sounds like a good deal for someone....

Thanks for the offer!

Dion
67RSSS502

HTRDMX55
02-28-2005, 04:04 PM
Hey I am going through the same thing right now with my 67. Just wondering what radiator and fan I should use for a 454. I am on the cheapo budget too. Sorry to get in on someone elses thread but i figure a quick question was ok instead of starting a whole new one.