LS1 radiator conversion

[cutlassmann]

I'm installing a LS1 in my 1972 cutlass Can anyone tell me what's the difference when both ports is on the passengers side does it cool better ? Are is there a difference with the port on the opposite side. What cools better?

[armourmark]

Both ports on the passenger side is a dual pass radiator. It keeps the fluid in there for longer than a normal radiator. So, it is supposed to cool better.

[SparkyRnD]

he's going to be running one of our dual pass crossflow LS conversion radiators

[Ron]

There are a many dynamics going on in the cooling system. One change affects the performance of everything else. I will keep to the flow issue and be short as possible. In a single pass radiator the coolant flow is laminar or less turbulent then in the dual pass radiator. The turbulence is created because the flow area (number of tubes) of each pass in the dual pass radiator is 1/2 the area of the single pass radiator. The gallon per minute of coolant pumped by the water pump is the same for both radiators. So the feet per second the coolant travels through the dual pass radiator tubes is twice as fast as in the single pass radiator. The turbulent flow exposes more of the heated coolant to the radiators tube walls which passes more heat to the fins for the air to carry the heat off. The coolant does not stay in the radiator longer.

A dual pass radiator is more resistant to flow versus a single pass, so the gallon per minute rate is a little slower but only by a few gallons. To slow the coolant down in the radiator the water pump pulleys would need to be changed to pump less coolant. At the same time the coolant will also stay in the engine longer so it will get hotter. The cooling system is a game of tradeoffs.

I hope this helps any questions give us a call 623-877-5000 we be glad to help.
Ron Davis

[cutlassmann]

What hoses would I need to used for this on a 1972 cutlass

[cutlassmann]

I was not happy with there fan kit very cheap did not keep my engine/radiator cool at all told him I would be making around 450-500hp car ran at 210-230 without a/c I'm piss then I ask him to call me and never call me back should have went with a known brand never again in my other builds paid over 600.00 and still had to buy another set of electric fan don't buy from SparkyRND!

[H2Ogbodies]

I stock Northern LS race radiators if you still need something put together. I focus less on the radiator design (since obviously I dont build them...lol) and instead put my attention on the quality of the fan(s) pulling the heat out. Keeping the coolant in the radiator longer allows for more time to remove heat but ONLY if the fan(s) are up to the task. Let me know if I can help-I have quite a few OEM fan kits that will outperform any aftermarket fan. It sounds to me like the radiator was well built but the fans were subpar. Can't go halfway on cooling performance.

[cutlassmann]

I had to buy better fans.

[cutlassmann]

these are the cheap fans he sent me and he charge me $250.00!!!

[H2Ogbodies]

What these aftermarket fan companies aren't realizing is that IF you are going to use thin, pancake style motors ie low performance a modest CFM ratings, then you MUST incorporate a shroud that helps funnel air in through the radiator. You can't just stick a flat piece of steel with 2 big openings for fans and expect to move any real air. Look at the line of Motorcraft single fans for example-they feature massive shrouds AND fan motors-its the perfect setup IF you have the room. Like most radiator builders, Spal supplies fans that fit your application more so than provide you with fans that are designed to keep your motor cool. If I have a full service fab shop at my disposal I'd definitely have a wide range of shroud designs and I would be using OEM fan motors and fans as well.

[H2Ogbodies]

BTW, good looking engine compartment-how is your charging system meeting your electrical demands? It appears you have a 1-wire Powermaster alternator so I was just curious...

[H2Ogbodies]

If Sparky built that kick ass radiator and installed those goofy fans on an otherwise gorgeous product, he should look into building his own radiator shroud enclosures IMO.

[cutlassmann]

The one wire is cool so far.....its a 220 alternator