Cooling 540, need help!

[Erik Beckett]

Goodguys is coming up and I need some help. So I have tried a few things to try and get my 540 cool at idle in my camaro. i feel I am getting closer but not close enough for comfort.

This is my current setup:
Bill Mitchell 540
Edelbrock long water pump
March pulleys (Mid performance, one step from high flow water)
Be Cool radiator with Spal 16" puller fan
One bottle water wetter
180* Thermostat

The car cools right down going down the road to 185*. It got up to 230* in the driveway the other day with the stock big block shroud and Plasic Flexalite fan. Thats when I decided to try the 16" fan and flushing the system. It only got to 220* this time after 20 minutes so I know it is better.

My only options now are to try an 11" dual fan setup but this requires converting over to a short water pump and replacing all the March pulleys and the alternator bracket.

Does anybody have any other suggestions for me. i know there are some nasty big blocks on this site and how are you cooling them???

Thanks, Erik

P.S. Frank, do you have deals on radiator setups, my Be Cool is o.k. but I could get a nicer looking one.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I have a coupe of these In Stock. Been selling the heck out of them. Dual 13" fans, 3400 CFM, Double pass design, should cool the space shuttle!

[Erik Beckett]

Frank, how much for the radiator and fan setup? I may have you bring that down to Goodguys instead of the brakes. I need cooling more then anything and my brakes work ok for now but the Wilwoods would be much better.

My only problem with that radiator setup is I need to convert everything to a short water pump setup correct? Not to mention I need the one for the big block chevy, the one pictured has the top hose and filler neck for the cap on the wrong side.

Thanks, Erik

[ProdigyCustoms]

These work with a long water pump. Also, you will run a swivel water neck for a double pass. You want a double pass unit in any application any time you can do one. Double pass mean the inlet and outlet are on the same side and the water goes through the radiator in a z pattern, effectivly passing through twice. Double pass adds 10 to 20 degrees extra cooling in some cases.

[Erik Beckett]

Hey Frank, can you email me a price to my email address below. Don't forget I have the long water pump and March six rib pulleys. Are you sure it will fit? I would hate to see you bring it all the way up here and it not fit. Also, do you know if I can run a temp sending unit for the fans in the water pump port. This 540 only has one port and thats in the intake for the temp gauge.

Thanks, Erik

[email protected]

[dj3]

Goodguys is coming up and I need some help. So I have tried a few things to try and get my 540 cool at idle in my camaro. i feel I am getting closer but not close enough for comfort.

This is my current setup:
Bill Mitchell 540
Edelbrock long water pump
March pulleys (Mid performance, one step from high flow water)
Be Cool radiator with Spal 16" puller fan
One bottle water wetter
180* Thermostat

The car cools right down going down the road to 185*. It got up to 230* in the driveway the other day with the stock big block shroud and Plasic Flexalite fan. Thats when I decided to try the 16" fan and flushing the system. It only got to 220* this time after 20 minutes so I know it is better.

My only options now are to try an 11" dual fan setup but this requires converting over to a short water pump and replacing all the March pulleys and the alternator bracket.

Does anybody have any other suggestions for me. i know there are some nasty big blocks on this site and how are you cooling them???

Thanks, Erik

P.S. Frank, do you have deals on radiator setups, my Be Cool is o.k. but I could get a nicer looking one.

Erik,

I actually have the same motor and pulley setup you have, but I have the Ron Davis that Frank posted and have no problems at all. Great looking radiator as well.

dj

[ProdigyCustoms]

That is not a Ron Davis though!

[dj3]

That is not a Ron Davis though!

oops, my mistake. If that one you show is cheaper than a Ron davis then I should have called you before getting mine.

[ProdigyCustoms]

$300 less! I have them made custom for us.

[loweredd]

What is the overall dimensions of that Frank?

[TMat]

I have a big block set up also, and it runs hot. Could you PM me a price on that fan and radiator combo.
Thanks

[Finch]

Frank,

Please PM me a price on this. My 2nd gen creaps up in temp since I put the intercooler on just before GG Nashville, I had to keep switching to the vette after about 5 or 6 runs so I need a little better system.

Thanks,

[72NovaSS]

That thing looks Niooooce!

[ProdigyCustoms]

I have 2nd gens being built also. $900 complete

[Erik Beckett]

Hey Frank,

It was good meeting you at the Columbus Goodguys this weekend. I had a blast. It was nice to be able to take a car that people somewhat notice and ask questions about, but your used to that!!!!. I am starting the install on my radiator tonight. You mentioned a certain radiator hose that will fit, what was it again???

Thanks, Erik

[ProdigyCustoms]

Try a 70 big block Chevelle hose might come close. You just need a zig and zag in it.

[Erik Beckett]

Hey Frank,

I got the radiator mocked in last night and it looks great. I have some concerns about the radiator hose sizes though. The radiator seems to have 1/4-1/2" smaller inlet and outlets tubes then my waterneck and waterpump. I assume you know this correct. I don't see how a basic radiator hose is going to work, they are the same size on both ends. And I can't imagine trying to tighten one up 1/2" and take up the slack. Any suggestions as to what people are doing for this?

Thanks, Erik

[Gordz32]

More than lately, it seems that every car we build the radiator to water neck or water pump hoses are never the same as the factory. With that said. its been a regular occassion for me to spend some time down at Kragen in the back looking for a hose or hoses that I can make work. Just tell the guy at the counter that.. No I don't have a VIN number and no you can't help me, Just let me hang out in the back finding the right hose.

[gmachinz]

No I don't have a VIN number and no you can't help me, Just let me hang out in the back finding the right hose.

so true......LOL

[Erik Beckett]

I spent some time at NAPA this morning and I think I found a upper hose that will work. I will try it tonight. They got me in a new bottom hose but there is no spring in it to avoid collapsing. Do I need the spring??

Also, I need to hook up a 12 volt battery source and a 12 volt ignition source for the dual fans. Why do I need both? Also, can somebody tell me where to hook up the 12 volt ignition source? Sorry but I am not electriclly inclined.

Erik