Radiator mounting question

[57 Bel Air LS7]

My new Mattson radiator is mocked up using the stock core support. Because of clearance needed for the engine air intake, it had to be mounted approx. 3/4" forward and slightly below the top of the core support. Doing so means that you can see the stock fan cutout in the top rail of the core support in addition to the gap. I'm looking for suggestions about how to close this gap....mostly do you think I should close the side gaps as well as the top.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/th_IMG_0125_1_1.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/IMG_0125_1_1.jpg) http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/th_IMG_0127_1_1.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/IMG_0127_1_1.jpg)

[Rick_L]

You should definitely close the side gaps, because any air that flows through there should go through the radiator.

For the top, there would be some airflow through there, but maybe not as big a problem as the sides. But I'd close it up just for the better looks. In fact I'd take the hump out of the crossbar too - and I'd consider dropping it the same 3/4" as the radiator - then I'd consider fixing the baffle on the hood to close everything up.

Wow, did I just suggest a bunch of work for you or what? :eek: Equivalent to a 2 or 3 part how to series from MP&C or Cnut.

[MP&C]

Way to go Rick!! :)

(my ears were burning)

[Chevynut]

I agree with Rick. The LS engines are so low that anything you can do to lower the radiator to make it more visible would improve the looks....IMO. ;). Start hacking and welding. :)

[Rick_L]

"Way to go Rick!!

(my ears were burning)"

Robert, it's definitely a compliment.

Often we get to spend the other guy's money on parts. This time it's fab stuff. :)

[MikeKy55]

My kind of guys.....:eek: :D :D

[57 Bel Air LS7]

You should definitely close the side gaps, because any air that flows through there should go through the radiator.

For the top, there would be some airflow through there, but maybe not as big a problem as the sides. But I'd close it up just for the better looks. In fact I'd take the hump out of the crossbar too - and I'd consider dropping it the same 3/4" as the radiator - then I'd consider fixing the baffle on the hood to close everything up.

Wow, did I just suggest a bunch of work for you or what? :eek: Equivalent to a 2 or 3 part how to series from MP&C or Cnut.

YIKES, I'm beginning to think that asking you guys this question was a mistake :eek: :o Gonna set the build schedule back some more for sure....I can see that now. :(

[deadcarny]

Hi guy....here is a shot of my LS1 with becool stuff and the filler plate I fabbed to fill the gap you are talking about......I have yet to polish it, but I think it will do the job rather nicely when done.

Good Luck with yours..! K

[57 Bel Air LS7]

Hi guy....here is a shot of my LS1 with becool stuff and the filler plate I fabbed to fill the gap you are talking about......I have yet to polish it, but I think it will do the job rather nicely when done.

Good Luck with yours..! K

Hi deadcarny....is there any chance you could post an expandable thumbnail pic of your set-up? Can't see much detail in the small one. :(

[deadcarny]

Not sure how to do that.....I am computer challenged obviously...LOL. Can you clue me into how that is done..?

Thanx....dk

[mattsons]

Hi:
Is the motor bolted in. Is the air intake directly in the center? If you odered the stock set up the fans stick 2 and 1/2 inches behind the coresuport. We can change one fan that would change the fan from 3.9 to 2.48. If you can get the air intake to one side you can change one fan. If not you can change bolth and leave it in the same location inless it was odered pushed foward. The fan shroud should should be abel to **** all the air thru the radiator even know there is a small gap. The only issue wil be apperance.
You can call me and I would be happy to try and help.

Thanks
Sean

[dlsnfl]

This is the Mattsons complete setup with crossbrace and
sides, if it helps???
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL547/2325146/13401180/240966380.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL547/2325146/13401180/240966425.jpg

[57 Bel Air LS7]

Sean - I'll call you about this. I already have the shallow fans and they fit fine. Radiator could maybe come back a quarter inch or so to reduce the gap but not much more. I was mostly wondering if I should close the gap to direct as much of the air through the radiator as possible.

dlsnfl - I considered the Mattson core support like you have when I ordered this radiator but decided against it because I have a LS7 engine. If you look closely at my pictures, you will see the LS7 dry sump oil tank mounted into the passenger side inner fender panel. It didn't make sense to me to order that beautiful core support and then have to modify it for tank clearance. Thanks anyway for your pics.

[krugs56belair]

should close the gap to direct as much of the air through the radiator as possible. that will help cool the motor

[Highveelocity]

I wanna see, too:)