new radiator

[hotrod55]

Need help in selecting new radiator,mine just developed a leak.I have a 55 210 2 dr sedan sb 406 700r4. I plan on restoring over the next couple of years and plan on a big block cant decide what style or configuration would like to go with aluminum but which one, Be Cool,Performance Rod and Custom,Desert Cooler any suggestion or maybe there are others I`m not aware of.

[chevman57]

First off, do you want to stay with the down flow radiator or go to the crossflow radiator? I have already bought a new 4 core desert cooler radiator for mine a few years back, so i`m going to run it for now. Somewhere in the distant future i plan to chabge over to an aluminum radiator.
Terry

[55mike]

My recomendation is to go with a larger crossflow style radiator such as BeCool or Griffin (and some other brands) all who make a radiator that does not require any modifications to the core support bar, but will need to have radiator holes cut in the front filler panels (like any crossflow will require).

Personally I didn't like the way the BeCool mounted to the filler panels, so, I went with a Don McDavitt radiator because I really liked the way it mounts, using a pair of lower brackets and and an upper panel. I did have to notch the bottom of the core support bar for the upper hose, but the notch is minimal, hidden and just not a big deal. At any rate, the combo of the big crossflow and twin 11" Spal fans which fit perfectly in a stock tri-five core support (with twin relays) did the trick even in the super hot/humid conditions of the deep south. I'm running a very warmed over SBC that will certainly overheat if given the chance.

Check out this link: http://www.mcdsradiator.com/radiator.htm

You can also take a look at my website and you can see how the radiator fits.

Good luck,
55 Mike

[byrdman]

I went with this AFCO "factory replacement" design, came from streetrodstuff, same guys that sell PRC. Works good, looks good. Spendy but I didn't have to change anything to install it.
http://sixty5short.chevytalk.org/57web/misc/afcofromstreetrodstuff.jpg

[57 Bel Air LS7]

Need help in selecting new radiator,mine just developed a leak.I have a 55 210 2 dr sedan sb 406 700r4. I plan on restoring over the next couple of years and plan on a big block cant decide what style or configuration would like to go with aluminum but which one, Be Cool,Performance Rod and Custom,Desert Cooler any suggestion or maybe there are others I`m not aware of.

I would also recommend a large aluminum crossflow style radiator, especially if you are planning to install a BBC in the future. It will work with your current SBC and be ready when you go big block.

Choosing a brand will probably boil down to your personal preferences and budget. I narrowed my choices to the PRC and Mattson. I purchased the Mattson based mostly on recommendations from friends that had them....and also on what I perceived as total indifference on the part of the PRC distributor that I contacted.

Mattson pictures:

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/th_Mattson57ChevCoreSupport-Front_1_1.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/Mattson57ChevCoreSupport-Front_1_1.jpg) http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/th_Mattson57ChevCoreSupport-Engside_1_.jpg (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r306/tqgb/57%20Bel%20Air%20LS7/Mattson57ChevCoreSupport-Engside_1_.jpg)

[55delray]

I went with this AFCO "factory replacement" design, came from streetrodstuff, same guys that sell PRC. Works good, looks good. Spendy but I didn't have to change anything to install it.
http://sixty5short.chevytalk.org/57web/misc/afcofromstreetrodstuff.jpg

can i ask what this setup cost you?

[speed racer]

I went with the PRC crossflow and dual 11" Spal fans as well. Slight modification was needed to the support but I was already going to modify it. They can get pricey too depending on the options that you get.

WWW.PRCHOTROD.COM

[johns 56]

i went with prc crossflow. just bought the rad not all the other stuff. mounting was easy, it has tabs top and bottom that go on core support. had to cut some hole in filler panels and walla. looks good to. whe looking be sure to get a fully brazed rad no matter who makes it. some are glued and cannot be repaired. be cool is one that does not braze.

[plycoupe]

I used the flashing bluelite special 179.95 griffin from Summit,pie cut and welded the bottom inlet to straighten it,built a new core support,air dams,and fan and shroud mounts, installed a pair of 14" derale fans that cost more than the radiator,and golly it was fun..... Sure does cool the 468 though S.

[walrus]

I installed a Griffin aluminum radiator in my 55, with a Danchcuk fan shroud and a 17 in Mechanical fan, The build quality of the radiator is very nice. I run a 355 chevy with a 700R4 and a 160 degree thermostat. In Texas were have already had a string of 95 plus degree days with very high humity , the 55 has run right at 160 to 165 all the time even at traffic lights. I do not have air yet ,and I do run the stock radiator trans cooler. Seems to be the right radiator for my car .

[Mikey]

I went with this AFCO "factory replacement" design, came from streetrodstuff, same guys that sell PRC. Works good, looks good. Spendy but I didn't have to change anything to install it.
http://sixty5short.chevytalk.org/57web/misc/afcofromstreetrodstuff.jpg

Why do you spend lots of money and then block the thing off with an aluminum plate that does not alow any airflow...seems to be a very restrictive setup.

Just my 2 cents...