442_Mustang

Ok, I have done a couple of searches on this and am still wondering what to get.I have a 72 Olds cutlass with a 455/4 speed dynoed at 480/540 and I'm running the stock 3 core radiator. When driving at highwy speeds( 65-70 )the temp slowly climbs but below that it stays at 180 and in traffic it never gets hot so I'm looking for a new radiator.I looked up the core size on Rockauto.com and jegs and summit have nothing that will directly fit. Has anyone come up with anything short of the 600.00 Becool setup? I feel I'm close on the radiator but need a little more.

My442

Alumitech

alek72us

If u want just a four core radiater that will fit ur car with no problems. get the measurments of yours and go to the junk yard look at all a-body's ( i think they are the same) chevelle olds buick pontiac nova. that will save u some money. or check craigslist/b-eay. i think the 4 core raditor is the same size as a 3 core just wider. someone will correct me.

also check with ur nearest radiator shop that fixes/sells them they probably have one on the shelf. they might still make the 4 core for are cars brand new for a decent price.

My442

Go ahead, buy a chinueseum one off of e-Bay.....

1969w3155

If you can find a 4 core in a salvage yard, w/the outlets where you need them, just have a local radiator shop recore it for you, using those ballasts'.

joe_padavano

First of all, the end tanks on a four row are thicker than on the 2 or 3 row radiators. A four row will not fit the core support unless you change the bottom "U" brackets and the top plate to the wider ones. Repros are available, but the bottom brackets are spot welded to the core support.

Second, if you can find an A-body in a wrecking yard these days, particularly one with a four row radiator, more power to you. In most parts of the country they are few and far between. Don't expect that radiator to be much good, either.

You might want to consider an aluminum radiator. It will provide the cooling capacity of a four row, but should fit in your current brackets. Paint it black and no one will know.

1969w3155

Yep, true on all counts, I should have mentioned fit difference with the brackets, and yes they are hard to find.

442_Mustang

I have no problem with an Aluminum radiator. I am just wondering if someone has one that will fit besides that Becool one. I don't need trans cooler in it. I had a Griffin in my camaro but that was a bit hokie in the installation . Has anyone bought one from somewhere that cooled and fit like it should? I guess I could just buy that Becool one but the wife may not be happy. It is always easier to ask forgiveness than permission.I'm just looking for other options

Yellowstatue

If your temp is climbing at highway speeds, it is possible that you have a problem with your air dams...if they are missing then the air will not be forced through the rad... the small pieces at the top corners of the rad too...and a shroud...and a six or seven blade fan...and an AC waterpump...the list goes on but I have run out of letters...

442_Mustang

Air dams? I dunno . I am running a twin electric fan setup with relays But I don't know about these air dams.

joe_padavano

The "air dam" is actually the plastic piece that closes out the space between the core support and the front bumper, forcing all air through the radiator instead of under it. You really should not be needing the fans at highway speeds.

442_Mustang

I don't need the fans when I'm driving it. just if I am going slower. I will have to look into the Air dam situation. I tore it down way too long ago. I don't remember if there was anything but I bet the 350 was fine before.I have no A/C or power options so there should be no real obstructions. Imma go find my body shop manual and investigate.Thanx. Hope this is the fix...