Hi all, would like your "always good advice" on this:
My friend's 71 442 (70 455 engine) as no AC and supposedly came with no shroud, we have to change the radiator and change the water pump,
but if we decide later to add the shroud, I think the fan will not be at the correct place vs the shroud, I mean about half way in the shroud (because of the shorter non AC pump), so will it be a big of an issue ?

Thanks

 

they sell spacer to adjust the fan location. If you add the shroud, you will need the different top plate for attaching the shroud

 

Ok for the spacer, and yes, I was aware of the top plate. Will the AC pump will be ok with no shroud or it could hit the stock top plate ?
And if I put no shroud, do I still need all the seal around the rad you think ?

Your opinion is appreciated, thanks

 

Also keep in mind, his core support probably will not have the two tabs for securing the shroud at the bottom.

Don W

 

Ok got it Mr Shifty, do you think a Cold case aluminium radiator with a 6 blades fan, fan clutch and no shroud will be a good setup ?
Cold case offer one with 33.75 overall width and 1.75 lower hose and one with 34.75 overall width and 1.50" lower hose, that's a 1" width difference, should I worried about that ?
The car is an automatic by the way.
Thanks a lot for your knowledge everybody.

 

Personally, I think a factory style brass/copper replacement is the best radiator. They are exact fit, and very durable.
As far as waterpump, you MUST buy the same length water pump as originally installed, or your belts wont align properly
Take you old pump to a good autoparts store(NAPA), and make sure it matches.
The only difference internally from a A/C pump and a non-A/C pump is the style of impeller.
A/C pumps have a closed impeller, non A/Cs are open impeller

 

For the radiator, where should I look for a good stock looking style ?.
Thanks

 

Used and have it recored.

 

Good idea, thanks

 

If I find a 1970 rad would it be better due to the fact that the lower oulet is larger?
Will change the water pump anyway to fit the lower hose.

Thanks

 

Unfortunately most pumps these days use the open stamped impeller. At least the remanufactured ones do. I was hesitant to use one on my car since we have 110+ summer temps and my car has AC, but with a good radiator the open impeller works fine and keeps the coolant temps right where they should be. Apparently it moves enough coolant to be a non-issue.

 

We will see about the impellers, just went from a closed to an open one from napa, they only offer 2 for my 72 455 D88 ragtop, both open, just 2 different lengths, PO had a closed one on it before. Its a non AC car all stock, see my post in big blocks.

 

Waiting for your result...thanks