I don't know how to pose this question but I'll try.
'70 Swinger installing a fresh 500hp +/- 440 automatic.
Radiator is 22", factory V8, Auto, A/C car and I'm being told that I MUST RUN a 26" aluminum radiator.
first off, the factory old school rad is brass and 2 row and it cooled just fine in Hellishness conditions (desert bumper to bumper with the a/c blowing) even after being neglected thru its life.
So you mean to tell me that a Modern made super efficient aluminum rad would have to be 26" 4 row with 2 big fans just to keep a no a/c big block from blowing it's cool???
Guy's I have a hard time believing this. BTU's are BTU's and I'm sure a modern 22" 2 row is MUCH more efficient than the old brass one.
Why would my 440 build so MUCH MORE heat than a small block running the a/c at full blast that the factory rad couldn't keep up with the load?
I plan on installing the 26" but I'm not wanting to cut the 22" rad support opening.
Am I asking for trouble or is the Big rad just a bit of an unnecessary overkill?
HELP!