Radiator for SBC??

CherryCj7 · 04-26-2010, 06:29 PM

I was wondering if I could use my stock radiator for a Chevy 305 swap i am planning. The radiator is currently cooling an AMC 232 but the same radiator is sold for the AMC 304 as well. So, since my radiator would work for the AMC 304 would it also be good for the Chevy 305? Thanks for the help.

- Vince

Scooter402 · 04-26-2010, 06:46 PM

Depends on which side your bottom radiator hose is on...if it's on the passenger side, then you're good. If it's the driver's side, you'll need to take it to a radiator shop to have them switch it over.

CherryCj7 · 04-27-2010, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the response. My budget is very limmited. Would i be able to run a longer hose from the engine to the radiator? Anyone else have an opinion if using this radiator will work?? Thanks - Vince

ErikEastman · 04-27-2010, 02:13 PM

I used two different diameter lengths of flexible radiator hose and an exhaust pipe reducer and hose clamps to tie them together. Works great, no leaks. You have to go from 2" to 1.5" if I remember correctly. Someday I will do it right and get a proper radiator for the SBC. I added the Contour fan and the cooling system seems to work just fine though. I can get you a picture if you like.

CherryCj7 · 04-27-2010, 02:18 PM

ErikEastman, Thanks for your response. A picture would be great if you have one. Dont go out of your way though to take one if you dont. I'm glad to hear i wont have to spend another couple hundred bucks on this project. - Vince

ErikEastman · 04-27-2010, 03:17 PM

Here you go:

**Redmanchew** · 04-27-2010, 03:47 PM

check out coolflex. thats where i finally got my lower from after frankenstein'n mine 4 times. they have all kinds of lengths, great customer service, and you dont have to buy the stupid hose clamp cover for the ends if you dont want.

CherryCj7 · 04-27-2010, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the pic Erik. I will look into the coolflex Redmanchew. Thanks for all of your posts. - Vince

jsc7002 · 04-27-2010, 09:07 PM

anyone know about the 258 radiator for a 350? It would be nice not to have to buy a new one for it.

Performance · 04-28-2010, 12:24 AM

I had one fixed at a radiator shop for $25. They swapped the outlet from the driver side to the passenger side. You should check on having it fixed before you go and run all of that hose which could be a big problem at any time.

Performance · 04-28-2010, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsc7002

anyone know about the 258 radiator for a 350? It would be nice not to have to buy a new one for it.

I tried a 3 core 258 radiator that I had the inlet and outlet switched for the conversion. It did ok, but it wouldn't cool good enough out on the road. I went to a Nothern aluminum radiator that cools 4 times as good. The 258 radiator usually works good, but it just didn't for me. I would try it if you got it.

3S00W · 04-28-2010, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Performance

I tried a 3 core 258 radiator that I had the inlet and outlet switched for the conversion. It did ok, but it wouldn't cool good enough out on the road. I went to a Nothern aluminum radiator that cools 4 times as good. The 258 radiator usually works good, but it just didn't for me. I would try it if you got it.

Did you try just taking off your thermostat and letting it run constantly w/o restriction?

Performance · 04-28-2010, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOOSEonTHAloose

Did you try just taking off your thermostat and letting it run constantly w/o restriction?

Yes. One of the biggest differences in the stock radiator and the Northern radiator that I have now is the stock one is a verticle flow and the Northern is a horizontal flow. The aluminum radiator just cools so much better.

DT5150 · 04-29-2010, 06:47 AM

i bought a 3 core all aluminum cj/sbc swap radiator on ebay from a company called superior radiator. it was about half the price of a be-cool, i think it was about $260. outstanding quality and works extremely well. my temp never gets above 180*. very very pleased with it.