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Topic: Radiator/ A/C Condenser

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems

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Radiator/ A/C Condenser (1/3)
10/10/07 8:31am

MikeMc71
Former Member
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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1970 White L-46 Air Roadster, 1971 White LT1 Coupe, 1971 Red Auto Air Coupe, 383 stroker, 430 HP, 2002 Millennium Yellow Auto Coupe

Joined: 10/7/2007
Posts: 341

Generally how much space should there be between the radiator and the A/C condenser? I am reinstalling A/C system in my '71 coupe, it never had a condenser in the car. After installing the new condenser (correct for the car), I am having a problem with overheating when in traffic. (This is a new problem)

1971 coupe, 383 stroker, 16" electric fan, serpentine belt system.

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Radiator/ A/C Condenser (2/3)
10/10/07 3:05pm

suncountry

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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II

Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

If I remember right mine sits about 1/2" from radiator. Ther real issue with the cooling is the condensor is going to add some restriction to the air flow reducing the volume of air traveling across the radiator. It will also add some heat load in to the radiator as well.

There are a few things you can do to improve your cooling. Adding a chin spoiler will help deflect air up to the radiator if you don't all ready have one. Going to the thicker 4 row radiator or changing to an aluminum one. Having 2 fans instead of one will help. Add foam seals between the radiator and the bulkhead it mounts to. Also running a foam seal across the top of the bulkhead to seal against the hood. This will prevent air from bypassing the radiator. I have air in my 76 and had to go to the 4 row brass radiator and put in the seals to be able to run during the summer here in the desert.

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Radiator/ A/C Condenser (3/3)
10/10/07 10:25pm

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

Glen has the right info here! I think about 1" between the cond. and the rad is probably more like it. You definitely need all of the seals around/under/over the radiator, and the shroud, especially with A/C. Make sure the front air dam is there, and in good shape, as that is what forces the air up into the radiator area...a fan by itself just won't cut it. Of course, the air dam will have no effect on the cooling if you're stuck in stop/go traffic, but it will help cool it down quicker once you get moving.
You may need to go with a dual fan set-up with the A/C system....the single, 16" fan may not be enough...Adams' Apple2007-10-10 19:25:47

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