I just upgraded my vette in a pretty substantial way... 270hp to 400hp, and would like to comlete the upgrade with a new radiator and an electric fan(even more HP:).
Its a 1971 L-48, and suggestions for a fan/radiator combo. I'd like to limit it to pieces that are as attractive as they are functional.... i'm like that...LOL. Alluminum radiators and fans would be nice!

Brandon

That extra horsepower is certainly going to increase engine heat. You should definitely need a more efficient cooling system, but you may not need a new radiator per se. You can get your radiator re-cored by a professional radiator shop. That way you know it will re-install with no problems with brackets,hoses and fan clearance. Get a core with more cooling fins per inch. I have a '67 Dodge Charger as well as my Vettes and when it needed the radiator tended to, the radiator shop owner suggested an identical size core with 18 fins per inch as opposed to the standard 12 fins per inch. It greatly increased cooling area. There's no reason I know of why it wouldn't work for your car.

If you're convinced you want a new radiator as well as electric cooling fans, I'd suggest you contact the techs at Summit Racing. They have a huge selection of cooling products and can likely steer you in the right direction if you tell them what you're looking for. I would say they could help you at least as well as the Corvette parts and repro houses. They have numerous brands of aluminum and brass radiators, cooling fan kits and high performance water pumps.

Also, don't forget to make sure you have good seals around the radiator when you're done with modifications. One of the biggest causes of Corvettes running too hot is these seals being gone or in bad shape.

Good luck.

Brandon,
Check out Dewitts at http://www.dewitts.com. I found them to be very helpful...

Roy

Gunslinger - when you went from 12 fins to 18 fins per inch, what size engine were you supporting, were you running the stock fan/clutch etc and did not work? Is this cost wise less than the alum. setup w/fans?
Thanks.

BigVette1...

My Charger has a 383 in it. It has a fixed fan instead of a fan clutch. I wanted to install a viscous fan but there's not enough clearance between it and the radiator.

I don't really know if it's cost effective with an aluminum radiator with electric fans. Mother Mopar really had her head up her a$$ when it comes to making efficient radiators. General Motors was light years ahead of Mopar when it came to cooling systems.

I've read conflicting things about radiators. I've read that traditional brass/copper radiators are more efficient than aluminum, but the aluminum weighs less, and I've also read just the opposite is true when it comes to efficiency. I don't know what to say about that. When I had my Charger's radiator re-cored, I relied on the expertise and knowledge of the radiator shop guy and haven't been sorry.

Do an Internet search for "Big block from hell". It has good information on late C4 dual fans and an aluminum radiator in a 454 C3. You can get your radiator from Dewitts. I have this setup in a 69 with Tuned-Port and on the hottest day with the air on, the second fan rarely comes on. It stays around 195-200 (with a 195 T-stat) so I am very happy. It also frees up space in front of the engine.

ive got about the same power in my 74 and i went with a be cool alm. radiator and installed a 7 blade big block fan i run at lime rock and the temp stays between 180/195