What radiator is best for a Chevy 350 Conversion?

tifgirl · 05-20-09, 05:54 PM

Okay I am a rookie here so feel free to give the appropriate "smile"... I have a FJ55 in the shop with a brand new rebuilt Chevy 350, and the shop owner is guessing at the right radiator, but isn't really sure. What I have right now is a shot 1966 - 67 Buick SkylarkMOD - 433347 radiator. He suggest putting the same one back in, but I think it might be the culprate of the old engine blowing... I plan on using the Pig for pulling a boat up some moderate mountains/hills (depending on where you live)...East coast they are mountains...

It also has an after market A/C. Has anyone put a 350 in and had success with a particular radiator? Any help I would greatly appreciate. Thx.

Lil'John · 05-20-09, 07:18 PM

Unfortunately, radiator is only part of the cooling equation. Fan and radiator shroud are equally important and often arguably more important

The reason your mechanic wants to replace the existing one with the same is because no fab work needed

Can't give you an official what works on a pig. I'm in process of getting mine running. Hopefully in a week or so I'll know

73fj55 · 05-20-09, 07:52 PM

I have a 350 that I just put Vortec heads on, while in there I change the thermostat to a lower temp rating, don't remember if it was 160 or 180. Water pump, I believe is stock 350 using a medium size flexalite fan. I am using the original, FJ55 radiator. Before I switched to a lower thermostat I was running really hot, especially out on the trails. Since the switcharoo I have not had any problems. If you can score a stock 55 radiator, it should be fine. BTW, I live in the desert. Best of luck.

Gumby · 05-21-09, 05:49 AM

Don't skimp on the shroud. It's an important part of the system.

I run a aluminum radiator I got from eBay and a taurus fan.

tifgirl · 05-21-09, 06:03 AM

Hey Gumby...that actually use to be my nickname back in the day...anyhoo. Can you tell me the model of your aluminum radiator and taurus fan? Either that or I am gonna find a FJ Radiator and have it recored. I also like the idea of lowering the thermostat... I really want aluminum.

Gumby · 05-21-09, 06:37 AM

It's a no name brand. I thought the guys eBay user name was dirttrackthunder, but maybe not. I did a quick search on eBay and found a few for around $160.

The Taurus fan is a popular mod. It's the second biggest electric fan that came stock. The Mark VIII fan is more powerful, but is overkill and harder to find. The Taurus fan came in 3.8L Taurus, Sable and mustangs. It's a two speed, high volume fan that fits very nice in a cruiser. Like all e-fans it comes with it's own shroud and you don't have to worry about the engine flexing and hitting the shroud or what to do with the fan during water crossings.

Lots of info in the 40 tech section.

Luke111 · 05-21-09, 03:30 PM

You might give Lance a call at IronPig Offroad, he did my 350 install and built this fan shroud. I'm not sure the brand of radiator.

tifgirl · 05-22-09, 07:40 AM

Wow!!! Sweet set up Lou!!! Might be outta my budget...

But I will check it out. Looks like a custom shroud. Thanks for sharing the pics.

eperry0303 · 05-22-09, 11:58 AM

I'm in setup/reseearch mode for my swap, but here's my plan for rad and fan. I searched around for a good V8 radiator that would fit pretty close to stock placement, cool a V8, and with the trans cooler (I'm planning on running the 700r4): Here's what I'm going to try:

Southwest Speed - Manufacturing, Warehousing, and Distributing Race Car Parts Since 1975.

It's thicker than stock, but will fit in the stock mounting area as far as heighth and width.

As for the fan, I'm going to go electric, and this produces 3000 cfm (claimed) and comes with a shroud already, and looks like it should fit nice with the finned area of the radiator above:

180 Black Magic X-treme

Of course, since this is my "plan" there's a number of unexplored issues for me...Will I have room for that electric fan after I place the motor? Mounting details? I don't know these things, but will igure them out as I go I suppose, like any swap. But based on the measurments I have, I think this will work nicely, but a little pricey maybe.

mookie · 05-23-09, 06:31 PM

i'm using my factory radiator and an electric fan with no issues

tifgirl · 05-26-09, 11:04 AM

Hey Gumby, Is their a specific year I should be looking for on the fan/shroud? I found one on e-bay but it is a 90's version.

Gumby · 05-26-09, 11:18 AM

90s version is good. It should have a 3 wire connector if it is for the 3.8L

tifgirl · 05-26-09, 12:30 PM

Super that is what I got. Now when I am matching up the radiator you suggested and the fan it looks like some modifications are required? Also, I have read different wiring info. Was curious if you have a pic of your set-up and also wiring recommendations. I seached and couldn't seem to find out how to go about this particular project effectively. I have heard that you should have an on/off switch for water crossings and that you should hook your A/C into the fan even if it already has a fan? Any thoughts, suggestions, pics, links would be greatly appreciated.

tifgirl · 05-27-09, 08:24 AM

Hey Lou,
Gave Lance a call since he is real close and got the answering machine...so I keep trying, but need to get her up and running and then am going to have him take a look. Don't think I can afford the set-up you have, but want to see what he can do with my purse.

Thanks for the pics. your FJ40 is a beaut!!!

Luke111 · 05-27-09, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tifgirl

Hey Lou,
Gave Lance a call since he is real close and got the answering machine...so I keep trying, but need to get her up and running and then am going to have him take a look. Don't think I can afford the set-up you have, but want to see what he can do with my purse.

Thanks for the pics. your FJ40 is a beaut!!!

Tifgirl, what part of Va? I'm up near DC. Lance and crew will work with you and at the very least give you advice. BTW this ain't no FJ40

tifgirl · 05-27-09, 02:09 PM

My bad I knew that. It is awesome. I am in NOVA too. We'll have to sidebar and get together at some point. I hope to have my PIG outta the shop mid week next week. I can't wait. I haven't gotten to drive her since I got her 7 months ago. We'll okay around the neighborhood and then straight to the shop.

tifgirl · 06-05-09, 10:22 AM

Hi There...
Wanted to give you all an update. I got a "TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 1977 4.2 V8 ALL ALUMINUM RADIATOR" off ebay from seller "proradiators" with a Taurus fan/shroud. Added a new thermostat at 180. It didn't do the trick. The fan wouldn't fit. The radiator alone won't keep it cool. So, I am wondering if the aftermarket FJ55 radiators out there will do the trick? Can't seem to find a old FJ55 record.

I have an aftermarket AC . I am not sure that is causing some issues, as it heats up w/o the AC on. No load or anything...just some mild hills...everyday driving, and it has been cooler here.

I was thinking of going with the Chevy radiator that was suggested above Southwest Speed - Manufacturing, Warehousing, and Distributing Race Car Parts Since 1975.
and electric fan. Anyone tested this?

That or the Aftermarket FJ55 radiator RockAuto Parts Catalog Spectra #CU180 if it is the same as the original.

Please help?!?!

Thanks,

eperry0303 · 06-05-09, 04:00 PM

I posted that one from SW speed, but have not bought or tried it yet. I just looked at the dimensions vs. stock, it's very close for heidth and width, and ~1" thicker than stock. FYI, that is a Griffin Radiator, SW Speed just te re-selller. If you have a closer source for Griffin, you might be able to get it elsewhere.

Luke111 · 06-05-09, 05:40 PM

Don't spend anymore money. I just got off the phone with Lance
he wants to help. PM'd you.

Lou

tifgirl · 06-08-09, 12:12 PM

I did order the Southwest Speed Radiator. Hopefully it helps. I didn't get your message until after I placed the order. I did call Lance tho and left him a message earlier today. So, hopefully I'll hear back from him. Thanks folks really appreciate your support.

tifgirl · 06-09-09, 08:56 AM

As suggested by Lou I talked to the guys at Iron Pig and they agreed that the Griffin I-55202-X is what they use. It will require welding brackets to fit, but it is ordered and on the way. I found it a bit cheaper at Summit Racing so I switched up the order. Thanks to Lou, eperry and the guys at IronPig.com. I'll let you know how it goes.