5.3 Vortec water outlets for radiator

[Cirbo]

Ok, I just read the question about the bell housing. It gave me the idea of posting the next question....

Are the water outlets for the radiator in similar locations to the configuration on the older cast iron blocks? In other words, would an aluminum radiator configured for a V8 swap (Gen 2) work for a Gen-3 engine?

TIA,

Jim

 

[chicago]

I dont think so...
At least on mine (01' 5.3) Both inlet and outlet are PS.
I got the 19x24 griffen radiator for this app.

 

[chicago]

Here's a pic of the front of my motor...
If that helps.

 

[Cirbo]

BIG help! Thanks much. Is there any chance I could get you to post a picture of your radiator as well? Do you plan on going with electric or motor driven fan?

Dooh! Just looked at the last picture again......

TIA,

Jim

 

[chicago]

BIG help! Thanks much. Is there any chance I could get you to post a picture of your radiator as well? Do you plan on going with electric or motor driven fan?

Dooh! Just looked at the last picture again......

TIA,

Jim

No real pics of the radiator yet. Im still "getting around" to making the support and shroud. I can tell you that I WILL BE dropping the radiator DOWN about an inch or three to center it with the fan, so the stock rad. brackets will not work with my placement. I actually HAVE a taurus fan that I mocked up initially, but there was NO SPACE SAVINGS with it compared to the Mech. fan. I was really surprised to find that out. From what I understand, youre better off running the Mech. fan and want to run the E fan if you HAVE TO. This is debated of course.

I do have ONE PIC of the first rad. that I bought. It was a 19x22 griffen rad...Didnt like it cuz the lower port was angled in such a way that it would interfere with the fan if the hose were on. Gives you an idea though.

 

[etrnlbzz]

radiator fan

I'm using the stock radiator with the taurs elec. fan. The engines final resting place is about 2" forward fromt his point. I also centered the radiator brackets and moved the radiator forward about 1". the water pump pully sits ~3/4-1" from the elec. fan.

 

[chicago]

I'm using the stock radiator with the taurs elec. fan. The engines final resting place is about 2" forward fromt his point. I also centered the radiator brackets and moved the radiator forward about 1". the water pump pully sits ~3/4-1" from the elec. fan.

Do you have any shots of your radiator brackets LOWERED?
Id be interested to see how you did that.
I was gonna cut the stock brackets on a 90* (vertical up and down) and build a bracket off that.

 

[chicago]

Attached is a picture of how I did my old FJ40 radiator the second time. I cut the inside of the front crossmember out along with the radiator mount brackets. I then welded in a piece of thick 4" angle iron.

The first time was the same concept but using the stock back half of the front crossmember. I welded a pair of tabs to the flat part of the crossmember.

Doing it this method, I dropped the radiator ~2" and moved it forward all the way(~1.5" I believe)

Looks nice and secure that way!

 

[etrnlbzz]

I'll try to take a picture, but I lowered it by notching the stock radiator carrier so the bottom outlet would clear and also notched the carrier in the front so it would clear the frame when pushed forward and re-drilled the holes and dropped it ~1". Also I lowered the brackets when I centered the rad.

 

[etrnlbzz]

radiator/fan placment

I know this late and your probably way past this but.....

I tried to push the engine as far forward as possible. i cut the nose off of the water pump, cut a v-notch across the face and ran a bead of weld.

I know you can buy corvette peripherals and get the face of the engine even farther back but....that costs mo $.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I think you're supposed to put the upper hose into the little tube that's got a cap with a picture of an oil lamp, and the lower goes into one of the headers...