Switching to BB Radiator any recommendations?

[Wilkinshc]

Hi all,

I want to switch to a bb radiator so I can get rid of the expansion tank. I figure I will need to change to a BB radiator core support. Any thing else I should know? Do they make an aluminum core support?

Thanks

 

[magicv8]

I sold my Dewitt aluminum direct fit rad to a guy in TX who installed it in his 66sb car to eliminate the tank. He bought the 4 rad support brackets and cushions. The upper brackets bolt in, and he welded in the lower brackets. he does not have an A-C car, and the rad worked great for him - even in TX temps.

My 66 has A-C - and I have a 350 in place of the 427. The A-C requires larger tubes than the direct fit for high speed highway driving on 100F days in the mountains, so Dewitt sold me a Griffin aluminum rad. It has just enough capacity to handle A-C on 100F mountain highway days, and with a Derale electric fan I can sit at red lights in city traffic by the hour at 170-190F engine temps on 100F days.
You will need a bb shroud, or a lot of mods on any you have now.

PS I just noticed that you have a 65. The rad support is slanted back farther in a 66, so you may require a 66 BB support. You can get a look at the rad and fan set up on the Details page - linked off my homepage (listed below)

 

[ctjackster]

I sold my Dewitt aluminum direct fit rad to a guy in TX who installed it in his 66sb car to eliminate the tank. He bought the 4 rad support brackets and cushions. The upper brackets bolt in, and he welded in the lower brackets. he does not have an A-C car, and the rad worked great for him - even in TX temps.

My 66 has A-C - and I have a 350 in place of the 427. The A-C requires larger tubes than the direct fit for high speed highway driving on 100F days in the mountains, so Dewitt sold me a Griffin aluminum rad. It has just enough capacity to handle A-C on 100F mountain highway days, and with a Derale electric fan I can sit at red lights in city traffic by the hour at 170-190F engine temps on 100F days.
You will need a bb shroud, or a lot of mods on any you have now.

PS I just noticed that you have a 65. The rad support is slanted back farther in a 66, so you may require a 66 BB support. You can get a look at the rad and fan set up on the Details page - linked off my homepage (listed below)

no need to mess with making 66 parts work for the 65, recall there was a BB in 65 after all, and they got the (very nice) 3007436 rad (same as used for the L88s in 67 - 69). 65 BB core support and shroud (if you want it, I read you were going to used an elec fan set up) would drop in and bolt right up.

 

[Wilkinshc]

Thanks guys this was the kind of info I was looking for. Just to make sure I have it right:

I want a BB radiator (no expansion tank) for a 66, core support for a BB 65, and I plan on dual electric fans, I also will have Classic A/C so will that make any difference on the core support or radiator?

Thaks again guys

Chuck

 

[Subfixer]

no need to mess with making 66 parts work for the 65, recall there was a BB in 65 after all, and they got the (very nice) 3007436 rad (same as used for the L88s in 67 - 69). 65 BB core support and shroud (if you want it, I read you were going to used an elec fan set up) would drop in and bolt right up.

If I remember correctly, the 65 396 radiator still used an expansion tank, as did the real 67 L-88's. If the sole purpose of the upgrade is to eliminate the expansion tank, then a 66 rad support and 427 radiator will be required.

 

[ctjackster]

nah, the other place tells that the sole pupose is not to eliminate the expansion tank - that would be a kooky sole reason, $$-wise. I do think his dislike for expansion tanks is driving the "66 BB rad" desire though, although mixing 66 BB rads with 65 Core supports will create issues as noted by Magic - it's a tilt thing. Me, I would try to use the correct 65 BB rad that Dewitts now sells - that is a classic racer rad. But that's none of my business, really.

 

[Subfixer]

Just read the other post. Lot more going on.

 

[Wilkinshc]

Sorry I didn't answer earlier, it was a busy work day. I definitely want a radiator with side tanks. I would like to free up the spaces behind the inner fenders. Eventually I will tuck a turbo in each side. Right now I have everything apart and trying to plan ahead to save some changes (work) that will be required later. Should have the frame back next week from powder coating so I can begin assembling. Other changes that I will be doing also is moving the battery to the back and will be using a BB wiper fluid bag. Also using a Automatic overdrive so no clutch linkage will be in the way and I have switch to steeriod steering.

So I need a core support for a 66 BB because it has more slant. Which brings up another question. Is it tilted more because the BB radiator has more height? If not is there more clearance above the radiator like the new vettes as to bring a pipe over top? Like from an intercooler!


Thanks for the help!

 

[ctjackster]

suggest Tom Dewitt can answer such questions with ease, he traffics in this stuff all day long and knows the geometry well - and it sounds like you are a future customer.

he might see this post (more likely your post over on the other place), or you can email him, I think he answers or sees this addy: Info@dewitts.com

 

[magicv8]

So I need a core support for a 66 BB because it has more slant. Which brings up another question. Is it tilted more because the BB radiator has more height? If not is there more clearance above the radiator like the new vettes as to bring a pipe over top? Like from an intercooler!

IMO it's tilted to allow a bigger rad, but has no top clearance - with A-C you will need the rubber seal to the hood. Since the rad support will be nonstock anyways, you have my pemission to cut holes in it alongside the radiator. It has holes in it for A-C lines from the factory.

 

[Wilkinshc]

Thanks Guys