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#1
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67 A/C Radiator Options
I called my trusted radiator shop and was quoted $1,000 to re-core and upgrade my existing radiator to "maxi cool".
The car is a 67 Tempest that is going to get a street (low-revving) 455 (9.1:1 compression, HO cam), a built 200-4R, and a 3.23 posi rear. The current radiator is a Cold Case 2 core unit which does pretty good for the 326. It gets a little warm going up sustained grades but does great around town. The current radiator is thinner than the stock 4 core radiator and the shroud sits about an inch or inch and a half off the radiator. Has new fan clutch, also. I would like to be able to drive the car anywhere, including road trips. What options do I have other than a $1,000 re-core? Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk
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#2
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Personally, I'd stick with the Cold Case radiator you already have. It's plenty up to the task of cooling a lower compression 455ci.
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1966 Pontiac GTO (restoration thread) 1998 BMW 328is (track rat) 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited (daily) View my photos: Caught in the Wild |
#3
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I could always try it out with the Cold Case and work on closing the gap between the radiator and the shroud.
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The Following User Says Thank You to scld1354 For This Useful Post: | ||
#4
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Not sure if you have them, but there are factory seals that go all round the A/C radiator. including the top. They help to ensure that the flow of air is directed through the radiator. My A/C fan shroud does sit about an inch or so away from the rad.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/362451031576 |
#5
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I have the cold case with 455...no issue.Shroud also.
George
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"...out to my ol'55, I pulled away slowly, feeling so holy, god knows i was feeling alive"....written by Tom Wait from the Eagles' Live From The Forum |
#6
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Quote:
Something I'd like to know is how much it's actually heating up when going up sustained grades. What kind of temps are we talking about?
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1966 Pontiac GTO (restoration thread) 1998 BMW 328is (track rat) 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited (daily) View my photos: Caught in the Wild |
#7
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Factory A/C seals are in place. Normal for me on a hot day (95⁰ ambient air temp) is about 200⁰ coolant temp. It will get up to 215⁰ on the inclines.
Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk
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#8
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215 isn’t hot. If it were me, I’d work on plugging up the air leaks and run with it.
Murf |
#9
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That's with the 326. I am worried that the small surface area of the 67 radiator won't be able to handle the 455.
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#10
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I've had several 455's and larger in my 67's and didn't need the Cold Case radiator until I installed Vintage Air in the blue GTO -- and haven't gotten around to installing the AC flaps yet. Will only get up to just under 180° going up Cajon Pass or Banning Grade with the AC on. Car would run at thermostat with the AC off with the 15-1/2" old brass desert cooler and HO fan, but I had to go to the 17-1/2" Cold Case with the 19-1/2" fan and shroud to not have temp creep up to 195° or so when running the AC up the hills or being stuck in traffic.
Flashback 30 years ago before all my testing and internet help I would have to pull off and let the '67 red GTO cool off after going up (the puny) Redlands Grade to Yucaipa with a basically stock 400. Really happy those days are behind me.
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Mick Batson 1967 original owner Tyro Blue/black top 4-speed HO GTO with all the original parts stored safely away -- 1965 2+2 survivor AC auto -- 1965 Catalina Safari Wagon. |
#11
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Quote:
Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk
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#12
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I also only run 160° thermostats on my cars. I figure that a long and steep grade along with the AC load is going to add a bunch more BTU's. If the temp rise is going to be 20° on the system, then I'd rather it be from 160° to 180° than 180° to 200°. My thinking is I want the temperature low at the base of the climb. My system can still be considered somewhat inefficient since it still allows some temp rise, but it is manageable. Maybe after I stop being lazy and get the AC flaps installed around the radiator I might be able to reduce the temp climb to maybe 10° or so.
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Mick Batson 1967 original owner Tyro Blue/black top 4-speed HO GTO with all the original parts stored safely away -- 1965 2+2 survivor AC auto -- 1965 Catalina Safari Wagon. |
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