#1  
Old 05-24-2018, 05:31 PM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is offline
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Default Alumuinum Radiator for '74 GTO???

Has anyone run across a factory dimension aluminum radiator for the '73-'74 X-body Ventura's??? I've looked but can't find anything that is stock looking...only welded-up messes. Thanks!

Dennis

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Old 05-24-2018, 11:47 PM
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I bought mine from U.S. radiator and with electric fans it never sees 190+ with my 467.

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Old 05-25-2018, 06:16 PM
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se428bandit - Thanks, I'll check them out. I imagine they are the same size dimensionally as the Nova's, but with the different inlet/outlet locations. I'm debating getting a new 4-core copper/brass or an aluminum radiator. I'd like to find one that has the factory looking stamped tanks, but I haven't seen any for X-body Pontiacs so far. Cold Case doesn't make anything either for 74 GTO's/Venturas that I can see.

Dennis

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Old 05-29-2018, 09:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by se428bandit View Post
I bought mine from U.S. radiator and with electric fans it never sees 190+ with my 467.
se428bandit - They don't have pictures of the X-body radiators on the US Radiator website, but they say, or eluded to, that the side tanks are stamped like the factory.

Are the side tanks of your radiator stamped? If they are, could you post a few pictures of it?

Thanks, Dennis

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Old 05-31-2018, 07:40 PM
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It works very well in my car. They also make a copper brass 4 core.
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Old 06-01-2018, 07:10 AM
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Thanks se! Is the shot with the embossed ribs looking down the passenger side tank?

Dennis

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Old 06-07-2018, 03:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SD455DJ View Post
se428bandit - Thanks, I'll check them out. I imagine they are the same size dimensionally as the Nova's, but with the different inlet/outlet locations. I'm debating getting a new 4-core copper/brass or an aluminum radiator. I'd like to find one that has the factory looking stamped tanks, but I haven't seen any for X-body Pontiacs so far. Cold Case doesn't make anything either for 74 GTO's/Venturas that I can see.

Dennis

Is this not what you were looking for, Dennis?

https://coldcaseradiators.com/pontia...e-radiator-at/


Stuart

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Old 06-07-2018, 03:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Slick View Post
Is this not what you were looking for, Dennis?

https://coldcaseradiators.com/pontia...e-radiator-at/


Stuart
Slick - Yes it is...thanks. It's very close in appearance and costs to the US Radiator aluminum piece the se428bandit bought...are they the same unit I wonder...? I'll probably wait until they have a sale on them which they have done in the past.

I looked at the Cold Case site and I didn't find what you did...most likely user error!

Dennis

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Old 06-07-2018, 03:43 PM
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I just looked at the Cold Case site again and not only found the AT style, but also the manual trans radiator which I would need....cool! $400 plus shipping...not so cool!

Dennis

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Old 06-07-2018, 03:49 PM
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Dennis,

Glad to be of some tiny service. I was confused at first, since they weren't listing Ventura II. Odd that they put it under GTO/Lemans/Tempest.

I imagine a few sales lost to Ventura II guys who didn't weasel through the menu quite far enough.

Please post pics of how it turns out. I'm gonna need one too!

Stuart

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Old 06-07-2018, 04:01 PM
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Stuart,

That's the reason I couldn't find it...I was looking for Ventura II, not GTO/A-body! I also found a less expensive aluminum radiators that have a somewhat universal application for first gen F-bodies and our X's. They have 68-74 Nova radiators whose cores are similar size to the 1st gen F's, both Camaro and Firebird, and they have Firebird radiators, so could/should work if the core supports are similar sizes. I'm not sure about that though. I'll have to measure my brothers '69 Firebird radiator dimensions and compare to my '74 GTO's to see if they are close, or hopefully the same dimensions. I'll report back.

Dennis

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Old 06-07-2018, 04:07 PM
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This is the site...Auto City Classic, Inc. I compared Nova and 1st gen Firebird radiator core sizes to somewhat interpolate the potential fit to the 74 GTO.

http://www.autocityclassic.com/1966-1972-gto/

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Old 06-07-2018, 04:50 PM
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Dennis,

Thanks for the links. Being budget minded, that Auto Classic radiator looks like a deal. I was looking at the disc brake kits, but would prefer the Wilwood "stock" type calipers and will NEED the smaller diameter dual diaphragm booster. I guess the ~$1000 Right Stuff Detailing is the kit I'll need for my drum brake car.

Still trying to wrap myself around the notion that Pontiac put drum brakes on something with the G T O letters on it. Not to mention Mr. Softee suspensions with tiny anti-roll bars, column shifters and bench seats! (At least mine does have buckets! I got lucky).

But these are things we can easily change if we want!

Stuart

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Old 06-07-2018, 05:12 PM
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Stuart,

What's the story behind your car? Is it Burnished Bronze?

My car was converted to a factory correct 74 Ventura disc brake set up from the power drums originally ordered. Mine has power steering, factory tack & gauges, AM radio w/rear seat speaker, white lettered tires (E70x14), posi, 4-speed w/ console, carpet, and buckets. No chrome trim, bumper strips/guards, or stripes. Non-tinted glass too, though the windshield was replaced with tinted. The little I've driven my car I have really enjoyed it. It is pretty tight and nimble for a car that weighs as much as it does (3600 lbs. with driver).

Dennis

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Old 06-07-2018, 06:26 PM
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Dennis,

I've not even owned mine a year yet. Bought it in August of 2017. Came from Phoenix. It's just under 100k miles. Can't believe what the seller told me, since I've found so much of what I was told to be untrue.

Here is what I do know: Honduras Maroon, haven't checked, but appears to be the factory color. Door panels are wrong, simply say "Ventura". Dash is cracked, already been replaced once. Have to replace package tray (have it). Buckets, column shift auto, air, P/S, P/drum brakes, aftermarket radio with enormous amp in the trunk, not working properly. Little console between the seats, just sitting there, but I actually like it.

Poverty steering wheel (Deluxe), white/black interior, someone removed the shoulder harnesses (gotta get 3-point factory deals from Ames), Flowmaster 40 series with correct splitters and lots of 90 degree bends in ~2" pipes. Can you say loud? Untouched 350, save for an incompetent Q-Jet rebuild and Pertronix module.

Doesn't get much more rust free for unrestored. Replacing the passenger inner fender since the original was rusted out below the battery tray.

Right now, just getting the basics done so I can enjoy it this summer.

Big plans for her long term. Some questions about the combination remain, but it will stay an automatic column shift A/C car because it was kind of unusual like that.

I've figured out some of the work arounds: Lokar column shift cable to clear headers; rack and pinion to get the steering box out of the way; and Classis Auto Air to get the giant A6 and evaporator box out of the way. Changing plugs from under the car isn't my style, and severely limits engine options.

Still a few things to figure out: I'm told the 8.5 can handle lots of power (drag radials are all it will see) if properly modded; I'm wondering about the T350: should I use it, or the fresh T400 I have? the engine I have is pretty stout, but I'm wondering about boosted options with a more mild setup. no idea where to put a centrifugal supercharger though, so that's probably a non-starter. Will have a get a custom air cleaner bottom made to adapt a 4500 to the scoop, unless Fitech or = can get the job done, power wise) with a standard size throttle body.

Street only, but I want it fast. Gotta remain a true pump gas drive anywhere real street car though.

Sorry, the only good pictures I have are from the Hemmings ad. Nothing bad has happened though, looks the same.

Stuart
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Old 06-08-2018, 07:33 AM
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Stuart,

Nice! I've never seen Honduras Maroon on a '74 GTO...it looks good. The 8.5" 10-bolts are really strong rear ends and nice they were standard in our 74's. Turbo 400's are easier (cheaper) to modify than the TH350 to handle the same power level and will last longer. The only caveat is you have to shorten the driveshaft a couple inches. You have plans for big horsepower and a comfortable cruiser with AC...the best of both worlds in the Texas heat.

My GTO was freshly restored before I bought it, so it's staying stock, or at least stock appearing. It's not done yet either, it needs the final buffing as the paint is done shrinking now and I have to get the in-dash tach fixed (but a huge PITA to remove, even without AC). The factory mystery shifter is plain awful to get into reverse and will lock up if you try to man-handle it. I bought a 74 BWST-10 4-speed trans for it and need to modify a Hurst shifter to make it work with it and come through the console in the right place. I also found a '74 WR code 400 (TA 4-spd with HEI) motor that I was toying around rebuilding and installing for a 'what-if' GTO. It now has a 3.42 gear in the back that the guy restoring it put in. He had planned running it at the pure stock drags.

I'll be following your build as you go...mine is boring...and for all intents and purposes done enough. Can't wait to see more as you make progress!

Dennis

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Old 06-08-2018, 07:36 AM
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Before & After...

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Old 06-08-2018, 08:09 AM
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uuuhh...be nice to attach the pics before I hit the submit button...
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Old 06-08-2018, 08:10 AM
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my bad for 2x engine compartment...here's the interior now...

Dennis
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  #20  
Old 06-08-2018, 08:42 AM
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Dennis, your car is STUNNING!!! Very well done.

If I'd had my druthers, your option pack of a stick car, no air, console, gauges with tach would be what I'd have chosen. Jealous here!

But 44 years later, not so many choices remain.

I love the stock look! I want mine to keep it (save for the wheels, I do like them.)

But the 350 isn't going to do it for me.

I've drilled holes in and cut up enough nice cars to make me sick, in retrospect, for two lifetimes.

So what happens here, keeps it a car, and keeps it quirky!

But it will be a task to fit the tiger under the hood!

LOVE you car! Did I mention that already?

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