[Cliff R]

The size of the radiator certainly becomes less important when the basics of engine operation aren't dumping a TON of heat into the jacket water.

I'm found out that having a successful engine build starts with the basics, which include optimum quench, compression, cam choice, intake valve closing point (where you put the cam), carb/distributor tuning, to name a few.

For sure all of these engines need an efficient cooling system. I've never really seen any negatives from too much radiator, but I have seen folks install HUGE radiators to combat fundamental issues and still end up with a pretty hot running engine.

With my current engine I see negatives every Fall and thru the colder months, it just runs WAY too cool/cold, and refuses to heat up the coolant in what I would call "normal" conditions.

My last two engines have been like this, they just take FOREVER to reach operating temperature, unless it's 90-100 degree days, and even then count on a solid 15-20 minutes of running time before it gets past 160 degrees, even with a 180 stat in it.......Cliff