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Cooling Ideas
Here are a few pics of some different cooling solutions that we've run across. One is low-buck, the other is on the pricey side, but both are sure to spark an idea or two for your own project.
The radiator in the first few are from a Ford 4x4 truck. The application doesn't matter, it's that
you can use any radiator that will physically fit, if you don't mind a little work, and have the tools. You're not limited to
Chrysler rads or the expensive aftermarket ones. Just head out to the
junk yard with over-all dimensions of your support, and pick the biggest
one that'll fit the area. Mounts can be made quite
easily. Just hold the rad in place, and make some plates that will bolt
to the support. Tack these plates to the rad frame, drill your holes and
you're done. Hoses come in a million shapes and trans lines can be bent
to go anywhere. This radiator was $173 new at the local parts store. A bit cheaper than
the aftermarket aluminum ones. ....unless of course,
you're going to make 600 or 700 horsepower...thats enough to need a GOOD
radiator.
One other note...The most
horsepower will be made with a thermal clutch fan or an electric. The fixed
fans like I have are cheap and look neat, but 5 or 10 horsepower is worth
the cost of a thermal clutch or electric. I'll be switching to one soon
myself. Also, fan clearance should
be 1 - 2" without a shroud, and with a shroud, the fan should be half in
and half out.
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The fan clearance
worked out perfect in this install. That's a stock 2" spacer in there
and this is the Ford truck rad. |
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Here you can see
the flat plates tacked to the rad frame to mount it. It is a down-flow so the trans fittings line up nice
too. |
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Here's a more advanced
installation. A Howe 19x28 alum. rad
is used along with a Meziere electric pump. The rad hoses were a
close match to this combo. The lower fit directly
and is PN#(E)70859 from most local parts stores. The upper required trimming
both ends and is PN#(C)70780. |
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The cheaper aftermarket
rads don't come with mounting provisions, but its as simple as TIG or MIG welding these L brackets on. Not much work to save yourself $300
or so dollars. |
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