aluminum radiator

[jackie]

Ok. the champion site was handy. The rad. and price looks good. Now the next two questions are.. Why are most of the radiators outlet on the pass. side for a challenger? Mine is on the drivers side. 1970 r/t with a 383. Also came with a 22'' core. Will a 26'' fit just by drilling new holes, or is the support diff? Thanks for all of the answers

[dodj]

My car originally came with a 22" rad (318). With the 440, I put in a 26" rad. You need to make up spacers and drill new holes to fit the 26" rad.

[cudabob496]

ya, you gotta get a little creative for positioning, but its pretty easy. Almost like
hanging a picture on a wall.
I also made brackets out of the 1/16 in  x 3/4 in  x 4 foot strips of aluminum from Home Depot.
Used brackets for positioning the shroud, and the radiator, with  "L" shape brackets at
bottom to support the radiator.  Put some rubber between the rad and the bottom support
brackets. Allow for radiator expansion. Easy to bend the aluminum strips, and drill into. Used 7/16 bolts,
or rivets. Make sure your fan is positioned the correct distance into the shroud. I think its supposed to
be halfway.

Also, I think you want the radiator cap to be the highest point in the cooling system.  A small hole
in the thermostat is important too.

[elmoska]

is it a bad idea of running a stock radiator ?

[dodj]

is it a bad idea of running a stock radiator ?

No. I went with the aluminium cuz it looks 'cool' - get it? - and they are pretty cheap.

[HP_Cuda]

All the cars in that video had radiators.

Thank you Captain Obvious   

[jackie]

Is both your inlet and outlet of the drivers side?

[cudabob496]

is it a bad idea of running a stock radiator ?

its a bad idea if you live where it gets very hot in the summer. An Alum radiator
will lower your avg coolant temp by about 20 degrees

[dodj]

Is both your inlet and outlet of the drivers side?

Bottom on the driver's side, top on the pass side.

[72cudamaan]

is it a bad idea of running a stock radiator ?

It depends on if you have a cooling problem. Aluminum usually cools better but many people use
the aluminum rad for the looks. And if you don't have a radiator in the first place aluminum is quite
often as cheap or cheaper than a brass radiator

[jackie]

ok,. I ordered a 4-row champion today. I went ahead and got the 26'' core. What engine came with a 26''?   440 or 426?  or just with a.c.? the inlet is on the pass. side.. Next job is doing the wiring...great...thanks for the input..

[HP_Cuda]

Actually believe it or not you could get a 26" radiator with a 318 if you had A/C.

I believe that motors up to 383 without A/C got the 22" radiator.

[cudabob496]

ok,. I ordered a 4-row champion today. I went ahead and got the 26'' core. What engine came with a 26''?   440 or 426?  or just with a.c.? the inlet is on the pass. side.. Next job is doing the wiring...great...thanks for the input..

I'm always leary of 4 row copper-brass, because all those rows can restrict air flow, especially if engine compartment is tight.
I built a 5 inch front spoiler off the lower front valance to help increase radiator air flow, and make the front nose of the car
more stable at high speed. A two row aluminum will handle just about anything.