Radiator size

[BadJoey]

I am putting a 440 in a 383 Challenger .The opening in the car is 22 inches but the radiator for the 440 is 26 inches (per auto parts store).Now what do I do without cutting the car ?

[hemi71]

You can fab some brackets and fit the 26 inch radiator in your 22 inch opening. Problem with that is the "hole" in the support is still only for a 22 inch radiator, so you dont get full advantage of the 26 inch cooling capacity. You could get a 3-4 core 22 inch radiator built or buy a aftermarket radiator. That will keep the 440 cool and fit the 22 inch opening.  What ever you do, run a fan shroud and a 7 blade clutch fan to maximize air flow thru the radiator and limit parasitic losses.

[ntstlgl1970]

Without cutting the car, your only option is a custom 22 inch radiator that will cool off the 440.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I'm running the original 22. As long as I stay out of parades no problem. But my HEMI is without alot of mods (for now anyway)   

[Katfish]

I have a 26" radiator in 22" opening.  It works fine, there is really only a small overlap covering part of radiator, maybe 1.5" at most, and only on 1 side.   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

If you are going to put a 22" radiator on a 440 car, I can only hope you aren't connecting an A.C. unit too.  Seriously, maybe you can get by if you don't get stuck in traffic too long.


  Mike

[BadJoey]

I have a 26" radiator in 22" opening.  It works fine, there is really only a small overlap covering part of radiator, maybe 1.5" at most, and only on 1 side.   

I measured the exact opening size 22 inches . Have not measured the core since I do not have one . However I have been lead to beleive the core is 26 inches , although to look at my 22 I do not know where the other 4 inches would come from . Then add 2 or 3 inches for the brackets . I do rember talking to someone at Summit and that person told me they had a 22 inch that would work because it was aluminum and more efficent although it was about $600.00 . Thats the way I'm thinking at the mounment but money is getting a little tight . Alot of Big cost all at once . Thank God for Visa and Master card .

[ksierens]

... and don't forget a shroud and a clutch fan!

[Katfish]

OK, I was wrong.  Just went out and measured.  There is 3" of overlap on passenger side.  Makes sense, about 1/2" for brackets on each side.

But remember, the radiator is not flush against the cowl, there's about 1/2" spacing that will allow airflow.  Mine has be fine for the last 5yrs, Florida weather with A/C and never runs hot.

[CUDA JAS]

Hey BadJoey,

Are you saying that you can buy a rad at your local auto parts store???  If so where and how much??

I currently have a 26 in rad in a 22 in opening and am not at all happy with the way it fits and looks.
I would be interested in picking up a new rad, but the likes of Year One are fairly pricey and I am no too keen on an aluminum rad.

[BadJoey]

I tried the local Big A and although no radiator was available he still had the books . Next I'm going to try Napa and some local radiator shops who knows .

[mrob]

I put a 26" radiator in my 71 Challenger R/T that has the 22" opening and it worked out ok. I used a Modine brass, replacement radiator (I think the P/N is 475), but take a look at the link below. US Radiators has a brass 22" radiator for big-block Cudas. Look at P/N 36042. Hope this helps.
http://www.usradiator.com/cplymouth.htm

[BadJoey]

Just tried calling . Missed them by 15 minutes they close at 4 30 . I'll try tomorrow and let you know how I make out . Thanks everyone .

By the way Napa was a no go . The radiator shop needs measurements from bracket bolt to bracket bolt . Will see him tomorrow as well .My motor is coming home Sunday or a week from tomorrow will talk to that man in the morning . Darn job of mine is getting in the way I have things of importance to take care of .