3 or 4 row radiator?

[culp71]

hey all,

getting down to obtaining some final components now..

1971 340 cuda w/shaker /727 auto coupe no a/c..
was it originally a 3 or 4 row 26 inch radiator?

thanks

[72bluNblu]

Originally? It's a 2 row 26" radiator. Might have even been a 22" radiator, I think the 26" was an option if it was a non-A/C car. But the width of the hole in the radiator shroud will tell you that.

If you're going aftermarket, a 3 row 26" radiator works well. A 4 row is too wide to run with a clutch fan, you either have to go straight mechanical or electric.

[culp71]

well,
I know it should have been and opening is for a 26 inch,
but did notice aftermarket offers 3 or 4 row design.
none of which clearly described physical dimension differences.
I do plan to run standard equipped clutch fan system, so ill go with a 3 row 26,
thanks!

[74 challenge]

No point in going overkill your engine sounds pretty tame so I'd run a 3 core with a stock clutch fan. I run a 318 in traffic with a 3 core 22 inch rad with a stock fan and it works just awesome, I predict you will be A-Okay.

[solarguy]

I run a 26" 4 row with clutch fan and shroud, 70 Cuda 340 Auto.  I'm in S Florida and can idle in traffic for 20 minutes at high noon in 90 degree temp waiting for a draw bridge to open/close.  space is not a problem under the hood.  I also have an aux. tranny cooler mounted in front of the rad on the core support.   I would go for the extra capacity, it will fit

[Katfish]

Any way could measure out thick your 4 row is?
I have exact same setup with stock radiator.
Curious if 4 row would clear, what brand radiator?

[solarguy]

Any way could measure out thick your 4 row is?
I have exact same setup with stock radiator.
Curious if 4 row would clear, what brand radiator?

Measuring from the edge of the core support to the outside edge of the top tank, I read 3 5/8.  I got it from here, model 036040 AAD

http://www.usradiator.com/radiators/plymouth.html?cat=1661

The one at the bottom of the page,  26" small block.  Factory shroud bolted right up.  I use the tranny cooler in rad then out to aux cooler. 

One caveat though,  I had leak in top tank to core seam during warranty period and a mounting strap separate from the top tank.  rather than send it back to CA, I was able to take it to local rad shop to fix and promptly reimbursed by US Radiator   I think the failure was due to body flex in that area as opposed to product failure.  Overall, I'm happy with the radiator, it looks mostly stock, no numbers on tank, and keeps the 340 with a 3000 stall converter cool even in S FL summer heat. 

[1 Wild R/T]

Measuring from the edge of the core support to the outside edge of the top tank, I read 3 5/8.  I got it from here, model 036040 AAD

http://www.usradiator.com/radiators/plymouth.html?cat=1661

The one at the bottom of the page,  26" small block.  Factory shroud bolted right up.  I use the tranny cooler in rad then out to aux cooler. 

One caveat though,  I had leak in top tank to core seam during warranty period and a mounting strap separate from the top tank.  rather than send it back to CA, I was able to take it to local rad shop to fix and promptly reimbursed by US Radiator   I think the failure was due to body flex in that area as opposed to product failure.  Overall, I'm happy with the radiator, it looks mostly stock, no numbers on tank, and keeps the 340 with a 3000 stall converter cool even in S FL summer heat. 

Someone who gets it.... Ive been steering people to US Radiator for years, they offer premium stuff that really works in hot, humid climates the cooling system needs to work... driving these cars is no fun when your watching the temp gauge expecting to see it peg all the time... Or worse sitting on the side of the road sweating while your car is puking it's coolant on the road...

Another current thread...

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=105409.msg1035343#new