Help with radiator part number!!!

[t1971Chally]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a replacement radiator for my 71 Challenger.  I came across one today but I do not think it is the correct one for a 440 Magnum engine.  Just curious if anyone can help me identify it.  Stamped on top of the housing is 2998963 and 38086 plus the Chrysler emblem.  It measures 22 wide by 23 deep(rough).  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

twiles

[Alaskan_TA]

2998963 - 22" 1970 C-body with 383 engine & heater.

On your car, is it coded for AC, the towing package or an axle package?

[t1971Chally]

Alaskan_TA,

I will have to take a look and see.  However, the car is not a numbers matching car.   It orginally had a 383 with a 4 barrel no AC.  Today, it has a 440 Mag 4 barrel.  I am trying to decide whether to put in a replacement (OEM) type radiator or to go aftermarket (aluminum).  Any suggestions?

Thanks for helping me identify the radiator!  It is sad how people will tell you whatever you want to hear just to make a buck off of you......

Glad I am a member of this website   

twiles

[mrob]

twiles,

If your 71 Challenger has the smaller radiator core opening for a 22 in. (core width) radiator w/std. cooling, the correct part number is: 3443938. Good luck finding one, because they are hard to find.
How do I know? Because I was in the same situation as you are now. I finally ended up getting an aftermarket brass radiator from a company called coolkraft (www.coolcraft.com). The radiator cost around $500, but at least I didn't have to hack anything to make it fit.

[t1971Chally]

Mrob,

I do have the 22" opening.  Did you call coolcraft and discuss what you needed?  I tried the web site and cant seem to get the correct size radiator to come up.  How do you like it?  Is it keeping the engine cool?  Are you using the fan shroud? 

Thanks

Ted

[Moparal]

My opening was a 22 inch in my car. The rad is a 383 4 spd number. I had a 3 flute installed in it. I run a 440-6 in it now. It has zero over heating issues.

[t1971Chally]

Moparal,
Did you take it to a local radiator shop in your area or did you send it off somewhere?  How much did it cost to have this done?  I have a radiator now that fits the 22 inch opening however it only has maybe 2 cores in it.  I am struggling with whether or not to do as you did or replace it with an aluminum one.  Obviously the latter is much more expensive (I believe).  Your thoughts??

Thanks Ted

[Katfish]

http://www.mymopar.com/radiatorspecs.htm

[Moparal]

Moparal,
Did you take it to a local radiator shop in your area or did you send it off somewhere?  How much did it cost to have this done?  I have a radiator now that fits the 22 inch opening however it only has maybe 2 cores in it.  I am struggling with whether or not to do as you did or replace it with an aluminum one.  Obviously the latter is much more expensive (I believe).  Your thoughts??

Thanks Ted

I took mine to a local rad shop. They purchased a 3 row from a place around atlanta that makes them and installed it for me. Total was 206 bucks when I picked it up. Took one day to order and ship and 1 day to re assemble

[t1971Chally]

All,
Thanks for the help and suggestions!!!  For now I believe I will take Moparals' advice and have the current radiator changed to add a couple of cores to make it at least a 3 core.  I believe that will be the cheaper route until I can find the correct one or an aftermarket one that I like. 

Thanks for the website Katfish......very useful!

Ted

[mrob]

twiles,
If you have the radiator and have it recored with 3 rows of tubes like Moparal described, that's probably the cheapest solution. Since the original radiator in my Challenger was long gone when I bought it, I had to find a replacement radiator. That's why I went with the radiator from Coolcraft. I opted for the 4 row core and it does keep the motor around 180 deg. The part number is 036042. The fan shroud mount is part of the radiator side brackets and you can bolt the factory shroud to it.
Aside from the rather steep price, my main complaints are the incorrect orientation of the overflow tube. Instead of the tube being angled directly to the side of the radiator, it is angles towards the engine a little bit. This makes the overflow hose loop towards the engine a little before it goes down the side of the radiator. If you want pics, let me know. Hope this helps.