Flathead radiator on a 302?

[ruttencutter]

Would anybody here think I would have trouble recycling the radiator from my flathead for my 302? Obviously I would have to plug up a pair of holes, but I'm just wondering if the cooling ability is enough for the 302? I assume yes, but I could be wrong.

Thanks,

-S

[Bigcheese327]

Whooo, I'll bet not. Especially since I think flattie radiators before '49 were unpressurized.

I could be wrong, though, are SBFs cool runners anyway? I think Tex Smith said a stock cooling system would handle a 400 Olds, so maybe...

[tommy]

I ran a stock 305 Chevy on a stock 34 radiator and a stock 283 on a 36 radiator for years with no problems. The engines were basically stockers and they had no A/C etc. They weren't even pressurized. A radiator shop can remove the unused nipples and even add a pressure cap if you want. Just don't run a 15# cap. The tanks could balloon.

[Petejoe]

Your going to have to pressurize the system. If you were previously using it unpressurized, you may have leak problems. I am sure you know how much water those things hold so I think it would be able to handle the 302. I wouldn't like the look of a plugged radiator though. Hell you can sell those for 100.00.

[DanCollins]

I used the original model A radiator in my 31 with a 303 olds v8 behind it, I had it recored, but used the stock tank, I also had a couple of shoebox fords with olds V8's and small block chevys, they had the stock radiators, my '40 ford had a 327 with the stock radiator when i bought it, but it sat for a long time so I had a new one built. I don't think you'll have a problem, but I'm not sure how a 302 is as far as cooling compared to a SBC, or whatever, I did have a 289 in a 61 ranchero that was originally a 6 cyl car, and it did tend to run a little hot once in a while. I say you plug the holes, try it out, and if it don't work, take it in and have it recored and set up for your engine.

[Elmo Rodge]

I just stuffed a 283 in my '36. I had the original radiator gone through to run a Flathead and at the last minute changed to a Chevy. OK, had the filler capped of and a neck added to accomodate a 7 pound cap. I closed off 2 of the outlets with short pieces of hose and soft plugs. Ran between 185 and 187 on my recent trip to Bonneville. Have at it. Wayno

[ruttencutter]

Sounds good to me. I believe there is a pressure cap on the radiator right now--I'll have to check more closely http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Maybe one of these days I'll get the flathead out and the 302 in--eh?

-Scott

[=mike=]

I have the original radiator in my Mercury and run a stock 302 and it runs just fine . Had it rodded out & stuff and have had no trouble with it at all .

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Just don't run a 15# cap. The tanks could balloon.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yea, just run a 7# cap. A radiator shop guy told me whan I questioned this "I can fart 7#"
If the tanks bulge or if you think they might a shop can put a couple of "nails through the tank and solder them to each side to reinforce and hold the sides in.

I'm running a recored '48 Chevy truck radiator converted to pressure with a 7# cap and it kept a 400" SBC cool when I was running one.

Think about it, that radiator was designed to keep an engine from boiling over WITHOUT pressure!

[tokyo]

dude you are soo gay.....

[ruttencutter]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[DrDano]

Rotten, I had a stock 6 cyl. flathead radiator in my '51 shoebox when it had the 302 in it. Cooled just fine, bolted right up to the radiator mounting bracket and had only 2 holes, just like the 302 needed.

I've since ripped the ghetto ass 302 out, but I think I still have the 6 cyl. flathead radiator and upper radiator support for the 6cyl radiator that was in it, if you need either of these shoot me a PM and I'll go digging in storage and see if I have them.

[Django]

Run an early water pump and you don't have to move the outlets on the radiator.

I'm running a gennie rad, 302 and a 289 water pump. Of course it has never left the garage yet either so who know what temp it will run at... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif