shoebox ford and merc radiator questions... [Archive]

View Full Version : shoebox ford and merc radiator questions...

10-30-2003, 09:00 PM

Are the radiators about the same size in these cars? I'm hunting a radiator for the merc and can find them all day long for the shoebox but come up empty handed for the merc. As for the merc owners out there, what radiators are ya'll running. If it's an aftermaket, maker and part number would be helpful. I may wait till vaphead sets up his new supplier and order a custom fit, but, if I can find one sooner it would help. PS. I'm running a 425 nailhead if that helps.

10-30-2003, 09:06 PM

just food for thought:
fin area: 25W" X 17H"
overall: 22.5H" X 28.25W" (mtg. brkt. incl.)
filler: top of tank in the center
top inlet: center
bottom outlet: drivers side

leadsled

10-30-2003, 09:27 PM

Keep in mind the BSFC (brake specific fuel consumption) is higher on your new engine. This means the BTUs produced by it is greater than a flathead that radiator was designed for. Basically it takes a certian amount of fuel to manufacture horsepower. If you can come close to how much your fuel burn rate will be, use this rule of thumb 33% to fly wheel, 30% ext, 30% to cooling system, and 7% radiant off of the block. That 30% to cooling system is what you need to manage. Worst case in traffic, get your gpm of your pump at idle, fan cfm isn't hard to get.

mikes51

10-30-2003, 09:31 PM

what year Merc are you askin' about? 49-51?

If so, I'm using a 70's full size dodge van radiator in mine, largest rad could find that fit in between the fenders.

FLAT-TOP BOB

10-30-2003, 11:10 PM

i have a griffin in my 51 but have not got to test it on the road yet! i may have a factory one if you want to go that way give me a call.

old beet

10-30-2003, 11:25 PM

I run a stocker, with 460 ford....180o all day long....OLDBEET

Brock49Ford

10-31-2003, 12:05 AM

They are different. I have one of each in my garage. The 51 Merc radiator is a fair amount wider than the stock 49 Ford style. It is also flat across the top where the Ford angled up on the sides of the top tank. I can get some measurements for you over the weekend if you want. My Merc radiator is a good core, looks like it had a small leak, but looks in good shape overall, but I never ran it (came with the Flathead). I was going to put it on ebay over the winter, let me know if you want it and we can figure something out.
Brock