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Model a radiator

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Hotrodtattooin, Aug 2, 2012.

  1. Hotrodtattooin
    Joined: Aug 1, 2012
    Posts: 31

    Hotrodtattooin
    Member

    Hi is a stock model a rad big enough to handle a sbc ??????
     
  2. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,394

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    No, not really since a stock radiator had no pressure cap.
    It might run OK in some situations but others it will boil.
    IMHO if you pressurize it to about 12 to 15lbs that would technically work, but the seams in the tanks would most likely fail under pressure.
     
  3. demonss
    Joined: Feb 8, 2007
    Posts: 64

    demonss
    Member
    from Belgium

    sorry to highjack,

    but is a stock A suitable for a buick 215?
    or isn't it for the same reasons as above.
     
  4. hvychvy
    Joined: Jul 21, 2005
    Posts: 1,874

    hvychvy
    Member

    Use a 65 mustang, it will fit in a 28-29 shell.
     

  5. 2935ford
    Joined: Jan 6, 2006
    Posts: 3,843

    2935ford
    Member

    Superior Rad can make you a real nice aluminium at a very reasonable price.
     
  6. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,394

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    Try it and see what happens and then you will be the expert.
     
  7. jimbousman
    Joined: Jul 24, 2008
    Posts: 549

    jimbousman
    Member

    Run a search on this and you'll get quite a few hits on this topic. But, I'll save you a little time. The answer is somewhere between "Hell no!" and "I've been running a stocker for a thousand years!"

    Truth is guys have successfully ran stockers with SBC for years. Assuming it is in good shape, the core is more that adequate for the job. The major problem with a stock "A" radiator is it is not a closed system. You can literaly pump all the water out through the oveflow.

    There are a couple of tricks to make things better. A good core will take 2lbs pressure without a problem. Get your hands on a 2lb cap and 2lb disc brake residual valve and attach it to the end of the overflow. This will keep things from peculating the water out of the radiator.

    ...or as you will not doubt hear "Hell no! You gotta buy a (Walker, Mustang, Brassworks etc.) radiator." They are right...all except the "gotta" part.

    Regarding the 215 Buick/Rover engine and a stock "A" radiator...guess what I'm running?
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2012
  8. demonss
    Joined: Feb 8, 2007
    Posts: 64

    demonss
    Member
    from Belgium

    i'm hoping both... if so any pics?

    otherwise thanks for the helpfull info
     
  9. jimbousman
    Joined: Jul 24, 2008
    Posts: 549

    jimbousman
    Member

    '31 "A" coupe - 1963 215 Buick warmed over - T5 - Jag rear - stock "A" radiator. I'll see if I can dig up some photos.
     
  10. MATACONCEPTS
    Joined: Aug 7, 2009
    Posts: 2,069

    MATACONCEPTS
    BANNED

  11. 31Apickup
    Joined: Nov 8, 2005
    Posts: 3,367

    31Apickup
    Member

    I ran a stock radiator ($20 swap meet find)that was recored at some point in time. I had it pressued tested, then had the filler neck closed off and an under hood filler neck added which I ran a 7lb cap on. Ran that for about 20 years on a Buick V-6.
     

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