[RumRunner]

Hi all,
I have a real quick question on radiators. I'm looking at replacing my 350 with either a 383 or 396 from BluePrint Engines. What radiator would you guys recommend? I won't be doing anything at the track, this is just for street driving and some "spirited" fun at times. Any info. you can provide would be appreciated.

Thank you,
RumRunner

 

[fairfax1000]

Hi all,
I have a real quick question on radiators. I'm looking at replacing my 350 with either a 383 or 396 from BluePrint Engines. What radiator would you guys recommend? I won't be doing anything at the track, this is just for street driving and some "spirited" fun at times. Any info. you can provide would be appreciated.

Thank you,
RumRunner

Big block….

 

[RumRunner]

Ok, I'll look into those.

 

[Worn Out Welder]

Lots of info here, but there are many variables.
Are you planning on….
Air conditioning?
Mechanical fan? ( many look at electric, and that’s a whole subject in its self)
Aluminum or OEM construction?
Budget?
Bigger is better….cheap ain’t good, and good ain’t cheap. 👍🏼

 

[dhutton]

Aluminum with 2 rows of one inch or larger tubes.

Don

 

[RumRunner]

Lots of info here, but there are many variables.
Are you planning on….
Air conditioning?
Mechanical fan? ( many look at electric, and that’s a whole subject in its self)
Aluminum or OEM construction?
Budget?
Bigger is better….cheap ain’t good, and good ain’t cheap. 👍🏼

Hey there,
I was contemplating on having A/C installed, but not right now though. Wasn't thinking of a fan, but good idea. I was leaning towards the aluminum rads. Looking at Cold-Case, Frostbite and some others.

 

[Worn Out Welder]

I think cold case supports Team Camaro.
Don gave you the criteria by which you judge one.
an A/C condenser will put the air flow to the test so a proper shroud and fan relationship, along with close outs should be a consideration.
Then there’s the option of an electric fan.
If you’re considering that as an option…..I would plan on looking into the Vintage Air monster fan.
Then you can decide what to use to drive it.
There are several considerations and it’s still true
that it’s always better to have extra cooling capacity and not need it , than to need it and not have it.

 

[aggiegoalie]

Just installed a BP383 and this is what I have:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAD-CHC11A have auto

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/oer-3947619

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/OER-K193 and a clutch

 

[copo9560]

Big block….

remember BB shroud is offset.

look at Griffin as an option as well.

Griffin Custom Cooling Products

Learn More About Griffin Custom Cooling Products

www.griffinrad.com

 

[fairfax1000]

remember BB shroud is offset.

look at Griffin as an option as well.

Griffin Custom Cooling Products

Learn More About Griffin Custom Cooling Products

www.griffinrad.com

True, but I believe you can still use a small block shroud. Someone will chime in for clarification.

 

[Just 1 More]

Cold Case would probably be the most budget friendly, 2 row 1.25" tubes. Just checked their website and looks like prices have gone up in the last year. Looks like Summit has them for $388. I'd PM the Cold Case rep on here and see what he can do for you. It was eric_cspan last time I dealt with them through here.

 

[57vette]

CCass (Chris) is on here as well repping ColdCase, I think he's great to work with as is Eric, I'm pretty sure they still have special pricing for TC Members. They make a SBC 21" wide, and a BBC 23" wide. I would go with the 23" wide unit, especially if you are contemplating AC down the road. Cold case has built in clips for factory shrouds, but if you go eFan... don't use the ColdCase dual 12" fan setup its not really a high CFM unit. Stick with Spal. And yes, there's tons of past and ongoing discussion here about eFans, shrouds, control devices. Remember that the BBC shroud is offset to the passenger side if you're thinking a mechanical fan.

 

[SoCal805]

OP

You still have a SBC using a BPE 383 or 396. What people are referring to as a "BB" radiator is not what you want as the top outlet is angled on a BB radiator which is 23" wide. You want the 23" SB (it was for SBC w/AC), vs the stock 21" radiator.

The stock 21" fan shroud would "work" on the SBC 23" but you would have to make some simple metal tabs attached to the shroud (DS pic) to extend to reach the lower clip of a 23" (better IMHO) radiator...or buy the OER SBC w/AC fan shroud from Summit (what I have).

Cold Case is a sponsor here and their radiator is a 1 1/4" x 2 row aluminum. I and many others have one. Contact the people noted earlier (PM) for current $.

I would also install the top close out panel, use a 18"-7 blade with fan clutch mechanical fan. Electric fan setup will cost considerably more for the system that actually works but that rabbit hole can get deep and $ but necessary if you insist on a serpentine belt system.

21" shroud on a 23" SBC stock radiator

23" SBC w/AC (I don't have AC) shroud on the 23" CC SBC radiator with closeout panel

Closeout panel.

23" CC radiator

Closeout panel.

Regardless of radiator size or brand, IMHO get a "coolant recovery" tank. Use the OER 75 Nova tank available at places like Summit. Just drill 1 hole in inner fender (forward of body ground wire) lip to install. I chose to route the hose along core support to inner fender and around to attach to tank nipple. Plug and play install but you need to remove battery to install. Cap is sold separate.

I have a BPE 355.

 

[RumRunner]

SoCal805,
Do you have a part# for the radiator that you are referring to?

 

[SoCal805]

SoCal805,
Do you have a part# for the radiator that you are referring to?

Cold Case Radiators CHC11A Cold Case Performance Aluminum Radiators | Summit Racing

CC is a forum sponsor so it will be less $ if you PM them

 

[RumRunner]

Cold Case Radiators CHC11A Cold Case Performance Aluminum Radiators | Summit Racing

CC is a forum sponsor so it will be less $ if you PM them

Thank you, thank you. Do you know who they are? I checked the vendors section and didn't see Cold-Case.

 

[Melmount]

I just bought a cold case. Real nice piece. At least so far. Mine is the 21” wide. The small block version. I would have done 23 but I have some stuff mounted in the way and did not want to reorganize it. I would buy it again. If u want electric fans I would buy a rad with fans and shroud complete.

 

[The Camaro Guy]

Another angle, what is wrong with your current radiator? It can be recored and use the OEM fan/shroud set up. All of my cars have that set up and none have ever overheated and was designed to be effective and lasting. Depends on if you want originality or not.

 

[RumRunner]

Ok, thank you

Another angle, what is wrong with your current radiator? It can be recored and use the OEM fan/shroud set up. All of my cars have that set up and none have ever overheated and was designed to be effective and lasting. Depends on if you want originality or not.

Good idea, but it's the original radiator (I believe) and it's just old. I don't want to put a new engine behind something that I have doubts with.

 

[dhutton]

I just bought a cold case. Real nice piece. At least so far. Mine is the 21” wide. The small block version. I would have done 23 but I have some stuff mounted in the way and did not want to reorganize it. I would buy it again. If u want electric fans I would buy a rad with fans and shroud complete.

Cold case makes a decent radiator but their fans are over rated junk imho.

Don