Who's running a stock 3 Core Radiator with a Big Block?

[Yamariv]

Been reading a lot about Big Block conversions and I've seen some posts where guys are running a 3 Core rad with a big block. Is this doable realistically or is a 4 Core a must?

Did GM always put a 4 Core as standard for Big Block trucks?

[jimijam00]

There is no such thing as a three or four core radiator.

I run a two row radiator and it cools just fine in 100f summer temps.

[Yamariv]

[QUOTE=jimijam00;9197963]There is no such thing as a three or four core radiator.

I run a two row radiator and it cools just fine in 100f summer temps.[/

Is your radiator a stock style 2 core or are you talking a larger tubed aluminum one?

[kwmech]

Have a 68 with a factory big block. Originally a 396 and now a 454. The 396 came with a 3 core rad...no A/C. I put the 454 in and instantly had heating issues. I converted to a 4 core. Problem went away

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by kwmech

Have a 68 with a factory big block. Originally a 396 and now a 454. The 396 came with a 3 core rad...no A/C. I put the 454 in and instantly had heating issues. I converted to a 4 core. Problem went away

Did the 3 core run ok with the 396?

[kwmech]

Yes it did, never had a problem, but the added cubes with a more than stock cam and compression pushed the limits on it at idle. Driving down the road was not a problem

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

Is your radiator a stock style 2 core or are you talking a larger tubed aluminum one?

It's a larger tubed two row aluminum aftermarket radiator.

[steveo70]

[quote=Yamariv;9197964]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

There is no such thing as a three or four core radiator.

I run a two row radiator and it cools just fine in 100f summer temps.[/

Is your radiator a stock style 2 core or are you talking a larger tubed aluminum one?

I us a new larger tubed 2 row aluminum, a GM 7 blade fan and a heavy duty clutch fan. zero issues. .030 454 mild hyd roller build.

[Speedracer39]

I have a 496 with an original 3 core and a clutch fan no A/C drove to c10 nationals in Tx from Nebraska no issues. I am currently adding vintage air and plan on going with alum radiator and electric fans.
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[Joyridin]

I had a 3 row with a 454 no A/C. The radiator was a new copper/brass style. It did not like hot days. I changed to a wide 2 row aluminum and it worked better.

If you are going BBC with A/C, I would use a 4 row copper/brass, or find a really wide aluminum version.

[Yamariv]

Thanks for all the replies guys! Looks like my Big Block dreams have been dashed as I thought my 3 OTT Saginaw was the base tranny for a BB but it turns out its an HD version. Plans have changed to sticking with a future small block upgrade now. My current 3 core should have no issue with a nice little 350