Radiator Question
 

I would like to replace my radiator but before doing so, I'd like to get some opinions to see what other have done and been happy with. Re-core or replacement? And if I choose to replace with a new one, what is recommended-aluminum? The 406 I have tends to want to run hot so what ever I replace it with I really want to see cooling improvement.

Fan set up? What temp thermostat? What is the base and total timing set at?

Fan set up is stock fan and shroud, thermostat is unknown but when car runs cool, it sits at around 185. Timing I have yet to check-I have not had the opportunity to check time as I've only had the car for a short while so I am still learning about the car.

I would bet that the thermostat temp is probably 195. My personal opinion, replace with one that is the biggest you can fit.

I noticed this weekend while I drove it, it's ran between 185 and 200. When on open highway, tacking at 3,000 and speed 60, it wanted to run towards 195-200. When back on slower roads, when speeds averaged 45-50, it would run around 185-190.

My car would run hot on the highway and i tried everything but replacing the radiator. I finally swapped it for an aluminim one and it stayed at thermostat temp from then on.

It's an afco 2 row.

Thanks-that will be my next purchase.

Back to cam stuff here, cylinder pressure. Too much or too little will make it run hotter as well. Prime example...

My father's green 72' SS 454. In his sage wisdom, let a local shop handle the rebuild and pick out parts. It's mismatched, doesn't have enough DCR & SCR. It is down on power, and runs got. Has a HUGE Griffin aluminum radiator, Hayden HD fan clutch with a factory HP fan, and a the proper fan shroud. Hoses are good and don't collapse, WP is a new HD unit, etc. Without the AC on, it runs almost 190* at cruise, and will creep up to nearly 200* in traffic. No way a mild 454 only bored .030" over should do that. It ran 15-20 hotter when it had a smaller carburetor on it. (too lean) Have you read your spark plugs lately to see what they reveal? Just curious, hate to see you throw parts at it.

I'll be changing the cam, and upping the SCR though milling and thinner head gaskets. I am positive that it will run 10-15 degrees cooler after the changes.

Doesn't sound like you have a cooling problem to me. 200 is nothing to worry about. I would check the timing. If you want aluminum go for it but with the temps you're running you may want to have your current rad flushed and see what that does. Again, 200 is nothing, if it climbs to 210, then 220, then 230 you have a problem but not if it never goes over 200.

BTW: where is your temp sensor mounted, head or intake?

In the world of aluminum replacement radiators, I've noticed big differences in price. Jegs seems to offer more affordable ones but I was looking at Be Cool-they have a crossflow dual core at at double the price of Jegs-coming in at like $650. What brands are reputable and what have some of you guys had success with?