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tips, technology, tools and techniques related to vehicle driveline components

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DC Townsend
David Townsend
Vermont
(406 posts)

Registered:
11/21/2007 12:22PM

Main British Car:
'78 B (almost done) 30-over SBF, dry sump

authors avatar
Radiator Options for Ford 302
Posted by: DC Townsend
Date: June 06, 2009 02:49PM

I'm aware of the custom fabricated versions available from Ted Lathrop and other conversion specialists, but is the stock radiator not sufficient if used with an electric cooling fan?


BlownMGB-V8
Jim Blackwood
9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042
(6468 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 12:59PM

Main British Car:
1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS

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Re: Radiator Options for Ford 302
Posted by: BlownMGB-V8
Date: June 12, 2009 11:27AM

Maybe in Vermont. Probably not in the warmer climates.

Jim


rficalora
Rob Ficalora
Willis, TX
(2764 posts)

Registered:
10/24/2007 02:46PM

Main British Car:
'76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302

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Re: Radiator Options for Ford 302
Posted by: rficalora
Date: June 12, 2009 02:01PM

If you don't want to modify the frame rails, just look for a cross flow aluminum (or brass) radiator that'll fit between the frame rails (18.25" max) and not too tall (no more than 19"... an inch shorter would be good). If you can't find one with the inlet & outlets in the right place you can get those changed at a radiator shop pretty inexpensively. Total investment should be $350 or less... probably closer to $300 even if you have to get the inlet/outlets moved.

And, it'd be very easy to modify the frame rails to accept a wider radiator.


DC Townsend
David Townsend
Vermont
(406 posts)

Registered:
11/21/2007 12:22PM

Main British Car:
'78 B (almost done) 30-over SBF, dry sump

authors avatar
Re: Radiator Options for Ford 302
Posted by: DC Townsend
Date: June 12, 2009 04:51PM

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'm going to go with one of the specialty Mustang suppliers. Several offer 3 or 4 row versions of the early 'Stang cooler that are about 18.5" (a little under) by 20". I figure with my motor set-back I will be able to lean the radiator back a bit to make for the height. Plenty of fore-aft room. Cooling capacity is better than a stock 5.0 radiator so it should be more than enough for my 302.

Thought about the frame rail modification but it requires two skills/tools I don't possess - cutting and welding (I should really correct this learning deficiency at some point). I'm a ways away from installing, but will post some pics when done.


JamieP
Jamie Pritchett

(1 posts)

Registered:
07/21/2009 08:08PM

Main British Car:


Re: Radiator Options for Ford 302
Posted by: JamieP
Date: July 21, 2009 08:25PM

I rebuilt the stock unit with a four core 5/8" tubes and HP fins. I put a pusher and puller on the thing with a HP alternator and it finally runs cool. . .

1973 Stag - ford 302, C4 tranny.
IMG_0057.jpg
IMG_0052.jpg


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