I have two radiators.. one I am pretty sure is a 1/2 ton '50 model and the other I'm not sure about. The one I am not sure about has the thing with the tube on it... is that some sort of purge valve? The panel truck will be getting a 400 SBC. will either of these radiators be sufficient? if not who makes one? or what else fits? I know a 400 SBC is not traditional, but this whole truck is being built out of leftovers and so after offering a 351c I had for trade, a 400 is what I was offered and that is what I'll use.
I would have a 4 row radiator made to fit. You get more efficient core design, and new non-brittle metal. Just one of those things you can't skimp on. remember, a 400 SBC has siamesed cylinders, no water between them. Any good local shop should be able to make you one. If they have to, your old tanks may suffice. And the side brackets too.
Yeah I had my doubts about using either of these when the engine itself needs all the cooling help it can get. If they will use my tanks, which set should I use? I'm still not positive what the purpose of the valve(?) is on the second rad.
I'm not sure either, it looks pressure activated, like an early overflow device before they did it thru the cap. Let the metallurgy decide which to use. Least rotten, use that one!
I have a 400 in the merc...I have had several and 400 chevy's always seem to run hotter than 350's. Your gonna want all the radiator you can for it. Funny thing is all my 400 Pontiacs never did this to me, but the chevs without fail would give me fits. That 409 I had did the same thing.
you want all the radiator you can get for a sbc400. this is not a place to go cheap. a good radiator is insurance. i see people all the time with a $2000 motor and a $100 radiator.
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