flathead 6 radiator for a 318 v8?

Would the stock radiator from a 54 plymouth cool a 318 mopar v8? Would it make a difference if i put in an overflow tank or do i need a new radiator? I don't think this would work but i wanted to make sure before i go though all the work to mount the radiator for the 318. thanks.

 

If its a stock 318 you might get away with it but I would suggest an electric fan and an overflow tank.

 

In the Tex Smith Mopar hot rod book they reverse the radiator mount in a 46-8 Plymouth(moves radiator forward) & used the OEM radiator.

 

The flat 6 rad should be ok. A friend ran the original rad in his '39 with a 350 with no cooling probs, and this car was his daily driver. Eventually he put in AC and decided to go with a custom rad. He gave me the old one, which is now a spare for my '39.

Dave

 

That's Good news. I've been wanting to get that tex smith mopar book but i can't find it anywhere. Reversing the radiator support would probably work to set the ratiator forward. I also figured a good size overflow tank would help out. Sounds like i've good a good plan.

 

I've heard its out of print. Contact Hot Rod Library in Idaho, they'd know.

 

I used stock 48 DeSoto radiator when I had the 291 Hemi, never a problem. When I converted to the 392, all of a sudden it showed as heating. After changing radiator and other changes showed as still heating. About $1000.00 later, I decided to change the gauge. That fixed the problem.!!
Jack

 

I had a stock '62 Polysphere 318 w/push****on T-Flite in a '48 Plymouth and used the stock radiator with no overheating problems. I had a separate trans cooler mounted under the car, again with no problems.

Good luck!

Marty

 

Have the radiator pressure and flow-tested at your local radiator shop before commiitting to it in your build unless you happen to have a NOS one on hand.
It pays to spend a little to save a lot (of money, of time, of h***le redoing a job well done, of aggravation).

 

The radiator i have now is NOS and works perfectly. I figure i'm going to leave enough room for a 60s ford mustang radiator for when my 50s mopar one goes belly up. That way i'm not repositioning everything if i need a new radiator somewhere down the line. Thanks for the response guys.

 

with enough airflow any radiator will work. The fundamental first law of thermal dynamics still applies. Surface area, fluid media, flow rates and initial temperature differential are the variables.

An engine driven fan will flow more air than an electric. A shroud is recommended for any fan installation. Tip to shroud clearance should be as minimal as posible