i have a 406 i have still not installed this motor yet i have a v-8 3 core radiator was wondering if this will keep my nova 406 cool enough or will i need a 4 core big block radiator i am not putting a thermostat in this car deleting the heater not going to drive this car at all in the winter

use a thermostat. it'll help the engine reach proper operating temp.

only way to know if the radiator is sufficient is to run it. :thumbsup:

might be juuuuust fine ;)

why no thermostat?

21" 3 core,shroud, and mechanical fan..... no issues even hot lapping at the track.

One thing, look at the condition of your existing radiator, do not assume it is good unless it is new. Of course you already know 400's dont have water passages between each cylinder wall. Steam passes through them. Steam is nothing but super heated water for all practical purposes. a 400 SBC without a proper cooling system will lead to over heating. I would run some type of antifreeze or water cooler unless your local track prohibits it. Remember pure water boils at a lot less temprature than a 50/50 mix.

i am going to run engine coolant no strait water i don't want to run a thermostat so that my engine will run cooler takes alot longer for it to even heat up i had a s-10 with 383 ran no thermostat in that never reached above 140 degrees the summer stop n go traffic i know 400 have cooling issues that's why i didn't go .040 over gonna drive this car on the street never gonna drive it in the winter so don't need heat so don't need thermostat useless to me

if the engine doesn't get to proper operating temp then it's not operating as efficiently.


most people i've known that didn't run a T-stat was because they're trying to band-aid a heating/cooling issue. i ran without one for a week or so until i had time to replace the defective unit i had... you're actually better of running one.

if the engine doesn't get to proper operating temp then it's not operating as efficiently.


most people i've known that didn't run a T-stat was because they're trying to band-aid a heating/cooling issue. i ran without one for a week or so until i had time to replace the defective unit i had... you're actually better of running one.


Agree with you Johnny :thumbsup:. Hey Jerry, run a dang thermostat. I will buy you one if needed :yes::yes::D

Agree with you Johnny :thumbsup:. Hey Jerry, run a dang thermostat.

I will buy you one if needed :yes::yes::D

i need a new set of rims & tires... you gonna hook me up ? :yes: :yes: :yes:

i need a new set of rims & tires... you gonna hook me up ? :yes: :yes: :yes:

sure, i will go to my mid night auto parts store and get you a set :D

ok i'll compromise on the stat 160 degree stat what do you think

i think it should be a 180*

I prefer a 180, but a 160 is better than not

If you want maximum cooling from your coolant, use pure water. Water has a much higher specific heat capacity than ethylene glycol.

years ago, i used to drill a 1/8" hole in the side of the t-stat so a little water could by-pass while warming up. i also believe you should run a thermostat so motor will operate properly. anyone else heard of this procedure?

years ago, i used to drill a 1/8" hole in the side of the t-stat so a little water could by-pass while warming up. i also believe you should run a thermostat so motor will operate properly. anyone else heard of this procedure?


yep, its been a round for a while. This helps the air escape out of the sytem when your first fill it.