I will be installing a BB in a 70 Nova. Looking for some ideas about the radiator. I do not want to change the core support. I do not want to cut up the core support. I was thinking about having the small block radiator recored to a 4 row. Any thoughts from someone that has done this? I talked to Alumitech about one of their radiators, but at 500 bucks, I would like to check other ideas. Thanks.
Radiator question..BB conversion
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TDWZ28,
Summit has some universal aluminum rads. Although I have a 63, I got one of their 380325 radiators ($170). Keeps my mild sbc pretty cool, and I run without a shroud and the mechanical fan is about 2 inches from the core. See how much space you have and take a look at what they have, maybe there is something that will fit nicely.
My particular radiator does not have a tranny cooler, so you'll probably have to get an external cooler if running an automatic.
Here's a link to Summit for you. Hopefully it is of some help.
http://keyword.netscape.com/ns/boom...est=1&remove_url=http://www.summitracing.com/
Summit has some universal aluminum rads. Although I have a 63, I got one of their 380325 radiators ($170). Keeps my mild sbc pretty cool, and I run without a shroud and the mechanical fan is about 2 inches from the core. See how much space you have and take a look at what they have, maybe there is something that will fit nicely.
My particular radiator does not have a tranny cooler, so you'll probably have to get an external cooler if running an automatic.
Here's a link to Summit for you. Hopefully it is of some help.
http://keyword.netscape.com/ns/boom...est=1&remove_url=http://www.summitracing.com/
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If you look at the core support on the drivers side there is extra sheetmetal that is taken out on the BB cars.You can see where the Factory leaves it still intact for SB cars.It wouldn't be that hard to cut and smooth out the opening from 19 inches to 21 inches.There is another difference too the BB rads bolt to the rad support.Good luck!
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23 Posts
That and instead of the stock Nova BB 3 core,make it a 4 core.The fan and shroud are important too.
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173 Posts
I have found that the fan makes more differance than the radiator. When I installed my new 454 in my Chevelle I also installed a Be Cool Radiator. My car still ran HOT. When I went to the 11" dual electric fans, Happiness Was Found!
Try installing a dual 11" fan set up first. The 3 core radiator might work for you with great fans.
:beers: :thumbsup:
Try installing a dual 11" fan set up first. The 3 core radiator might work for you with great fans.
:beers: :thumbsup:
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173 Posts
TDWZ28,
Thanks for the kind words!!!
Thanks for the kind words!!!
I have the swap to the 427 done. I bought the 4 row from NNN. Cut the opening out in the support. Only thing I ran into problem wise was the 18" fan. It would not clear the shroud. I put a 17" on it. Let the car idle for about 10 mins and it didn't get over 195. I can't test it on the road yet because of all the snow. Thanks for all the replies.
I run a Griffin Universal 31x19. Got it from summit 189.00. My battery is in the trunk and the rad fits in the support without any mods. Car was a small block. I use the Flexalite twin fan set up. They are slim and fit great. Car never goes over 190. Later.
Mark!
Mark!
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5 Posts
Guys if you havent seen the site yet click on the sig line
we offer correct fit rads for Chevy II and Nova
Don
we offer correct fit rads for Chevy II and Nova
Don
You can buy a direct fit made by Northern Performance thru GPSuperstores for a very reasonable price.
Don have you considered selling yours thru their group purchase plan? There were people asking about your product.
Don have you considered selling yours thru their group purchase plan? There were people asking about your product.
I installed a 427 in my 70 Nova.....installed a 4 core radiator, used my small black core support and everything fit just fine.
The opening in the core support is smaller and I didn't even bother to make the opening larger........engine runs at 180 degrees even in the hottest weather.
I've got some pics somewhere if you want them posted.
I also used the big block parts (rubber flap etc) on the top portion...big block shroud.....fanblade came from Jegs.
The opening in the core support is smaller and I didn't even bother to make the opening larger........engine runs at 180 degrees even in the hottest weather.
I've got some pics somewhere if you want them posted.
I also used the big block parts (rubber flap etc) on the top portion...big block shroud.....fanblade came from Jegs.
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3 Posts
Anyone got an pictures of their BB Radiator Support or the mods to be made to a SB one? I finally got the 454 in my 1972 nova and ordered a BB radiator and it will not fit. It appears I have to cut the ledge that holds the bottom of a SB radiator off and bolt it to the support itself. I also see where I might have to widen the opening on the SB one.
Thanks,
Thanks,
I do not know when they switched over from bolting the radiator directly to the radiator core support with brackets on the radiator to the ledge on the bottom and a top plate to hold the radiator in place; but the bolt on style is for an earlier year than your 1972 if the ledge on the bottom is in the way. I thought it was 1970 and up that used a top and bottom support but apparently your vendor thought otherwise.
Big Dave
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A 1967 Buick GS400 curve neck 3 core will work on a original SB Nova core support.Good luck finding one though. Theres a SB Black Motion Nova on the photo section of SYC site.Car ran a SB with a tunnel ram.Enlarge the picture and you will see how the hose comes up and not back. Google search 1967 Buick GS400 and the red one in AZ might come up.Nice picture of the engine bay with the curve neck.By the way I have one of those 1967 Buick GS400 curve neck 3 core rads,came on a 68 Nova I have.Rads not for sale though. I heard Wayne Bushey can help you out with a BB core support.
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