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downside of a 26" radiator on a 22 support?

69 GTX

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Is there any negative side to putting a 26" radiator on a 22" radiator support, other than cosmetic? I would think the extra capacity would be beneficial. I've got a 590 hp 440 that I plan on installing a AC unit. Figured I could use all the help I can get.
 
I've wondered the same. And I know people do it. But here are my thoughts, as I've pondered the cooling situation in my cars and run it by people with PhDs in mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics....

If you run the same amount of coolant through both radiators, some portion of the coolant in the 26" radiator will go through tubes that aren't experiencing very much or possibly any air flow. That coolant won't be cooled much or at all. In the 22" radiator, all coolant should see plenty of air flow. The net result could be worse cooling with the 26" radiator as it just circulates some hot water.

Does that bear out? I have no idea. Just one possible reason "why not" to do it...
 
I did this a long time ago, I used the stock left side holes and drilled new holes on the right. I might try cutting the opening this time.
 
I did the same thing on my charger, I used the driver side mount holes, drilled new ones on the passenger and I did enlarge the opening.
 
On my Cuda, I did not want to drill holes in the rad support, so I made a frame that mounts the 26" rad to the 22" holes. This allowed me to position the rad so the factory fan shroud was in the correct location. I also mounted the trans cooler to the frame.
I think the extra capacity has to be of some benefit.
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Did you have any cooling issues before going to the 26", after?
 
I was having the same thought after stroking the 400 to 512. I have a 22" radiator and was really thinking that the 26" would be much better. As we looked at the situation we thought the same as DP, some of the radiator wouldn't be getting much air flow at all, if any due to the 22" opening in the radiator support. So, i didn't know if there really would be a benefit.

I like 65"s extra bracket, that is a great idea rather than drill holes etc. However, we decided to stick with the 22" 3 row and regular fan that we had and put it on. The motor runs very cool. Now, I will say we haven't hit summer yet but I've had it out on a couple of our warmest days, mid to high 70's and no issues at all with the 22".

I might try what you have first and see if it heats up too much or is just fine. Just a thought to add to the rest. Good luck!
 
I'm starting from scratch so I don't have anything at the moment.
 
My biggest issue is, I am adding Vintage Air. I am not sure it will work with my 22 inch opening. I need to pull the condenser out and see how it fits.
 
I put a 69 RR 26 inch with factory fan shroud, and stainless fan. I did not cut the radiator support. It runs 180-190 all day in Florida. Engine has a .504 Hughes cam 2500 converter, with B&M cooler. 3.91 gears. No cooling issues.
 
Okay, we will have to watch what the other is doing on this..
 
Did you have any cooling issues before going to the 26", after?
The car originally was a 383 with a 22" rad and had no cooling issues. When I put in the new motor (500", 603 hp), I talked to Bob at GlenRay and went with the 26" rad. No cooling issues to date.
 
I have decided to go with the Griffin 26" exact fit. 672$ from summit with free shipping. Going to go with the 22" core support for now. I think with the well sealed shroud, maybe a little smaller waterpump pulley to speed up the waterpump & fan at idle. I should be ok. Also the viscous fan & clutch.
 
65 Hemi do you have AC on your car?
 
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Here's the brackets I made to install the 26" exact fit griffin radiator.
 
That's a damn fine job! You should make a few more and sell them!
 
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