I knew it was only a matter of time before I needed to address my radiator, the factory 1968 small block 22" radiator isn't up to par with my .030 over 383..... I've been looking at the ecp 2 1"tube units. I'm torn between the 22" or the 26" ... I do have future plans for a/c install. The front support opening is only 22.5"wide, with a 26" radiator that would leave 1.25" on each side of the radiator covered. Would that honestly make that big of a difference ? I do Have a factory 26" shroud and will be running a 7 blade fan with HD clutch. The 22" would be a direct drop in but I don't have a shroud and would that be enough for a warmed up big block with a/c ??
You might have already pulled the trigger on this but the ECP 22" is what I went with for my '62 with a mild 440.
Back when I ordered it they sent me two! I told the UPS driver to send one back. Notified them that they sent two and I'm sending one back and the guy didn't even say thanks...
The way that they box them up could be better. I had some fins to straighten out. The right side bracket is short but the bottom hole on that side does line up with an existing slotted hole in the support.
I bought a 17" steel fan blade and had a fabrication shop make me a fan shroud to my specs. I'm useing a stock 8 blade water pump. I also spaced the top of the radiator in towards the engine about 1". That helped with the top hose fitment and it is more true with the fan blade/shroud placement.
Did the "break-in" last week, 20 plus min. @ 2,000 rpm and the temp never went over 180*. That's what thermostat I installed. I also added a bottle of "Kool it" additive.
Two days later I fired it up again to set the timing and tune the carbs. It seemed to take forever to get it up to 180* but eventually it did and again it never went over 180*. I'm also useing non ethanol, 91 octane.
This radiator seems to be doing its job and it's priced right...