I can't tell you all how many bits and pieces of threads I've scanned through over the last few years just on this issue. It's crazy how many guys can cool big blocks with small rads vs how many cannot. For whatever the reasons are, it just seems that some engines needs additional cooling capacity and I grew tired of trying to stick with the 22", which wasn't cheap but had a more period correct look. I think the combination of airflow & capacity were the main factor for this motor's cooling needs. I even tested for combustion leaks into the coolant to see if extra heat was being added there...nothing in 4 tests. With my timing set at 18 initial, I don't think the timing is contributing to the heat. It may be running too lean, but without an A/F gauge, I cannot confirm with data. The plugs look fine to me running on 94 octane, which no doubt has ethanol.
Through many thread searches, I could not find a detailed install thread anywhere, of a larger rad installed into an early B and the results. Questions of whether the larger rad or a different year's shroud could be fitted or at least what the difficulties were weren't being answered. So I took the plunge and tried to document some detail. I had put money aside for a disk brake swap, which was mostly eaten up by this adventure. The brakes will have wait.
However, I thought if the swap was successful, maybe this info would help someone else facing similar challenges, particularly with an early B. I hope the info was helpful to someone...
