Radiator size and size of support

[moparfanUSA]

Well, I have been working on getting all of the parts ready for the Charger, but when I purchased a 26" C body Radiator that was in great shape I figured that I would need to make different mounting holes in the radiator support to accommodate it. When we test fitted it, it looked to big and after measuring the opening on the support it was only 22" wide. It was a 383 car, so I assumed that all BB's had a 26" radiator in them. When I looked at all of the new supports from AMD they only come 26" so I thought all the supports came with at least a 26" opening, but I guess I was wrong.
My question is was I wrong that 383 4BB's came with 26" radiators? I think I could still use the 26" one but it will have a few rows blocked, or I have to buy a new 22" one, but wonder if that will give me enough cooling with a 440 in it.
Thoughts?

 

[5.7 hemi]

Yes, some big blocks cars came with 22's.

 

[65-440]

I had every intention of leaving my rad opening at 22" after I upgraded to a 26" rad. BUT, i had to enlarge to opening to match the larger rad due to the factory pass side mounting holes on the support interfering with the radiator fitment. It would not fit flush with the core support. Good luck with whatever you decide, a bigger radiator is a nice thing to have !

 

[66Satellite47]

Ya some were each size, depending on what was ordered. I put a 26" in my '65 Coronet original 426W 4spd car, even though the core support was for the 22". Worked really well.

 

[moparfanUSA]

If I use the 26" I think the only difference on the C -body one I have for the B-body is the mounting holes on the sides of the radiator, correct?

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

I run a 26" in a 22" support. Works just fine. Just had to space the top out a slight amount.