Anyone Using 22" Radiator with BB Engine???

[Needa68]

The 68 Charger we are restoring came from the factory with a 318 engine, 727 automatic and no AC. Consequently, it also came with a 22 inch radiator. We overlooked the need to modify the radiator yoke to accept a 26 inch radiator during the reconstruction phase. As a result we now have a dilemma.

We don't wish to modify and repaint the radiator yoke. Consequently, we need to find a way to adequately cool the 440 cid engine we recently installed using a 22 inch radiator. We are considering using a Champion CC 2375 Pro Series radiator. This model is advertised as a 3 row core, 22 inches wide unit that will cool engines up to 700 horse power. Here is a link to one on e-bay: 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALUMINUM-3-ROW-RADIATOR-22-CORE-MOPAR-DODGE-PLYMOUTH-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2308e22ffaQQitemZ150472896506QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

We would appreciate hearing lessons learned from anyone who has used this particular radiator in a Charger with a big block engine.

A second option might be to use a 22 inch, 3 core reproduction radiator (Part # FJL40AAH) from YearOne. The measures on this unit are 17-1/2" x 22" x 2". It is advertised for use in a-bodies. The measurements are close but we have not idea if it will mount correctly or if the inlet and outlets are correct for our application or if it will adequately cool the big block engine. This is a link to the YearOne site:

http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?input=FJL25ANH&SM=1&SC=1

As with the other option we would appreciate hearing from anyone who has used this YearOne radiator with a big block engine in a Charger.

Thanks, RHM,Jr.

[694spdRT]

My dad has a 22" radiator in a '68 383 4bbl Super Bee. It is worked up some and would run hot idling in traffic until I found an original metal shroud for it.

My '68 was a 383-2bbl from the factory and it came with a 22" radiator standard. I think some '68 R/T cars even came from the factory with 22" radiators.

[maxwellwedge]

In 70, 440 sixpack engines could be equipped with a 22" rad in a car without an axle package -  so a stock radiator, properly rebuilt with a shroud should provide more than ample cooling.

[bull]

If/when you have the 22" rebuilt try to get a 3- or 4-row core put back in. There's no need to get a 26" unit if you get the 22" working properly. Or just get that Year One deal, although there are lots of places to get a radiator than YO for lots less money. Summit, Jegs, just about anywhere really.

[A383Wing]

I got a 22" in my black 66 with 383-4bbl......had it cored to a 4 row way back in the old days...ain't had a bit of overheat issue ever...even idling around town....

no shroud either

[Dans 68]

...There's no need to get a 26" unit if you get the 22" working properly.

  While I currently have a non-stock 26" in my 383 4-bbl, I did pick up a factory 22" radiator from a gent on Moparts who used it on Sunday drives with his 440 in Florida, on hot humid days. He never had a problem (he says). It will be going into my engine bay before my trip to MATS.

Dan

[Troy]

In 70, 440 sixpack engines could be equipped with a 22" rad in a car without an axle package -  so a stock radiator, properly rebuilt with a shroud should provide more than ample cooling.

Yep, the 22" came standard on a lot of 440 cars. My 318 car has A/C and my 4-speed R/T has a Track Pack so both got bumped up to the larger radiator. My automatic R/T (440) and another 383 HP car both had 22" radiators.

Troy

[Ghoste]

I have a 22 inch rad ahead of my 383.  It's sometimes an effort for it to keep everything cool but it isn't exactly a stock 383 either.  I also tend to buse the car once in awhile.
So yes, the 22 inch with a shroud should work.

[bull]

BTW, many 318 cars had 26" radiators too.

[Joshs68]

I use a 22" from US Radiator on my 470. it is a double pass but I use no shroud and never get over 195* even in traffic.

[John_Kunkel]

Keep in mind that all BB's prior to '66 used a 22" radiator.

[Brass]

I have a 22" radiator with my 440 auto.  It can creep pretty high while idling in traffic.  A shroud is going on before summer and we'll see if that helps.  What I've been seeing here has me cautiously optimistic. 

[Needa68]

The consensus seems to be a 22 inch will work. I'm starting to lean that way for a couple reasons with the primary being I don't want to modify the radiator yoke. This mod would require cutting out the passenger side yoke plate, inserting a new plate then repainting the area. This is a link to the piece that would need to be installed to open up the yoke to accept a 26 inch radiator.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-69-70-Charger-Coronet-26-inch-RH-Radiator-Support-/120397902563?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c084632e3#ht_3241wt_732

Several of you noted that 22 inch radiators were routinely used in the 60's with RB / BB engines. I just happen to have a 65 Chrysler New Yorker I'm parting out. I tried fitting the radiator from that vehicle into our Charger. It fit but the tank and cap stood too far above the top of the yoke to satisfy me. It was also too thick for our purposes. The fan fit between the radiator and water pump pulley but hit the AC compressor. When moved out to miss the compressor the blades hit the radiator. If we didn't have AC and didn't want a fan shroud it would work.

While I don't have a Champion CC 2375 to test fit I do have a 26 inch CC 375 model. According to the Champion Radiator web site both units are the same thickness. With the CC 375 in place the fan misses both the radiator and the AC compressor. We'll need to fabricate a shroud but think we should be able to alter one of their electric fan shrouds to fit our need.

With that said I'd still very much appreciate hearing from anyone who has used the Champion CC 2375 with an RB or BB engine, with or without AC.

Many thanks to all of you for your comments / input! RHM,Jr. 

[bull]

Whatever you end up doing I'd like to emphasize the wisdom of shopping around before you put an order in at Year One... if you're at all into saving money. Year One is great if you need about $1,000 worth of stuff at once and you use their 20-25% off discount codes, otherwise you'll be taking it in the shorts.

I recommend you read through this too: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,60599.0.html

[greenpigs]

In 70, 440 sixpack engines could be equipped with a 22" rad in a car without an axle package -  so a stock radiator, properly rebuilt with a shroud should provide more than ample cooling.

  I am going to run a 22" in mine as when it had the front clip swaped it has that size opening now. My current 440 isn't even at 375HP so doing as quoted above I think it will be able to handle the load. The plan is to use a Champion aluminum 2 row so hopefully it works out\ and fits.

[Needa68]

Bull: Couldn't agree with you more concerning NewOne's pricing structure / marketing strategy. The way they do business certainly keeps me from doing more with them. However, if someone wants a stock look and fit their 26 inch radiator fills the bill. No doubt the price is a factor but for those people who prefer to plug and play over fabricate, it works.

On the other side of the coin, it could be argued that NewOne's is using the plug and play mentality to drive up the cost of parts for everyone. Here is an example of how prices are escalating. In 05/2004 I bought a 26 radiator from YearOne for $267.00. I'm not sure but believe this was before they implement their current almost weekly mini-sale strategy. Today, they want $385.00 for the same radiator! I understand inflation is a factor and that the US dollar is not worth what it was in 2004 but in this case we are talking a 44% increase. That's over 6% per year. I don't know about you but my income hasn't gone up 6+ percent per year since 2004.

No doubt they added 20% or more to the cost of all items to offset their almost daily sales. That in itself detracts from the average hobbyist's ability to participate and enjoy the sport. Enough about that!!!! This post might get pulled if I go on.

About the post you suggested I read. I've read it and commented about my experience. Unfortunately, I have two of the housings in use. The one in my Coronet has cost me lots of time and money. Until reading the post you suggested I had been unable to figure out why I had an over heating problem. To compound matters I also installed the same pump housing in the Charger we are building. Looks like I wasted more time and money there. Since I'm going to run a 22 inch radiator with a BB engine in the Charger I'll need a good flow rate. Consequently, I'm going to pull and replace the 440 Source water pump housing. As you might guess I'm not very happy about that.

Greenpins: You may want to consider Champion's CC 2375, 3 core unit. The one I test fit is only 3 inches thick.

My thanks to both of you for your input.

RHM,Jr.

[Bigun426]

One thing that has to be considered is the health of the coolant passages in the block. An older block is going to have substantial corrosion build up and flushing it may not be enough to eliminate cooling problems. This may be why some folks have good luck and some don't.

[Big Al Z]

Speaking of Chargers with a 22 inch radiator I'm looking for an original 22" non AC radiator for my 69.  Don't want after market just original.  Dont mind if it needs re-core.   

[69CoronetRT]

Speaking of Chargers with a 22 inch radiator I'm looking for an original 22" non AC radiator for my 69.  Don't want after market just original.  Dont mind if it needs re-core.   

The 053 radiator is not that hard to find so keep looking.

In response to a five year old post...

I have the 22" radiator in my 69 440. Glen Ray rebuilt it for me. The car runs @ 165 degrees on hot humid days on the highway and may get to 175 with intown start and stop driving.

A properly set up 22" radiator WILL cool a stock 440.

[Mopar Nut]

Speaking of Chargers with a 22 inch radiator I'm looking for an original 22" non AC radiator for my 69.  Don't want after market just original.  Dont mind if it needs re-core.  

Tony's parts has a 053.

http://www.tonysparts.com/

Welcome aboard!

[68CoronetRT]

Speaking of Chargers with a 22 inch radiator I'm looking for an original 22" non AC radiator for my 69.  Don't want after market just original.  Dont mind if it needs re-core.   

I have a 68' 22" radiator sitting in my garage. Worked fine with a small small leak when warm. Needs a re core. I dont care to keep it, my car is a resto mod so I dont care much for original parts in most areas.

PM me if your interested.