2 core or 3 core radiator for a 440?

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Anyone run the original 2 core 26" "055" radiator in their B Bodies with a 440?

Any cooling issues? I have a 3 core Modine right now but will be getting a 2 core 055 shortly......

Can an 055 be made into a 3 core anyway?

[Charger-Bodie]

Anyone run the original 2 core 26" "055" radiator in their B Bodies with a 440?

Any cooling issues? I have a 3 core Modine right now but will be getting a 2 core 055 shortly......

Can an 055 be made into a 3 core anyway?

i had a 3 row core installed in my 68 440 radiator {the number slips my mind right this second} and i had to get the big lower tank to make it work but it looks factory and its not a aftermarket one

[tan top]

Chris  , i have  the original 055  radiator  & 180 degree thermostat ,  never goes above 180  no matter what conditions . with or with out a fan shroud .

[Charger-Bodie]

Chris  , i have a the original 055  radiator  & 180 degree thermostat ,  never goes above 180  no matter what conditions . with or with out a fan shroud .

the only reason i decided to go with the 3 row is that someday id like to have a hemi and this way its already a 3 row plus it needed to be recored anyway

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Thanks guys.   I almost had the crazy idea of just taking the "055" top tank & having the shop graft it onto the Modine core....

I swore I would never change out this radiator for a "numbers" one but I got a pretty good deal on it and by the pics it looks like all it would need is a boiling out & a coat of paint to drop in & use as is....

[tan top]

Thanks guys.   I almost had the crazy idea of just taking the "055" top tank & having the shop graft it onto the Modine core....

I swore I would never change out this radiator for a "numbers" one but I got a pretty good deal on it and by the pics it looks like all it would need is a boiling out & a coat of paint to drop in & use as is....

  thats sounds a good plan though , having a top tank fitted ....  




     

[resq302]

Chris,

Sounds like you are reverting your car back to stock.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Chris,

Sounds like you are reverting your car back to stock.

Yep...stock "looking"........ as was the plan from 1997 or so

[mikesbbody]

i had my 26 factory radiator changed from 2-3 core and its much better now the temp barely moves, however i dont know the numbers i dont know if its a 055 or not

[jerry]

like said above if you want 3 core and have a 055 just have the 055 tank put on new 3 core.bottoms of 055 and 054 have differences.i have run the 055 on a 69 b-body with a hemi with no prob.my 440-6bbl cars have the 054 and they are much heavier.

[bill440rt]

Chris,
Mine is the same. 26" Chrysler rad with a 3-row core. Cools very nicely. You'll like it.

[hemi68charger]

There's no reason you can't utilize your original tanks and side brackets on your 055 and use a 3-core unit....... Any radiator shop worth anything should be able to do it....  But, if you're reluctant, a 2-core should still cool you off rather nicely taking into consideration everything else is fine.. With shroud and clutch-fan, you should be ok..........

Troy

[firefighter3931]

I would stick with a 3 core rad...change the tank if you have to but keep the 3 cores. Fwiw, guys who run a looser stall with the built in rad cooler will often experience elevated engine temps. Using a stand alone trans cooler will keep both the engine and transmission running cooler. 

Case in point ; When R2 swapped in an automatic for his 4 spd i remember having this conversation. The original 4spd rad didn't have an auto trans cooler so i suggested a stand alone B&M stacked plate "super cooler" which he plumbed directly to the trans. The 600hp stroker runs all day long at 170-180* with the factory rad. 


Chris, the reason i'm bringing this up is because i remember awhile back that your's was running hot. Going to a 2 core with the internal trans cooler might be pushing it. Just food for thought. 



Ron

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Thanks all.  I was thinking about the trans issue as well but I do have an external trans cooler hooked up in series with the one in the tank.....

Like I said before I might even go to have the shop graft the top "055" tank onto my Modine core & lower tank.....buuuut....the Modine utilizes the 70 & up style 4 bolt type shroud where as the '69 & older uses the 5 studded shroud (still avail new from Mopar)

I might bite the bullet & recore the "055" to a 3 core.....anyone need a Modine 3 core?   Might be for sale soon

[THE CHARGER PUNK]

my dad made an 055 into a 4 core it has the stock cap to with part #'s on top 2

[chargerbr549]

What did the 055 radiator have for a stock core, 2,3 or 4 row? My 69 RT SE 440 with AC has an 055 with a  4 row core in it, that is the way that I bought it 22 years ago and I had it recored several years ago and that's what we put back in it.  Right now I am helping a friend of mine with his  69 RT SE 440 with AC and has an 055 radiator also but his has only a 2 core in it, so which is right or are they both right? If it helps my car originally  came from the sunny Pomona CA. area.

Kevin

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

The stock/original core size was a 2 row/core

[bull]

Can an 055 be made into a 3 core anyway?

Yes. Most legit radiator places can retain the top, bottom and sides and replace the middle with a new 3-core. I was quoted $300 on my 22" so yours might be more.

[gtx6970]

IMO - you can't have to much cooling ability. If it runs too cool with it, put a hotter thermostat in it .

Putting a 3 row core in the 055  rad is a piece of cake. I've done 2 so far with no problems what so ever and the Rad  shop that did it didn't have to change anything else

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Thanks for all the input guys...I should be getting the rad soon.    it looks pretty good the way it is.....maybe a bit of Eastwood rad black and she'll be good to go

[resq302]

Can't hurt to have it flow tested and pressure tested prior to painting and installing it.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Can't hurt to have it flow tested and pressure tested prior to painting and installing it.

  will do