News:

It appears that the upgrade forces a login and many, many of you have forgotten your passwords and didn't set up any reminders. Contact me directly through helpmelogin@dodgecharger.com and I'll help sort it out.

Main Menu

Stupid 22" Radiator Opening!

Started by Long Island RT, June 22, 2009, 09:56:51 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Long Island RT

Seems I'm one of the lucky ones' that has a '69 RT with the 22" wide rad opening in the front of the car.  I did not know there was different size (width) openings in rad support on these bad boys until AFTER I painted my whole car - installed the engine yada yada yada...  Now I know why my engine always overheated even 20 years ago with my 3 core copper radiator.  :RantExplode:

So... I'd like to put in a 3-row aluminum 26" radiator without hacking the hell out of my nice shiny rad support.
Can I put a bunch of holes along the 2" overlap section on both sides or do I really need to hack it off, leaving chipped paint and an unsightly, sharped edged raggedy looking hole in the front of my car?  :rotz:
1969 Dodge Charger RT Restomod<br />Triple Black, 512 stroker, Tremec TKO600 5-speed<br />2005 Dodge Magnum RT - Brilliant Black - Lowered

oldschool

your car most likely is not a real r/t.i dont think they ever put a 22" radiator in a r/t.i have a charger with a 22" core support also.i just drilled two new holes and used a 26" radiator,no problem.
1968 cuda formula S bb 4-sp                          1968 Charger R/T 500" 4-sp
1970 Charger 580" 4-sp
1970 Cuda Convertible 500" 4-sp
1970 Cuda Convertible 500" 4-sp
TOO MUCH HORSEPOWER, IS ALMOST ENOUGH!

Dans 68

R/T's came with a 22" radiator (part number 2949053) with the 440 if the car was an auto and without A/C They normally cool just fine as long as everything is working properly. A shroud was not specified.

Dan
1973 SE 400 727  1 of 19,645                                        1968 383 4bbl 4spds  2 of 259

Long Island RT

Jeez - I hope it's an RT - VIN#: VIN XS29L9Bxxxxxx

I too remember reading somewhere that if you had a 440 auto and no AC - you got the dreaded 22" radiotor...?

Anywho - you didn't widen the opening at all?  What Engine/power are you running?

Thanks
1969 Dodge Charger RT Restomod<br />Triple Black, 512 stroker, Tremec TKO600 5-speed<br />2005 Dodge Magnum RT - Brilliant Black - Lowered

Dans 68

Yes, that VIN is for an R/T. My own '68 came with a 22" radiator for its 383 4-bbl. It is currently running a shrouded 26" bolted directly to the stock 22" opening (a couple of bolts were added) by its previous owner. The stock 22" radiator will be going back in (rebuilt so it does run cool). I want it like the factory made it. :2thumbs:

Dan
1973 SE 400 727  1 of 19,645                                        1968 383 4bbl 4spds  2 of 259

0X01B8

I'll defend the much maligned 22" radiator - mine works great!  Shroud + Mr. Gasket hi volume 180 thermostat.  Temp gauge needle will go to 12 o'clock idling in gear at stop lights, otherwise drops to 170 at cruise.  The motor is an essentially stock 440, 30 over, slightly hotter cam - Engle k56.  And I'm running a somewhat weak antifreeze/water ratio too.  I like to keep my engine compartment looking stock, so it's not like I have much of a choice, I'll admit.

Joshs68