Radiator?

[mikeydf14]

My 68 Charger has a 383/4 HP engine w/ 727 auto. The car has a factory 22" radiator but it does not keep the engine cool enough especially in warm weather or when it's just moving slowly as in a parade line. It has a new 180 thermostat, new temp gauge, new hoses and new antifreeze and the block has been flushed.  The radiator was checked by a radiator shop and was given a clean bill of health.  I have had people tell me I should have a 26" radiator not a 22"  My service manual says for my car the radiator P/N is 2898045 but that P/N does not show up on any Dodge part number search. A friend had the same exact car setup and the same 22" radiator in his. Since he installed a 426 street hemi he gave me his radiator as a spare and I am having the same issues with it.  Does any one know the correct radiator size and part number?  Also I cannot find where any 68 had a fan shroud to help cooling.   

[Dans 68]

The "045" radiator part number is correct for your car.  http://www.rosevillemoparts.com/reference_radiatorguide.php  It is also used on the '68 R/T's with a 440. The 68's did not use a shroud. Brand new these radiators and the cooling system in general worked just fine, albeit at the edge of acceptable cooling. Sounds like a water pump problem (not enough flow) but as the car is going on 45 years many mechanical do-dads may not be optimal. Timing is one. I already mentioned the water pump. I know that there are 26" bolt-in radiators with a shroud for a 22" radiator support opening (I know as I have one as a back-up to my 22"), so that may be the way to go. My "043" 22" radiator was purchased from a Gentleman from Florida who told me that the radiator cooled his 440 just fine during the hot Florida summers; I don't have any problems with it. Good luck and search this site on this topic.

Dan

[mikeydf14]

Thanks Dans 68.  I didn't think I was totally wrong LOL  I will check out the site you mentioned and maybe it is the water pump or I find a 26" bolt on and go from there.

[maxwellwedge]

A 22" rad is fine if everything else is up to snuff......IE - water pump, fan and fan spacing. I would go for a shroud as well. You can always get a larger core for it as well.

[mikeydf14]

There is no stock shroud made for a 68 so off I go to plan "Q"  Might just put in a high flow water pump instead to keep the stock look and keep the engine cool.  Thanks

[Brass]

Mancini carries some shrouds:

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/rafansh.html

I also found this doing a quick search on this site:

http://www.megapartsusa.com/products.asp?cat=9

(I believe the shroud for 69 will work on a 68 if you buy the #9176 mounting kit.)

Word of warning - some vendors, like Laysons Restorations, have been known to carry a plastic reproduction shroud - DO NOT buy it.

[Ghoste]

The 68's had a two piece metal shroud like the 67's.  Bill Alphin had them at one time but I don't know if he still does.

[Dans 68]

The 68's had a two piece metal shroud like the 67's.  Bill Alphin had them at one time but I don't know if he still does.

Tony's Parts has it for $195.00.  http://www.tonysparts.com/moparparts.asp

Dan

[TexasGeneral]

SUMMIT RACING HAS 68' shrouds