You are right. My biggest concern is idling and traffic!! I need to make sure that the engine stays cool at traffic and idling.

As nomad said previously, the engine thermostat plays an important issue. If I see that the engine is overheating at idle, will reduce the thermostat temp so it will open earlier. Asked ron davis about the cfm of both fans. Will let you know later as i have the reply.

What instruments shall I use for the coolant temperature indication inside the car? Auto meter? And from where this is normally tapped off?

Thanks

 

In some cases a double or triple pass radiator can be used if cooling is an issue, and if in doubt I always order at least a double pass. My 464 BBC in my Falcon has cooling issues from a small radiator, and I went with a 24"x19" triple pass, and it still gets too warm on hot days. I just ordered a 31"x19" triple pass, and have to do major surgery to my frame braces and rails to make the much larger radiator fit.
Gauge brand is your choice, but you can't go wrong with Autometer. The heads and probably intake both have threaded ports to install the temp sender. The head location will give you the highest temperature reading on the engine, and some people don't use that since it's right next to the combustion chamber. But Chevy uses it, and it will probably be the best location.

 

Just for clarity, when you say double pass, it means 2 row and triple pass means 3 rows? From where did you order the triple pass if may I ask? Today I had a quote from C&R and it is the same as Ron Davis (more or less).

When they manufacture radiators locally, they do not use 1" pipes for the core. I guess they use different pipe size. Just of curiosity, would this pipe diameter make a difference in cooling?

 

Yes the diameter does. It offers more surface area. A triple pass doesnt mean the same as triple row. It is the amount of times the water is directed back and forth in front of the fan. A single pass, double row will pass the water though two tubes in front of the fan one time.

A triple pass Ron Davis. When I think of muliti pass I think of them going horizontal not vertical but the same idea.The top one is for a mazda but the bottom is for a chevy.

 

Yes, it depends on whether you have side tanks (crossflow) or top and bottom tanks. I bought my radiator through KMJ Performance and it's made by Northern. I've purchased several radiators from KMJ that were Northerns, and they are very good for the price. No epoxy in them, and all welded tanks and cores. Huge savings over the big names, and mine was only $234 shipped to me. My pockets aren't very deep, so I need to really watch the budget!
Row size on the cores makes a big difference. Two 1" rows will cool better than 4 half inch rows. In a single pass radiator the corners don't flow much coolant. The coolant tries to go from inlet to outlet, so it mostly travels diagonally and aren't as efficient. They work fine on stock engines or mild builds, but a double pass or triple pass does a much better job of cooling.

 

Hmm. I too have a KJM for the Camaro. That one is 31x19 the smaller one I have is a 26x19 Griffin and they are made almost identicle. The Griffin wasn't nearly as cheap though. I paid $100 used for it while the KJM was about $140. I paid less than $250 for it and a shroud with an electric fan.

 

KMJ has some great prices, and the single pass radiators are almost unbelievably low priced! I got one for a buddy's Chevy truck for $129 and it's all welded. The triple pass makes the cost go up a lot, but really not sure why 3 dividers in the tanks make it almost $100 more.

 

I got my power steering tank there too. 30 bucks! Just like the big name $100 ones.

 

Hi Guys, I do really appreciate your time and feedback in helping me in such details on every topic I may say.

Regarding triple pass radiators, I had this answer from a supplier I don’t recommend triple pass, it creates too much back pressure for the water pump

So the best option for me would be double pass, 2 rows, 1" cores isn't it? I do not know why there is that much of a difference in price......one is over $1000 (including dual Spal fans and shroud) the others are less than $300 (without fans and shroud).

I also have a budget on how much money I spend but I try to do the best I can and reach a compromise between what the builder recommends (for a good reason) and the good information you tell me.

I really do not know what to chose on radiator brand. Whether I go for Northern or Ron Davis.....And finally what is the difference between the 2 brands......

On a side note, today is my 32 birthday and I am trying to concentrate sending this post with my 10 month daughter seeing giggle bellies My wife bought me a set of 3 tons axle jacks. Soon to come in handy.

 

I've owned triple pass radiators on a couple cars. My Falcon has one now. I'm sure they don't flow as easily as a single or double pass, but the question is what is the flow rate of a radiator or water pump? I never see flow rates for either from suppliers of pumps or radiators, so not sure how they got the info on restricting flow? I guess I'd ask that supplier if they sell triple pass at all? It may be they don't sell them, and don't want to lose your purchase because you want something they don't have?
Many circle track cars and race cars have used triple pass radiators for a long time. If they created a back pressure problem I'd think racers would avoid using them. A high volume pump is usually recommended when using a triple pass, but I haven't heard of back pressure issues myself.