Re: IML: OEM Radiator - provides sufficient for a 408 CI???

["Burt Bouwkamp" <northburt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Abe,

 

The answer is that if you drive the car like it had a 318 cu. in engine, the current cooling system will probably suffice. If you drive it like it has a 375 HP 408 cu. in engine then the current cooling system probably won't provide enough cooling.

 

One way to add cooling capacity (about 10%) in an emergency is to run the heater on high blower speed with the hottest temperature heater setting. It will be uncomfortable in the car but it might make the difference between continuing to drive - or having to stop the car along side the road.

 

I know this because I was an engineer at Chrysler for 38 years. One project that we worked on in the 1960's was to use the heater system to supplement the engine cooling system. The objective was to reduce the cost, size and weight of the radiator. The conclusion was that the complication of the control mechanism to dump the unwanted heater heat wasn't worth the benefits.

 

Burt Bouwkamp

----- Original Message -----

From: Abe Mantell

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2007 4:11 PM

Subject: IML: OEM Radiator - provides sufficient for a 408 CI???

Hello Everyone!

I'll soon be putting in a:
Crate Engine, Long Block, Mopar 408 Small Block, Magnum Heads, Scat Crank, 375 hp/ 460 ft/ lbs
in my '81 Imperial.

We are not sure if the OEM radiator will be sufficient to keep it cool.
The tech fellow at Summit Racing believes it *should" be OK, as long as
I don't spend much time "on the track!"

Does anyone have experience with this???

Many TIA & thanks again to everyone who responded to my other
question about headers for this!

Abe Mantell (mantell@xxxxxxxxxxxx)
'81 Imperial(s)

BTW: Anyone know where I can get a front anti-sway bar for my '81?