I need to get a radiator for the '68 Bird and the 455 going in.

Any recommendations out there? I don't need the aluminum bling factor. And I am not concerned with stock reproduction. I just want it to fit. Well, I want it to fit and cool as well as I can.

Also, should I get a unit with a trans cooler built in and/ or run an external as well?

Thanks!!

Dave

I like the 'Desert Cooler' radiator. And I also run a trans cooler.

Thanks for the reply Jim.

Are you pretty happy with it? And where is the best place to source them?

Thanks!!

Dave

It's a great radiator. Fit is excellent. It looks original. Many people like them. It's been about 7 years since I bought one so I don't have a recent source. I would Google the name and see who has the best deal.

There's more to the aluminum than the bling factor. Most people with them say their cars run considerably cooler after installing one.

I think the copper ones work fine. But Mark brings up a good point.
Let's look at the science;

Aluminum vs. Copper

Copper has a better heat coefficient than aluminum, so you may ask why racing radiators are made from aluminum. It is about more than just the weight. Logic would dictate that you could make a radiator out of copper and it would be smaller, and consequently lighter, than an aluminum radiator due to the better heat coefficient. The real reason is that copper radiators are not all copper. They have a good percentage of lead in the copper that makes up the radiator core. This lead acts like an insulator and impedes the radiator's ability to reject heat. Another reason is that the braze material covering the copper as part of the core manufacturing process also impedes the heat transfer process.

I definitely understand the thermal benefits of clean aluminum. But, I am unsure if I "need" it.

In other words, I am trying to not over buy just for the sake of saying I got it.

But I do appreciate the technical info!

Dave

The way I looked at it was -

1) Pontiacs are notorious for running hot. I read that all the time

2) When I started on this car, I lived in Arizona.

3) If I am going to completely rebuild the car, and originality is not going to be an issue, then I am going to go aluminum to prevent any trial and error.

Since I had to spring for a new radiator anyway, I went on the cautious side to prevent me from having to go aluminum after I had already gone with a new copper radiator.

I've got a Rodney Red with a 160deg thermostat and electric fan.. 400CID.. I still ran hot a few times over the summer..

I would err to OVERKILL on the radiator rather than under estimating it... it is an important part of your set up.

There are many mistakes that can be made to make your Pontiac engine run hot. If you don't make the mistakes, a copper radiator will do the job. On the other hand, an aluminum radiator will help overcome some of the other mistakes/problems that are common.
I'm a firm believer that an electric fan is a waste of time and money. The only wise application for an electric fan is when you want to free up a couple HP from the fan belt.

'68 400
I had my rad re-cored.$200. 19" 6 blade flex fan. Stock shroud. 185 degree thermo. Been 1 year and no problems. I went with the re-core option because I didn't want to wait 6 weeks for a Rodney Red.

I also removed the electric fan that the P.O. installed. Seemed to me it was blocking airflow...

Also, lower temp thermostats don't necessarily make your engine run cooler...

well, I have a serpentine system on my motor, so an electric fan is my ONLY choice...

BUT, Jim is correct as other factors can cause the motor to run hot too, timing, missing panels, etc...

It seems like they could make a serpentine belt system that would accommodate a stock style fan. I know nothing about aftermarket serpentine stuff, just common sense that you should be able to bolt a fan on the water pump pulley regardless of the belt/pulley type.

I have a stock radiator with my built 455 and I'm running an external trans cooler. Stays 190 degrees all day.

John