Rad experts/builders input needed

[Sleeper]

Looking for some expert opinions on rad construction
Because of space limitations (Hybrid) my rad has to be small. I am looking for ways to max the efficiency of what I can make, given the size limitations. Also I am limited to copper/brass, because of the unavailibility of a aluminum core in the size I need. So...
If I have a a maximum core width of 2 1/2" how many rows of 5/8" tubes can I use? (I am also limited to a 2 3/4" x 2" tank)
Fin count. If I have airflow limitations because of the small overall core area and a tight engine compartment airflow wise, which will work better, a high fin/inch count, or a low one?

BTW I have a 3 core 1/2 tube setup in there now, and run RMI-25, a Flowcooler water pump, overdrive pulley, and a Ford Taurus 2 spd fan.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[AZ Vic]

A high fin per inch count will be more efficient at dispersing heat. Make sure you are using the best fan possible. Preferably one that flows the most CFM (make sure you have the proper wiring to it) while using a good shroud that covers the most area possible as well.

The shroud is more important then people give it credit for...

You may look at running a second radiator as well... although I have no idea where you could fit it. A couple friends of mine had trouble keeping their SBC's in toyota pickups cool. They went with a second radiator and it did the trick.


Good luck!


Vic

 

[87GN_70GS]

maximum core width of 2 1/2" how many rows of 5/8" tubes

Unless they are staggerd, about 3. If you can get a staggered core, you can run more. High fin count does help efficiency, but drives up fan requirements. The Taurus is a good fan, the only one more powerful is the Lincoln Mark VIII, but I don't know if you can fit it.

 

[Sleeper]

Thanks AZ Vic and 87GN_70GS
I'm working on making a better shroud but, I have a bit of a problem with the intercooler shroud interfering. I don't think I have the room anywherte to run another rad, but might be able to put a large heater core in a wheel well with a shield

I looked at the Lincoln fan, but it's just too big.

I have the option of going with tighter tube centres 3/8 vs 9/16 is this going to help?

Also, I have been doing some reading on double pass and triple pass construction.
http://www.usradiator.com/options.htm
Will this make any difference on such a small core? (19 1/2 x 13 3/4)

Thanks,
Paul ,

 

[SinistrV6]

Check these guys out. I'm gonna have 'em build mine. They build SUPER nice stuff!

http://streetrodstuff.com/Products/99/

I've already talked to Dick Z (the builder) and he is very knowledgable.

It's worth a phone call.

 

[Sleeper]

Thanks for the link Richard, but I'd rather keep things local if I can (Canada)

Anybody familiar wih triple pass setups?

Paul

 

[Sleeper]

ttt

 

[87GN_70GS]

I've read (no real experience) that the muti_pass units require more flow from the water pump as it is more restrictive than normal parallel_flow cores. However, you can get a higher flow water pump.

 

[Sleeper]

That's what I've read as well. I run a FlowCooler pump already and plan to run larger tubes when I get the rad built.

Paul