Blueprint 408 cooling system questions.

jonn6464 said
This is just my opinion, no scientific data to back it up (other than real-world operating conditions)...

There is a big misconception that 3 or 4 core/row radiators offer superior cooling. That name of the game is surface area. In my cars I run a 2 row rad with 1.25" tubes. More fluid is exposed to more cooling surface area. All 3 of them run 170-200, depending on highway or in town driving. Also, my cars show 210-220 on the factory gauge at the straight up and down position. So, that would suggest that the factory thought those temps were okay.

For reference, the engines I'm talking about are a Mopar 360, a Pontiac 455, and a Ford high performance 302.

I agree with this 100%. These cars do NOT have big radiators, and The twin 1.25 tubes in a nice aluminum radiator is (also in my opinion) the best you can get. 4 copper/brass rows are not nearly as efficient, and unless they randomly have success based simply on increased capacity, there are better options like Griffin, or others out there. You have to pay for a good radiator for these cars on the cusp of 500 HP. thats what i've come to know from real world experience also. Of course fans, shrouds, even timing, all come into play, but with only 26 inches to play with...you're starting with a big handicap with a copper/brass.