65 Dart/Big Block/Cooling

[JimsOnit]

Hi, I'm Jim, new to this thread and building a 65 Dart GT, Big Block 400, RMS AlterKtion/Street Lynx, Moser 9", etc...
Awaiting shift and kick down cables (ordered).
Going to rewire, Painless Harness/Kit.
Get the AC to work
Finish plumbing the brakes and fuel this week.

Looking for Tech Advise on cooling 450hp in the very, limited space available. I'm probably overthinking this a bit but... I started looking at radiators that will fit the Dart Core Support opening. with the belt driven pump and a fan, I have 5" from the fan mounting surface to the humps in the core support (radiator flange mounts). Install one of the available radiators and a fan and it's close, really close, on the tape. So I ordered an electric pump and gained about a 1/2", now I need a radiator and electric fan(s) to fit and provide adequate cooling... Looking for Ideas, Recommendations, Experiences.

 

[JimsOnit]

Took a Bite from the Bullet, just ordered from a radiator/fan combo from Griffith. They did not list the 65 Dart so asked about a 65 Barracuda, early A Bodies would have the same core support right? Guessing that the worst case scenario would be that I drill a couple more holes.

Right?

 

[pettybludart]

Welcome to FABO.Yes you would be correct about the 65 Barracuda rad support being the same.Post some pics of your car,when you get time.

 

[moper]

It would take some engineering but you might switch to pusher-type fans. The latch support is "right there" but I'm sure it could be modified to fit some fans in front.

 

[JimsOnit]

It would take some engineering but you might switch to pusher-type fans. The latch support is "right there" but I'm sure it could be modified to fit some fans in front.

Thanks and yes, I looked at putting the fans "out front", best option there would have been two pushers, one on either side of the latch support. But then... I'm not sure I mentioned that the car is an A/C car, and I live on the coast in Mississippi, No A/C is not really an option for this "Old, Fat, Bald Guy".
SO...
I called Griffith Radiators, after detailing what I'm building, B/RB 400/450hp, we looked at a custom build, then I wondered if they had one in the "Exact Fit" (a bolt in) for the Dart. Used their pull downs to find a Dart BUT nothing listed. After scratching my head, then my arse, for a moment I thought, "Which other A Bodies might they list?" They do list a 65 Plymouth Barracuda, another small A Body, the core support should be the same part-holes line up and all-"Should". With the dimensions figured out, the conversation then turned to "Cooling Capacity". Will a Giffith Radiator of these dimensions effectively cool a 450hp big block? He says "Yes", so... and then... I made it a combo to include an electric cooling fan with all the switches, temp sensors and wiring to go with it. Should be here around 4/10/12, The Radiator, Electric Fan and Electric Water Pump "should" all fit, with about 3/4" to spare. The engine mounts on Poly-Bushings so it won't move "a lot".
I knew this going in but... "sure ain't a lot of space in the A Body!"

 

[JimsOnit]

Welcome to FABO.Yes you would be correct about the 65 Barracuda rad support being the same.Post some pics of your car,when you get time.

Thanks Scott, Funny thing, I can stuff a big block into an itty bitty car but I haven't, yet, found the button to push to create a gallery on here...