Luck with using stock 2.8L V6 radiator with a 302.

[MadMax_636]

Im curious if anyone has had any experience with using the stock (or even a heavy-duty replacement 2 core) radiator with a 302. Im thinking about keeping the old radiator since its less than a year old but pairing it with a 165 thermostat and a electric fan. I was also thinking about using a electric water pump. Something with a high gallon flow rate.

 

[84tony]

I used the 2 row stock 2.8 radiator with my 302 conversion on my 84. It did alright while the truck went down the road, but if I sat in traffic the temp would climb up to about 210-215 degrees. I had 195 thermostat and a 16" pusher fan. I didn't have enough room to have the fan as a puller on the inside of the radiator. Your idea with electric water pump and lower temp thermostat should help keep it cooler. I am rebuilding my 84 right now and I will be trying an 2 row aluminum radiator that is supposed to be for a 4.0 race engine. I am changing the radiator support to a 85-88 style so that the new radiator will be bolt in.

 

[19Walt93]

Keep in mind that the thermostat controls the minimum coolant temp, not the maximum. I would try to find Explorer or T bird front drive brackets and pulleys so you could squeeze in a puller fan, pushers obstruct air flow. I used a Griffin universal radiator and hollowed out my core support so I could mount it inside instead of behind the core support. Making a rubber seal to go between the fan housing and radiator will improve cooling efficiency. If you try to cut corners on your cooling system you're apt to have to do it over.

 

[MadMax_636]

Keep in mind that the thermostat controls the minimum coolant temp, not the maximum. I would try to find Explorer or T bird front drive brackets and pulleys so you could squeeze in a puller fan, pushers obstruct air flow. I used a Griffin universal radiator and hollowed out my core support so I could mount it inside instead of behind the core support. Making a rubber seal to go between the fan housing and radiator will improve cooling efficiency. If you try to cut corners on your cooling system you're apt to have to do it over.View attachment 55784

Thats what I was thinking about doing. The issue is I just spend a good chunk of money on a brand-new heavy-duty rad for my 2.8. So id like to see what I can do with it before buying something new.


I also dont have AC or PS. Im planning on putting a electric pump and a puller fan. So all of the crap in front of the rad wont be there.

 

[MadMax_636]

I used the 2 row stock 2.8 radiator with my 302 conversion on my 84. It did alright while the truck went down the road, but if I sat in traffic the temp would climb up to about 210-215 degrees. I had 195 thermostat and a 16" pusher fan. I didn't have enough room to have the fan as a puller on the inside of the radiator. Your idea with electric water pump and lower temp thermostat should help keep it cooler. I am rebuilding my 84 right now and I will be trying an 2 row aluminum radiator that is supposed to be for a 4.0 race engine. I am changing the radiator support to a 85-88 style so that the new radiator will be bolt in.

Yeah, I was going to try and keep the old shroud and put a puller fan and a electric pump. Id have the fan run at max speed all the time. If id help. Id put a pusher puller fan setup.

 

[19Walt93]

Thats what I was thinking about doing. The issue is I just spend a good chunk of money on a brand-new heavy-duty rad for my 2.8. So id like to see what I can do with it before buying something new.


I also dont have AC or PS. Im planning on putting a electric pump and a puller fan. So all of the crap in front of the rad wont be there.

I just noticed you're in Georgia where it gets a lot hotter than NH. If you're using a stock V8 and don't drive it hard you probably would need more cooling, more power would make it worse. I sold a bunch of parts that came with my truck on Craig's list and used the money to buy stuff I wanted. If you're building a dedicated drag truck that little radiator might be enough.

 

[MadMax_636]

I just noticed you're in Georgia where it gets a lot hotter than NH. If you're using a stock V8 and don't drive it hard you probably would need more cooling, more power would make it worse. I sold a bunch of parts that came with my truck on Craig's list and used the money to buy stuff I wanted. If you're building a dedicated drag truck that little radiator might be enough.

True, Im gonna use the stock rad to get the truck started but I will be getting a bigger/better rad.

Which would be best? Like something thatd fit without modification? I know the tech library spoke of 2 rad made for this conversion.

 

[MadMax_636]

Do yall think something like this would work? I was looking at square 2-4 core rads that would be closer to the same side as the stock 2.8 rad.

I found this one for an 84 E-150 with a 5.8L https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3757431&cc=1111105&jsn=504

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

IMHO the two row Explorer HD radiator is about the bare minimum.

 

[MadMax_636]

IMHO the two row Explorer HD radiator is about the bare minimum.

What year should I use? Im looking at the 2000 and its got plastic tanks. Id rather stay of way from plastic tanks.

 

[MadMax_636]

IMHO the two row Explorer HD radiator is about the bare minimum.

I found this https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10331524&cc=1385164&jsn=1076 02 E-150 with a 5.4L

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You might be able to make it work, the outlets are backwards though. No idea on the size of it.

 

[MadMax_636]

You might be able to make it work, the outlets are backwards though. No idea on the size of it.

Whats what looking into. I also noticed both dont have fillers. So ill need a inline filler. I was planning on using something like this https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-390124

 

[MadMax_636]

I also found this. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10331208&cc=1119888&jsn=1154

Goes to a 71 F100 with a 302. 4 core all aluminum.

 

[Shadowrider6661]

Might I suggest looking up Advance Adapters. They specialize in parts needed for most V8 conversions to simplify your projects.