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Is it better to go with a factory BIG single core rad or a smaller dual core rad. (both would be aluminum)

Im currently looking at 3 small radiators for my swap. One big radiator has its advantage that it has a lot of cooling ability, granted its only as good as the air flow that can get to it. But its big and harder to place right and get the airflow it needs without sacraficing other things. Multiple radiators may not allow as much cooling power, but its modular, and you have more water in the system going from radiator to radiator.

I've got a big single-core (Ford Explorer) under the belly, core is listed as 20.75" x 23.69" x 1" thick. Cools fine with the fans cycling off/on with a thermoswitch (not running all the time), never saw much over 190*F all "summer" here in Portland, Oregon this year.

1) Can I run a belly mounted rad and loose the rad cap on there? Can I run just an in and and out?

2) Does this mean I have to run a small line from the front rad , where , all the way back to my reservoir coolant/header tank?

And as per RonW words:

i ran a clear hose from the bleeder on the radiator up front to the turbo fill tank

And....

Jeff,
I would highly recommend the re-circ line, i really don't see how it would work without it. I purged it and tried capping it and it just never opened the T-stat. With the re-circ line back in place, its flawless.

system needs a bleed line to work to ciruculate a small amount back to the turbo coolant reservior tank i guess.

GS guy:

Good call on the small recirculatin line from the radiator. Having read many descriptions on radiator set-ups, especially with the engine in the back, the constant re-circ. line eliminates any issues with air in the system; especially for any future top-offs, maintenancve, etc. You've got me re-thinking the plan whether or not to incoporate one into my build.

Had another question now re the belly mounted rad..........should I try to center this as much as possible (cross member to cross member) or have it more forward for weight distribution? This will be my lay out............

Very nice build, I just finished a Bus for a friend of mine and I used a Speedway Motors aluminum radiator ($150) mounted it on the belly just ahead of the last crossmember. The front is flush with bottom the frame rails and the rear is 4" lower I added an electric fan and a scoop to drive air through it. Used an inline filler neck with an overflow tank, easy to fill. Goes down the highway at just under 190 degrees on a Texas summer day and 200 in town with ths fan running. removed the filler neck and moved the hose connections to the rear so they would be in line also a bleeder valve on top for air removal if needed.

Steve , thx for the feedback. What size is that core? And I have a turbo motor so the tank is on the intake manifold.

PS ....good work on your latest bug and bus projects.

Thanks I have really enjoyed the projects. The radiator I used for the bus (EJ25) is aprox 19 x 22 and Speedway just dropped the price to $115.99, the bug (EJ22) radiator is much smaller only 14 x 14 double row but cools well since it gets fresh air head on. I am running a single electric fan on both.