Minimum radiator core rows needed for 350

['65 chevy lover]

I'm going to buy a new rad to replace what I have in my truck. The truck over heats and besides that, it's leaking. What is needed as far as the minimum number of rows needed in the rad core for a 350 V8


Thanks,
Spanky

[Rich 5150 69]

Minimum is three row, if you have your original three row reuse your tanks ( if they are in good shape) if your running short gears and cam step up to a four row and a shroud, especially in Texas.

['65 chevy lover]

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

Minimum is three row, if you have your original three row reuse your tanks ( if they are in good shape) if your running short gears and cam step up to a four row and a shroud, especially in Texas.

Thanks for the reply Rich. The motor is stock at this point but, one of these days I may breathe on it a little. your right, it can get very hot in texas in the summer. Truck doesn't have air con at this time but eventually, it will and as you know, that can tax the cooling system too. I'll prolly get a 4 row just to be on the safe side.

[geezer#99]

You do know there are 2 widths of rads. A light duty one that's about 18" wide and came on most sixes and sat closer to the motor. And the wider one for V8's and heavy duty sixes. About 24" wide. Sat tighter to the rad support.

['65 chevy lover]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

You do know there are 2 widths of rads. A light duty one that's about 18" wide and came on most sixes and sat closer to the motor. And the wider one for V8's and heavy duty sixes. About 24" wide. Sat tighter to the rad support.

Well, I do now...thanks for the information geezer! The rad in my truck is
24"x24" As per a suggestion from another forum member, I have been looking at alot of web sites trying to find a rad with a 4 row core...seen alot of 3 row but, no 4 row. Any thoughts about that? I'm not really sure what I need so, any info or personal experience anyone has to offer, I'd appreciate it. I just want to make sure I get one that will take care of the problem. Thanks!


Spanky

['65 chevy lover]

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

Minimum is three row, if you have your original three row reuse your tanks ( if they are in good shape) if your running short gears and cam step up to a four row and a shroud, especially in Texas.

reusing the tanks is out of the question...I need one to handle an automatic trans. The one I have isn't set up for an auto


Spanky

[geezer#99]

I bought one from napa. It was 3 core with the tranny cooler in it.
Sometimes more cores is not the solution. What the rad is made out of, the shape of the tubes in the rad and the fins all contribute. I've seen a custom built 5 core rad cool no better than a 2 core rad. Air flow thru the rad is important. Sealing around the outside is needed. Properly set up fan shroud and size and shape of fan is important too.
Lots of factors. Look on ebay for custom 4 core rads made from aluminum. Most are well priced.