Has anybody done a V8 swap and kept the stock radiator and not had problems? I've heard it can be done, but never actualy talked to anyone who has done it... Thanks. -Mark

Sorry I can't help, but that wasn't you in the blue Fiero I saw the other day? One of the red Formula's is out in Hancock now, too.

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1984 Fiero SE

Nope, wasn't me. I have a red SE just like yours, and I just recently purchased a red fastback, but neither is on the road yet. -Mark

#015 has the stock radiator for the N* and I have a aluminum three core radiator waiting in the wings.

I recall reading about this topic some time ago with a 350. It can be done without overheating when the car is moving, but I also recall the owner saying the AC fan is barely enough to keep it from overheating at a standstill.

[This message has been edited by AP2k (edited 04-14-2008).]

quote Originally posted by V8IndyProject: Nope, wasn't me. I have a red SE just like yours, and I just recently purchased a red fastback, but neither is on the road yet. -Mark

Oh yeah, I remember the red one:





Still have the black one?

To answer your question I would say it depends. Different engine setups/combos may run different temperatures. Some run cooler and others hotter. I run the stock radiator here in hot humid south Florida without problems but I'm not sure if it will work ok in a 115°F day at Phoenix. What I always say for someone starting a swap is to keep it stock and if you find heating problems then you can always upgrade the radiator as needed.

Depends on many factors but the big one is how much horsepower it's putting out. I run a custom Alum 4 Core, anything less will over heat on Road Course, and I do have a seperate fan switch for hot day city jam traffic (that I can flip on early if I know I'm caught in bumper to bumper creep traffic).

[This message has been edited by California Kid (edited 04-14-2008).]

Some have gotten by with the stock radiator, but I am all for overkill in the cooling area. My SBC car runs a 26x19x3" aluminum radiator and a custom mechanical pump and can idle for hours, sit in stop/go traffic for hours, cruise at 80 MPH/3000 rpm for hours, pull a 1000 lb trailer, etc... all without breaking 190 degrees (180 degree thermostat).

With overkill comes the freedom to drive the car anywhere/anytime without needing to worry about current temps or traffic conditions.

I asked the same question at the Osage Nationals a few years back. I was told it depends on the system.

Currently I don't have a larger engine swapped in, but I am going for the overkill method myself when I do go that route. Better safe than sorry.

Brad

Yep - Bigger brakes too

I have a 3800SC and could not keep the car kool. Part of my problem is I put a spoiler on the front and I think that gets in the way of the airflow.

I have Archies radiator upgrade and a larger fan for a 5.0 Mustang. I do not have problems now. I run a 180 degree thermostat.

I subscribe to the bigger is better and so I can drive the car anywhere with the a/c going.

Lucky Dick

Edzards, did you use a 5.0 electric fan and the motor from it, or just the fan blade, or what? Did it just bolt right into place? I would like to know more about this... Thanks -Mark

here's how i did my fan upgrade

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/084478.html