Radiator advice needed

[Brandon]

My motor will be back from SD Performance soon, so I better decide how to keep it cool! My current radiator is a 3-core, and with my 389 it would run at 210 degrees when it was warm out (even just 80). This was at freeway speeds - it would cool down at low speeds, even idling at a stop light, so my fan must not be the problem. My new motor will be 475-500 HP, and 9.5:1 CR. So my question is what kind of radiator should I buy? A 4-core would look stock, but a Rodney Red would cool better. If I had to choose between looks and not having to worry about the temp, I'd definitly choose the Rodney. I want to be able to drive when it's 95+ degrees and still be able to get on it. What do you guys think?

[REED_RACING]

Where do you plan on driving in 95+ heat? I would go for the aftermarket rad. O'yea are you letting Dave take your place on your trip to Mexico, so you can wrench on your ride? ;D

[theJUDGE]

Go with the Rodney Red, look cool & be cool. 8)

[Unknown_Authority]

I guess as one of the moderators here I should say something. With 500 HP I would spend the extra cash and get an aftermarket radiator. I have an aluminum Be Cool radiator and my motor hovers right around 170. I have nothing but great things to say about mine. Rodney Reds are supposed to be straight bolt ins, so I think that would be a good choice too...

[Pontiacshack]

I agree, the aftermarket rad is the way to go. If your not looking to break the bank, Summit has a rad that fits your application, but it is about 2 inches shorter than the stocker. It looks to be good quality and once it's in, you really don't notice anything out of the ordinary. I'm sure the Rodney Red will fit nicer, but the Summit rad it about 170.00. Good luck.

[Brandon]

Where do you plan on driving in 95+ heat? I would go for the aftermarket rad. O'yea are you letting Dave take your place on your trip to Mexico, so you can wrench on your ride? ;D

It often gets around 95 when I go to E. WA, and I HATE going slow to keep the engine cool! :(

It's looking like my motor will be ready the week of my trip, so I'll be going with my wife to Mexico afterall. (Hope she doesn't mind.) :P

The Supreme Court has spoken - I'm getting an aftermarket rad. Thanks dudes! ;D

[REED_RACING]

No problem Brandon, I forgot your folks live east of the mountains. Have in Mexico. 8)

[Icelander]

To back up what Stef said, I bought one of the Summit Radiators. it fits perfectly. My upper radiator support is about .5 inches taller than the radiator, but the rubber isolator does hold it in place.

It's getting closer to being on the road!!! Now if only my boss would cooperate! >:(

[THOR]

Hmmm, this is good info. I need to go down this road too ::)
Thanks everyone for the input.