Ok guys, I can't make up my mind what's the best alternative regarding these two radiators, I'm currently looking to put a 400 in my XC but that may change to a 460 or in the end maybe to a 351.
I believe for a 460 the 4 core would be the best choice would that radiator be overkill if I end up with 351? Would the 3 core be enough for the 460?
It may be overkill, but there's nothing wrong with having too much cooling capacity! Only drawback would be less room behind the rad and a few kilos extra weight.
Large rads can actually reduce cooling efficiency. Those fat rads restrict air flow and due to the large amount of water dont allow enough turbulence within the rad to transfer the heat to the fins. If you take the rad cap off a 4 row rad and watch the water with the motor running you will notice the water hardly moves, this doesnt allow for good heat transfer and when all that water reaches boiling point you have no chance of cooling that amount of excess water down quickly. Do the same test with a 2 row rad and you will see the water moves quickly through the rad and this exposes more of the waters mass to the fins allowing a quicker transfer of heat, and because there is physically less excess water to cool the radiator tends to do its job much more effectively.
I currently run a 2 row rad for my mild 351 and a 2 row rad in my 220rwkw 350 monaro with no problems.
I agree with you on the air flow issue, you need to the radiator ducted properly (should anyway) but what about a triple flow job on the tanks - that would help with the water flow.
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