STREET RODDER 2019 Cooling Buyer's Guide

It doesn‘t matter whether you drive your hot rod a long distance or short, the fact remains that it can overheat … and that’s no fun. Go back four or five decades and an overheated hot rod wasn’t all that uncommon but nowadays with the sophistication of cooling systems, modern motors, and a great deal more knowledge about keeping a hot rod running cool has changed the landscape. Of course, that doesn’t mean your hot rod still can’t overheat. There can be any number of reasons why a hot rod overheats; oftentimes it’s the lack of attention to detail that can cause a problem.

Presented here are cooling options, and we might add that it’s not only the engine/radiator that can overheat but also the transmission, power steering, etc. … The nature of our hobby generally means that block-driven fans, while fantastic, aren’t always on the menu as an option. In fact, nowadays most hot rodders don’t even think about block-driven fans but go immediately to a remote electric fan that is frequently attached to the radiator … in front (pusher) or behind (puller). This is generally the result of “packaging” between a modern motor and a vintage engine compartment space becomes a premium. Probably one of the great accessories to come along in ages is the serpentine belt system, which allows you to have the necessary accessories (power steering, A/C,  alternator) all driven off of one belt and in a compact fitting package off the front of the engine. Of course, it is this use of the allotted space and the nature of a serpentine belt system that causes the remote electric fan to be used. All considered, the serpentine belt system is truly a worthwhile carryover from our everyday Detroit Iron.

Nowadays we tend to run higher engine temperature thermostats (from 160 degrees in the old days to now typically up to 195 degrees), as we have found that this is advantageous to producing horsepower and also for lowering emissions out of the tailpipe. Of course, having the higher thermostat does put added pressure on the sealed cooling system but all-in-all this is the way to go. Now we did mention the sealed cooling system, which has been around for some time but it’s important that this be properly set up otherwise you will find yourself having those bugaboo heating problems. These systems have an overflow canister that also serves as your inspection point to check on fluid, as you don’t want to take the radiator cap off of these systems and then allow air to get it … that’s a bad thing.

A cooling system is like an engine in that there are a series of components that when properly matched will yield the greatest positive result. When working on a cooling system make sure to have the proper radiator (aluminum or copper/brass), fan (block-driven or remote electric), and an overflow canister (make sure to mount this properly and at the correct height in relationship to the engine). There is a myriad of details, remember we said the “lack of attention to details that can cause a problem” is the key to a properly functioning cooling system.

This year we are highlighting Derale’s full lineup of fluid coolers. From Ram air coolers to Remote mount coolers, Derale has a size to fit your ride. Ram air coolers are available in a wide variety to meet your price point and performance needs. Similar options are available on the Remote cooler side, which are very popular fan-mounted cooling systems that can be mounted anywhere space permits. Derale offers the broadest range of remote coolers in the industry from their most popular Hyper-Cool lineup, all the way to the brand-new Hi-Flow Racing Coolers.

The one thing hot rodders have counted on from Derale for over 40 years is the quality. Derale prides itself on manufacturing high-quality cooling components for all genres of the automotive aftermarket. Their ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities put the product line through a rigorous QC system to ensure a quality product every time.
Derale Performance
(800) 421-6288
derale.com

For over 40 years, U.S. Radiator has offered the most complete and comprehensive line of “correct appearance and fit” copper/brass radiators for American classic, muscle cars, classic truck, and street rod applications in the industry. Over the last 10 years they have expanded their line of “correct appearance and fit” radiators with their Desert Cooler Aluminum radiators. They now offer four distinctive performance core designs to handle any horsepower and hard-to-cool applications and have been the leader in innovated heat-transfer design. Couple that with their unique Triple Flow design and Low Profile Fan Shroud package and every application from mild to wild is covered. Available directly from CoolCraft.com.
U.S. Radiator Corporation
(323) 826-0965
usradiator.com

Crafted by professionals for professionals, SPAL electric cooling fans (brushed and brushless) provide reliability, extreme durability, and superior performance under the most challenging race conditions that is second to none.

SPAL 300W and 500W sealed brushless (SBL) motor fans are designed to meet new generation cooling system requirements. From engine bay ventilation to distributive cooling to variable speed cooling and beyond. Additionally, SPAL performs all product design, tooling, performance, and validation testing, automated motor manufacturing, injection molding, robotic product assembly, and 100 percent online testing entirely in-house. This guarantees the quality and performance level of every step in the design and manufacturing process to ensure the well-known “SPAL Quality Standard” that, for over 60 years, has distinguished SPAL products in the marketplace.
SPAL Automotive USA
(800) 345-0327
www.spalusa.com

Griffin Thermal Products is proud to offer an ExactFit series of aluminum radiators. With 30 years of experience in the performance cooling market and one of the largest collections of OEM sample radiators, Griffin has engineered the ExactFit series.

Working with a double focus on precision and performance, the ExactFit products install exactly the same as the OEM component. They offer all of the required mounting tabs, brackets, and spuds to ensure a seamless installation. Optimal performance is achieved by the use of the Griffin exclusive MegaCool core. The core design used in these products creates a greater amount of surface area in the same amount of space. This allows the product to far exceed the performance of common four-core radiators.

Backed by the industry’s best two-year warranty, the new ExactFit radiators are top of the line.
Griffin Thermal Products
(800) RACERAD (722-3723)
griffinrad.com

Old Air Products specializes in cooling system performance. They manufacture the Hurricane Series A/C, heat, and defrost systems that offer a variety of options to fit virtually any vehicle. Along with the A/C systems, they offer a complete line of electric fans, fan shrouds, and aluminum radiators to maximize the cooling capacity for your antique, classic, or custom vehicle. Old Air offers a full line of replacement parts and N.O.S., NORS parts for factory A/C and heater systems, including heater valves, blower switches, resistors, relays, receiver/dryers, cables, update kits for STV and POA valves, A/C hose assemblies, vacuum valves, and electrical switches.
Old Air Products
(817) 531-2665
[email protected]
oldairproducts.com

Delta PAG’s brushless high-performance cooling fan uses cutting-edge, patented technologies, making them the most advanced fan on the market. Their patented technology increases reliability (lasts 10 times longer), reduces amp draw by 30 percent, Soft-Start eliminates power spikes, and produces over 2,800 cfm at only 2.70 inches thin.

Plug-and-play with your OEM/aftermarket computer or use Delta PAG’s digital temp/speed controller to program on/off temp and adjust airflow to custom-fit your application. One digital temp/speed controller can operate two fans simultaneously, allowing for true staggered-on operation. Included waterproof wiring harness makes an easy install, no relays or temp switches needed. Ask about fabricating a custom aluminum shroud for your application. Complete cooling packages also available, radiator, shroud, and fan(s) for any vehicle.
Delta PAG
(212) 203-2912
deltapag.com

Heralded as the flagship fan of Maradyne’s brand, the M162K Champion Series 16-inch low-profile heavy-duty fan delivers more cooling per square inch than any other fan in its class. Designed with the street rod crowd in mind, this fan features an industry-low 3.25-inch height at the motor and a mere 1.1 inch at the outer rim of the shroud.

Made of all glass-filled nylon for high impact and heat resistance, this reversible fan produces over 2,000 cfm in Maradyne’s AMCA certified air test chamber. Sponsored for years on Xfinity and Cup racing teams, it can cool up to 850 hp in the pits. Whether it’s your favorite weekend rat rod or showstopping shrine to chrome and glitz, this fan will keep your powerplant cool and your ears happy with its quiet S-blade design.
Maradyne High Performance
(800) 403-7953
maradynehp.com

 

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