Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

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Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

Postby robert123 » Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:52 am

Hi, looking for a used radiator for a mild SBC in a Vega with no a/c.
Will get one from wrecking yard or craigslist -- or buy donor car/truck.

What vehicles would be good candidates for a radiator? How about 1972 Chevy pickup?
Too big? Average price?

Also, what size water pump pulley would be good? (Heard to use a V8
Monza pulley [smaller] is needed to flow more coolant through system). 5-inch?

Thanks :bump:
1973 Chevy Vega GT Hatchback, stock, 4-speed
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Re: Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

Postby gerbsinmd » Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:58 am

Unfortunately, the best source of a radiator is going to be another H-body. Virtually any other radiator will require much modifications. There are aluminum radiators available but they too are costly.
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1977 Monza Mirage being Restified!!
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Re: Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

Postby Monza Harry » Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:34 pm

Robert The short water pump pulley for V8 Monza is a hard one to find it is 5 7/16" OD and the Monza Short water pump has a different bolt pattern than the truck pump and there are two and three groove variants just to make this a challenge so not just anybody can Mod an H-Body (much patience required) These are just a few of the things I have picked up from this board, after owning 5 of these spread over 30+ years, so lots of H-Body experience still leaves room for much additional knowledge from this board! Harry (and many others)
I'm not a hoarder I'm a preservationist 78 Monza Spyder (~Soon(ish +/- I guess) To Be 2+2 with Spoilers)
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Re: Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

Postby Smiley » Wed Feb 19, 2014 7:22 pm

75 to 82 Corvettes used a short water pump with a smaller pump pulley and a larger crank pulley.
The common ones are 2 groove with an add-on 3rd groove for the crank. Since they fit Corvettes reproductions are made also.
Search E-bay for "1975-82 CORVETTE PULLEY" ImageImage
some sellers have both upper and lower pullies
Monza's and Vettes used short pumps with a larger shaft and wider bolt spacing, a lot of aftermarket aluminum pumps are drilled for both patterns.

a 16" high x 26" wide Giffin Universal Aluminum radiator can be had new from Summit Racing on E-bay for $173.17 shipped
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Giffin-Radiator-Universal-Aluminum-Natural-26-Wide-16-High-3-0-Thick-Each-/331115226206?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d1801645e&vxp=mtr
You will have to make mounting brackets but it fits between the frame rails without cutting. It will clear the hood and not hang down below the stock core support. They also make ones with trans coolers but the price goes up when you add that option.
Image
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Re: Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

Postby robert123 » Sat Mar 01, 2014 4:25 am

Great, thanks a lot guys.
1973 Chevy Vega GT Hatchback, stock, 4-speed
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Re: Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

Postby cjbiagi » Sat Mar 01, 2014 9:16 am

Be aware that if you are running power steering the inlet on the universal one may interfere with the power steering pump. That how it is on Monza's, they use a radiator with a curved upper neck for clearance.
Clyde.........75 Monza 2+2
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Re: Radiator for V8 Vega and Water pump pulley size?

Postby ks_skyhawk » Sun Mar 02, 2014 7:44 pm

I have an almost new 4 core unit that was in my 76 Skyhawk. I am running an 350 Buick in my Skyhawk. The SBB is a little longer than an SBC. I bought a 2 core aluminum radiator and moved it and the cradle forward to get the extra clearance.
'76 Skyhawk w/ Buick 350 V8.
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