Contemporary Radiator Upgrade to Fluidyne

[1985 CCX]

I know I sent this around in the owners group however some could not open the file:

Contemporary Classic Radiator Upgrade and Installation

As you probably know Contemporary Classic Cobras are still one of the top replicas on the market today. However they do not have the advantages of continued upgrades for accuracy as do ERA, SPF , or even new CSX glass cars. Even with that said our cars are still top rated and well respected. Every winter I try to make upgrades as CCX would have if they were still manufacturing. I will share those upgrades with you over the winter in hopes other may like what I have done and follow suite.

On to the radiator, CCX radiators are set up at 90 degree position. This is not accurate when comparing to CSX, KMS, or even ERA. Changing the radiator positioning and installing the right hardware was more work than I expected. To start I removed everything including radiator, all CCX radiator supports, all hoses, and oil cooler then proceeded to clean up the area. I knew there would need to be brackets made and aluminum sheeting installed to support the new radiator.
1) I purchased a new Fluidyne three core aluminum CSX replacement radiator.
2) The first bracket to be made was ½” steel tube with a ¾” spacer which spanned the frame rail side to side. I used the same holes drilled for the original brass unit so it would be a bolt in item.
3) Next I placed the radiator in place “gently” so I could figure where the radiator pads would be for the bottom attachment. (see picture as reference)
4) I had to weld the pads in place so there would be correct lower support.
5) The upper tube was fashioned again with ½ steel tubing and spanned inner fenders. Each end of the tube used small pads which allow for two grade #8 bolts on each end to hold them in position. Caution, check to make sure the hood has plenty of room to open and close. It is a tight squeeze!
6) I used steel to connect the upper radiator support as per CSX. (see picture)
7) Next the ½” square tube was installed and it too spanned the inner lower fender well. It would be a support area for sheet aluminum, oil cooler, and eventually added structure to the lower radiator support itself.
8) I added a bit of angle to the cooler so it looks OEM CSX.
9) Now, all the aluminum was purchased at a local hardware store thus low$. I used thin cardboard as initial templates for all aluminum fabrication. This took an eternity!
10) Once all the hardware is structurally sound I went to hoses. I purchased several hoses and used parts of each to accomplish the plumbing direction and connection. Then fill and bleed and your done.

Drove all summer with advanced cooling and correct look. It will cost an estimated $600 depending on how much you pay for the radiator itself. I still need to add a CSX puke tank and the look will be complete. Good luck!

[mickmate]

Originally Posted by cobrajam

Yes, I had seen all of your info on upgrading the radiator, but I am starting from ground zero, no radiator, brackets, mounts, etc., anything to upgrade from. I kind of have an idea how to mount from looking at ERAs site, but all of that will have to be fabricated. What is the recommended radiator size? I have a 28" wide X 18.5" tall. It will fit snug between the front frame, but may be able to make it work. Thanks

I think your idea of a channel top and bottom is a good one to attach the mounting pins to. I would make them in aluminum and just weld them to the radiator. Then you could bracket to the top and bottom pins like an original set up. If the original type look isn't of concern I'm sure we can come up with a simpler installation method. It sounds like a GM cross flow radiator, does it have a cap on the top of the left header tank?

[1985 CCX]

TTT for Ron

[celentanogj]

The modification look great. How much cooler does the car run with the radiator angled?
Also did you relocate the master brake and clutch cylinders? If not how do you prevent the boiling effect from the header heat?

[1985 CCX]

Ok, sold this car about 8 years ago but I will try to recall best I can.

Radiator
The car ran much cooler however I also changed from original CCX copper radiator to a Fluidyne. Ran much cooler averaging 185-195F running as we all know traffic depends upon fan installation.
Not sure angle had an effect, that was done for more period look.

Masters
On this car I designed a foot peddle to fit under the footbox like original cars. Actuation out of the floor versus hanging from the top. The masters used were Willwood and fluid high temp rated.


Hope this helps....

[Danr55]

I an running a However 4 core aluminum radiator in Arizona with a Black Magic 22 inch puller fan. My car will sit in traffic in Az at temps up.to about 102 without overheating. Running a 185 thermostat the engine coolant temp will get to about 210.

[FUNFER2]

It's been a long time about this radiator, but I would like a update.

[Dominik]

Okay, I bite:
I used a radiator from a local Hyster forklift which has almost the dimensions of the CSX car ($230). I mounted it at an angle like on a CSX car, added one 16" pusher fan and sat at idle through 3 red phases at the traffic light with ambient 107°F during the first test drives.

Thermostat 180F, motor 427FE.

I like to keep the upper section of the radiator duct away to let air vent the engine bay.
That car has the small 427 hood scoop.

Sump/oilpan is stock 390FE, moderate cam, estimated 350Hp. Total timing 36 deg, 10 or 12 deg at idle (I forgot). No oil cooler. Underfloor exhaust with block hugger headers.

If people debate pusher vs pulller fan, I cringe. If your cooling system is that marginal you have a bigger problem.

[FUNFER2]

Thanks, I appreciate it.