Factory 3core Radiator BB Nova- Cooling Feedback

**Crossbreed383** · #1 02-17-2016, 04:18 PM

Does anyone here have any feedback on how the factory 3 core with clutch fan , OM fan shroud setup cools in summer heat?
11-1 COMP engine making an honest 450-475 hp
I was told you cannot fit the clutch fan along with a 4 core unit, when using long w/pump ,so was hoping the 3 core will be sufficient is all
Thanks

**JRSully** · #2 02-17-2016, 04:56 PM

BB Nova's did not come with a clutch fan. The fan (unique to the BB Nova) bolted right through the pulley into the W/P and lets out a very "unique howl" when you wind it up, that is why most of them got chucked back in the day. The fan was needed to move A LOT of air past a big engine in a small area. You can probably get away with the stock set up (3 core), make sure you have the correct shroud and top seal. A 4 core would help if your gonna drive it in high heat. I had my orig re-cored into a 4 and run the original 11:1 L78 in it with orig fan, never gets past 190 on the hottest day in normal driving

**Crossbreed383** · #3 02-17-2016, 05:15 PM

I was under the impression 1968's used a short water pump,along w/ a clutch fan and 1969's-1970's used a long water pump ,without the clutch ,with solid mounted fan????
All were 3 core radiators???

**WILMASBOYL78** · #4 02-17-2016, 05:17 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crossbreed383</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone here have any feedback on how the factory 3 core with clutch fan , OM fan shroud setup cools in summer heat?
11-1 COMP engine making an honest 450-475 hp
I was told you cannot fit the clutch fan along with a 4 core unit, when using long w/pump ,so was hoping the 3 core will be sufficient is all
Thanks
</div></div>

As Sully mentioned the stock setup works pretty well in most cases. The clutch fan vesion will not work with the long water pump, regardless if it is 3 or 4 core. You didn't mention what year Nova we are discussing...but, the 68 BB Nova [short water pump] did use the clutch fan setup, so if you want to mimic that arrangement it is possible. BB cooling issues typically come from an improper thermostat, bad pump, incorrect timing or a radiator that has issues.

wilma

**Crossbreed383** · #5 02-17-2016, 05:37 PM

Its a 68' but I am leaning towards running the long 69' water pump, bracket setup due to aesthetics
But if the 3 core cant cut it,I would try to run a short setup w a 4 core
Trying to do this only once is all [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

**WILMASBOYL78** · #6 02-17-2016, 06:52 PM

If you have a 68...then use a 68 setup. We run a hi-perf Stewart water pump and stat...4 core factory style radiator and a hd 6 blade steel fan. US Radiator makes a really good product...their Desert Cooler models work well.

wilma

**Crossbreed383** · #7 02-17-2016, 07:38 PM

But the 68 setup is icky looking [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]
All kidding aside, i've also heard they're prone to throwing off belts with the longer generator bracket used???

**WILMASBOYL78** · #8 02-17-2016, 10:56 PM

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crossbreed383</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But the 68 setup is icky looking [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]
All kidding aside, i've also heard they're prone to throwing off belts with the longer generator bracket used??? </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">"icky" [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]</span>

</span>

**JRSully** · #9 02-18-2016, 12:51 AM

you can run a long W/P and 4 core rad, just cant use the clutch fan. The orig howl of the direct mounted fan is a blast (IMO) when you wind it up. The 68 long arm set up will work fine as long as the arm is straight, belt aligned and the nut is adequately tight on the bottom of the alt. good luck with the project