53 radiator up-to-snuff?

[craigtone]

I am building up a 1953 Mainline with a carb'd roller 5.0L. I know there are a lot of radiator swaps but the original radiator is all copper and a pretty thick core. I also like the factory look. I can have a local shop swap the bottom port and drain as well as pressure test and clean it.

The question is will it be sufficient to cool the 5.0L? Engine is bone stock with a carb conversion and no plans to upgrade performance. Seems the copper beast would be much better than some of the aftermarket aluminum?

What about sealed vs. open system? The original just has the overflow tube dumping to the ground with a 15psi cap. Will that work or should I add an overflow bottle. If I need the bottle does it need to be sealed?

 

[1931 flamingo]

I would do it.
Back in the 60's I ran a 55 Olds in my 32 5W using the original 4 cyl radiator and the only problem I had was if I got stuck in traffic. It did have a home made fan on it.
Paul in CT

 

[tubman]

In my opinion, you have an excellent plan.

 

[flatford8]

If your running an auto trans, you’ll probably have to mount a trans cooler …… Mark

 

[craigtone]

I forgot to add I plan to add an electric 16" fan since not enough room for a clutch fan anyway. Hoping to use one of those frame-mount coolers like this https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-331000

They get good reviews ... just don't want to see a cooler mounted to the radiator through the grill.

 

[51 MERC-CT]

What about sealed vs. open system? The original just has the overflow tube dumping to the ground with a 15psi cap. Will that work or should I add an overflow bottle. If I need the bottle does it need to be sealed?

The original radiator used a 7lb. cap.
Seeing that you are taking it to a radiator shop, have them install a filler neck that will accept a recovery cap and go with a recovery system.
(no dumping fluid on the ground)