5.0 Tbird conversion...cooling system questions

[toddmedin]

Hello all,
My next 2 questions (only 400,000 more to go )

I'm putting the 5.0 Tbird engine in my '72 EB.

1. I don't have a clear path for a radiator yet.
a. Is the Tbird radiator useful (likely would have to fabricate mounting brackets)?
b. What have others used for their conversion radiator (that worked well).
c. NOTE: I do have the F150 power steering box that apparently can be in the way.

2. Can I use the fan and shroud from the Tbird? (again, brackets may be necessary to use the shroud)

Thanks,
Todd

 

[toddmedin]

bump

hoping to get some insight here...

 

[Broncobowsher]

Just eyeballing the T-bird radiator it should be apparent it isn't going to fit.

Stock radiator and a conversion lower radiator hose (muffler pipe or 7.3 powerstroke lower hose)

 

[Kegger]

oh yes issues? is the motor reverse rotation, water pump ? do you plan on upgrading the rad system or rig the stock rad with standard rotation w/pump.? on the reverse systems the aftermarket silcon 87-95 rad hoses work but that with a reverse rotation radiator. f 250 lower or pipe the cross over. like your fuel tank and cut up hoses fabricate.

 

[Nobody]

I used a universal aluminum Tru-kool radiator from speedwaymotors.com. Been in there many years now and never had a problem!

 

[toddmedin]

Thanks

Hey Nobody (just sounds funny addressing a comment to you)

Did you use the standard Tbird water pump?

I see you have v-belts, not a serpentine...why that change?

Did you hook up the heater hoses to the Bronco heater system under the dash? I'm going to see if I can use the Tbird under dash heater system...not sure if it will fit, but I'm going to try it.

Todd

Anybody else have a success with a radiator?

 

[Nobody]

I used the stock tbird water pump, and the bronco heater box. My heater works great, I see no reason to mess with it, although I did put the chevy blower motor in, I never use the high speed.

I did use a serpentine belt. I made my own saginaw power steering bracket and york bracket. I made a hybrid serpentine/v-belt power steering pulley that turns the york.

 

[OKLA70]

I have a 91 T-bird motor. I when to the parts store and bought about 10 different hose and a couple pieces of exhaust tubing (4" long) with same od as hose id. I cut and fit to cross from one side to the other. One the lower hoses was bought soley for the inner spring.

My rad was only a couple year old so I was determined to use it.

It all cools very well normally running about 170 deg

It isn't the prettiest setup with all of the hose clamps, but it does work.

Tim

 

[toddmedin]

91 tbird

Hey Okla70,

Regarding your radiator, I'm not clear what you mean...the Tbird water pump is reverse to the EB...are you saying you used the original flow radiator, but the opposite flow pump?

I'm using a '91 Tbird too. Did you use anything else from the car? I'm looking at some other things...
-Heater system...because I don't have an EB system.
-Wiring...I may try to run wiring all over...why? maybe I'm stupid.
-Ignition...I don't have one for the EB
-Who knows what else...

What did you use other than the engine? Did you use the Tbird wiring or an after market wiring set?

Todd

 

[major]

I run an 86 cougar 5.0 and a 5.0 radiator with fabbed hoses, 190 degree t'stat flex fan and shroud. With a Vintage Air condenser in front of this 4 core aluminum radiator in the summer at idle with the AC on, the engine gets to 210-220. I kept the serp set up.
I am going to try the water pump from the BC Broncos with a 4 core 302 radiator supplemented by an electric pusher fan wired to the AC switch. Hope this helps and I'll let you know if this works for me.

 

[OKLA70]

I only used the motor including the fan. I ran the top hose on the top and the bottom to the bottom.

I used the RJM harness for a mustang and an AL9 ECM

For the heater I had the stock Bronco heater. I had to do the same thing (make it fit) with the hoses so I could use the hard lines that run along the top of the motor. I can't post pics but if someone wants PM their number I can send pics to post

 

[toddmedin]

5.0 radiator?

I run an 86 cougar 5.0 and a 5.0 radiator with fabbed hoses, 190 degree t'stat flex fan and shroud. With a Vintage Air condenser in front of this 4 core aluminum radiator in the summer at idle with the AC on, the engine gets to 210-220. I kept the serp set up.
I am going to try the water pump from the BC Broncos with a 4 core 302 radiator supplemented by an electric pusher fan wired to the AC switch. Hope this helps and I'll let you know if this works for me.

Hello Major,
If I read your post correctly, you said you used the 5.0 radiator too...correct? If so, can you either explain, or post pixs of how you mounted the radiator and "fabbed hoses?" If I could use the one from the Tbird that would solve one issue I have.

thanks,
Todd

 

[toddmedin]

posting pix

I only used the motor including the fan. I ran the top hose on the top and the bottom to the bottom.

I used the RJM harness for a mustang and an AL9 ECM

For the heater I had the stock Bronco heater. I had to do the same thing (make it fit) with the hoses so I could use the hard lines that run along the top of the motor. I can't post pics but if someone wants PM their number I can send pics to post

Hello Okla70...please don't take this wrong, but, I'm not sure if this is something you know or not... I paid $12 to become a "contributor" for a year...and then I could post pix. I thought that was worth it to be able to post pix on this great site.

I appreciate your input on how you rigged your cooling system.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[OKLA70]

Hello Okla70...please don't take this wrong, but, I'm not sure if this is something you know or not... I paid $12 to become a "contributor" for a year...and then I could post pix. I thought that was worth it to be able to post pix on this great site.

I appreciate your input on how you rigged your cooling system.

Thanks,
Todd

In my 6 yrs of being a member I haven't had the need to post a pic til now. Good luck with your build.

Tim

 

[major]

I have been running the 5.0 radiator from champion (which I now don't need). With this 5.0 setup I fabbed the upper hose and it was a conglomeration of hoses and glue and clamps and shield it was 1/2" from the alternator pulley on the stock serp setup. It would contact the pulley ever so slightly at times so I am swapping the reverse rotation (marine 302) water pump in and going back to a more stock setup for a couple of reasons;

1. I'm going back overseas and my kid is taking this to college.
2. parts will be easier to find and she can fix it.

What I have found with this swap so far is a stock lower (77 Bronco 302) hose works fine, the stock upper radiator hose does not and neither will the 86 Cougar water pump pulley. (the pump from BC has the smaller diameter bolt pattern which would have been nice to know a week ago when I ordered the pump) So utilizing the K.I.S.S. principle,

302 supercooler radiator
reverse rotation water pump
180 degree t'stat
stock lower hose
a 45 degree angled t'stat housing (a 90 degree hits the water pump and the bypass hose won't slide on.
remove your timing indicator because the lower radiator hose will not slide on with it in place.
a water pump pulley (SMALL PATTERN)
and I have no idea what top radiator hose will clear my Sandeen 508 compressor and all.

Hope this helps