How do you determine the correct size radiator for a given powerplant and its expected use?
How do you determine the correct size radiator for a given powerplant and its expected use?
Technically, it requires a horsepower target, and can be determined by water to air transfer numbers for varying water and air speeds. Power rejected is approximately equal to power to the ground. Normally the data required is not provided to the public.
Alternately, choose a radiator from a car with similare power output. Finding one that has the right size is always a long process.
I would run the biggest radiator that will fit 
No math.
Having said that, the rad for my '61 Apache (6.0L/7875) is rated at 700hp. And, incidentally, the biggest rated one they sold.
+1 for biggest that will fit, they even do this in F1, they optimize the radiator inlet size instead. A 3-row 3-pass design will pack the most cooling power into a given area.
You'll need to log in to post.
