Small block chevy in '37 LaSalle

[bigbeckley@outlook.com]

Hello everyone... For right now I am putting a 327 Chevy engine in my '37 LaSalle... Just wondering should I   keep the shutter thermostat system on the radiator or go with the thermostat in the small block? I know the flathead Cadillacs never developed that much radiator pressure. Anyone else do a small block Chevy into a early Cadillac LaSalle... I am keeping the LaSalle 3 speed on the floor... Thanks for any replies... John C. Lehman... CLC #26365...

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day John,

Could you go with both?

But I do know that the Chev engines were designed to use a pressure system to increase the coolant boiling point, so you might need to convert your radiator to one that will take pressure so I am wondering if the original thermostat will take the extra pressure.

Bruce.

[bigbeckley@outlook.com]

Thanks Bruce... I know Cadillacs and LaSalles had huge radiators. A lot more volume of coolant. The system pressure is regulated by the radiator cap... I think I have an original rad. cap... I think they were rated a 4 lbs. Will have to experiment around by keeping the shutters open for now... John C. Lehman ... CLC # 26365...

[Jamurray]

They may have had huge radiators, but very few flathead owners brag about how cool they run. The issue may have been the engine design and not the radiator, but I would ditch the original vane actuating thermostat and use what came with the 327.

Assuming it comes to pass, a stretch perhaps, when I get to heaven I'm going find Zora Arkus-Duntov and thank him for his Chevrolet Small Block.