Radiators, thermodynamics & fluid-mechanics questions

[fitterski]

How much space are you really going to gain by doing 2 smaller radiators versus the factory radiator?? And the factory one is already designed and if it gets too cold put a cover on it

I heeded valuable advice and installed the stock full size rad instead, new thermostat and all, including a 1500 watt circulation heater. Tested under light to medium load at around -5c ambient and thermostat cycled nicely with no fan . However, because more heat will be generated under full load I bought two fans and they're ready to be installed but it looks like they may not be needed. There isn't much snow yet so the shakedown is stalling. On one occasion, maybe a fluke thermostat failure to open(?), the coolant temp rose to 220-230F but this only once. It's a big beast with the large rad, pictures will follow later when more realworld ops come around. A DIY style snow blower engine in the form of an unprotected formation of loose parts is an extremely violent environment and I'm always fearing puncture by flying bits or ice.