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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: jwill226 on February 27, 2010, 08:42:26 pm

Title: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
Post by: jwill226 on February 27, 2010, 08:42:26 pm

I just found out today I need a new radiator.  Rebuilding is out of the question I think.  I found several weak spots where I can flex the housing around the hose ports with my fingers and one port broke off completely while removing the lines to the heater core in preparation for a front clip removal.

I have been reading on here for a couple fours now and I see all these posts talking about $200-300 4 row radiators but when I follow the links there old and I come up with nothing.  I have tried searching after market sites and they all recommend a 1 or 2 row radiator for my truck.

So my question is what other trucks have the same outside size that came with 3 or 4 rows?  I don't live in a real hot area but I hope to use my k20 for wood cutting and other heat causing outings.

Even better if someone has a current direct link to a site selling one that will work.  I would like to go with aluminum or at least nothing with plastic on it.  And a good price is very important.

BTW: I have a 350, 4spd tranny, and I am not keeping the A/C equipment.

Title: Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
Post by: Layne on February 27, 2010, 08:53:10 pm

Have you tried the local boneyard? Cheap, and a good flush can get you down the road for cheap.

Title: Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
Post by: malibu795 on February 27, 2010, 09:40:17 pm

the whole is a 31"(long)x19"(tall)

todays 2 row will out cool a 4 row that is ~20years old mainly because the technilogy has progress being able to make things that much more effecient.

you can get a brand new std univeral 31x19 2 row with 1" tube for ~160.00..

the 3 row rad that is my 75 has 1/2-3/4" wide tubes. that would barely be on par with todays single row allumin rads and wont compete with a 2 row with 1" tubes or a 1 1/4" 2 row rad

only reason why i have replaced mine... is it still hold coolant and currently keeps temps in check

Title: Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
Post by: Lt.Del on February 27, 2010, 11:26:27 pm

if you want to retain the original style radiator, you can get a 4 row for right at $200 from your local radiator shop. I have a shop about two miles from me and they sold me one when i put my 383 in my 79. www.delbridge.net/install

Title: Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
Post by: highsierra86 on March 16, 2010, 08:23:31 pm

I am running a diesel radiator reason being its thicker obviously but also has tranny coolers and oil coolers! Plus electric fans I would suggest it

Title: Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
Post by: josh2276 on March 16, 2010, 08:37:02 pm

I found this in here awhile ago....http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/78-79-80-Chevy-C-K-Series-Truck-3-Row-Champion-Radiator_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem19b70092a8QQitemZ110444450472QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Title: Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
Post by: beastie_3 on March 16, 2010, 11:36:34 pm

Thats the one I have waiting for me in the garage to install.