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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Skunksmash on July 23, 2008, 03:16:27 pm

Title: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Skunksmash on July 23, 2008, 03:16:27 pm
Is there one particular radiator known to cool these trucks better than most others? For example the SN-95 model mustang (1994-2004) has one radiator which is known to cool better than most (if not all) of the rest. In this particular case it happens to be the stock radiator out of the 2003 cobra. But it could have just as easily been an aftermarket part from some aftermarket company. Is there one for my truck (87 silverado 350 2WD) that is known for being superior? I would just like to have good engine cooling. I like my motors to run cool.
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: VileZambonie on July 23, 2008, 03:21:18 pm
The radiator isn't necessarily going to make it run cooler. It just may have the capacity to unheat more btu's. But as far as temperature wise a bigger radiator won't necessarily make the temperature lower.

For max cooling capacity just go with the largest radiator 4 or 5 row and use a shroud.
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Captkaos on July 23, 2008, 04:26:12 pm
87 TBI's operating temp is about 215 degrees or something like that, they take a 195 thermostat.
As said above, just changing the radiator isn't going to make it run cooler ..
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Skunksmash on July 24, 2008, 12:48:27 am
Well for the mustangs that radiator was just generally better so a lot of people started using it. Isnt there a radiator that is just generally a better radiator for these old trucks? I know the factory one cant be the best one you can get.
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Blazin on July 24, 2008, 06:41:14 am
Any aftermarket aluminum radiator works better than a stock brass one in most cases. But  stock 4 row with a correctly fitted shroud should be more than enough.
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Lt.Del on July 24, 2008, 10:17:47 am
a 4-core will keep up with whatever you can dish at it.  Coupled with a high volume water pump, my  79 Big 10 (http://www.delbridge.net/install) does just fine pulling a 30' 7k lb camper over the mountains. 
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Skunksmash on July 25, 2008, 03:54:04 am
Cool 79 you got there. I read the page, yeah you are right it is hard to tell that's a different motor. Maybe you could sandblast then powdercoat the air filter housing?

But as for that radiator, did it fit easily into place? No cutting or bending or welding was required?
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Lt.Del on July 25, 2008, 06:46:31 am
thanks.  No alterations were required.  It bolted right in  place where the 3 core was. Threw the shroud back on, and, you couldn't even tell it was different by the looks of it.  The temp. needle doesn't budge no matter what I am pulling.   
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Skunksmash on July 26, 2008, 06:17:05 am
Well if you are like me, thats cause your heat gauge doesn't work heh. I guess there must have been some extra room in there, if it easily fit 1 more inch.
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Lt.Del on July 26, 2008, 06:48:40 am
Plenty room.
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: comp on July 27, 2008, 11:25:08 pm
You must be a site supporter to post Wanted to buy ads, they go in the classifieds section. Please consider purchasing a subsciption if you  would like to post items for sale- Edited by Captkaos
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Skunksmash on July 28, 2008, 05:38:56 pm
*Wanted to buy ads go in the classifieds section.

If you are talking to me, i wasn't asking to buy one, i was asking opinions on which one i should buy.
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: Captkaos on July 28, 2008, 05:42:28 pm
That post was edited, don't read it as a reply...
Title: Re: Is there a "best cooling" radiator?
Post by: comp on July 28, 2008, 06:32:41 pm
That post was edited, don't read it as a reply...

i posted it cause someone may chime in and tell me its a good or bad idea