83 k10 radiator(bigger equivelant?)

[hoyle83]

Hey Guys,
I'm currently rebuilding my 83 silverado k10 4x4 with a brand new drivetrain complimented with a 350/290 crate and after having the rad out i was suprised to see how thin the thing is! I was curious on anyones thoughts to have a beefier rad in there...I removed the A/C so the AC rad was taken out...figured a bigger rad would be better if there was something that could bolt right up with minor modifications...Also on that same note, what is everyones thoughts on fans for this motor? stock with stock shroud? any need for a flex fan?
Thanks in advance,
Mitch Hoyle
Bridgenorth, Ontario, Canada

[Edahall]

Yes, a radiator made for your truck having the 6.2L diesel option.  They had 4 core radiators rather than the 2 core radiator that's in your truck

PRO Part # 8010607

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3606795&cc=1299326

It'll set you back about $500 but it's worth every penny if you plan on keeping the truck for a long time.  I've got this radiator and the coolant temperature stays constant even while pulling 10,000 lbs up a long mountain pass.

[westsidek20]

Well I bought an all aluminum radiator with electric fans for under 300 from Champion a company in LA and I haven't had any issues, you have to buy a relay for it do.

[Blazin]

I run a stock replacement aluminum radiator for a big block in Yellow Snow. With the plow up going down the road it never goes over 190. December, January, and February I have to put a piece of cardboard in front of about half the radiator or it won't get warm enough to keep good heat in the cab. I am running a stock style fan shroud from a mid 70s Chevy truck. My fan is an 8 blade clutch style from a 1975 Plymouth Fury. I had to enlarge the mounting holes a slight bit to fit over the Chevy fan stud bolt pattern, and I had to trim about an inch off each blade to make it clear the shroud.

[hoyle83]

Thanks very much for the quick replies guys...I appreciate it! I have a line now on a big block 4 core out of a mid 80's chevy truck so i'm going to look/measure it today...Hoping it will work but it doesnt come with the red mounting brackets for the top which is a bit of a kicker but i'm sure i will find/be able to make something up anyways...

[Edahall]

Thanks very much for the quick replies guys...I appreciate it! I have a line now on a big block 4 core out of a mid 80's chevy truck so i'm going to look/measure it today...Hoping it will work but it doesnt come with the red mounting brackets for the top which is a bit of a kicker but i'm sure i will find/be able to make something up anyways...

Just make sure it's not all corroded.  This is one item that has a limited lifespan.

[Blazin]

I made my own top brackets.

[hoyle83]

10-4, sticking with the stock rad as it's in great condition, in and out and i will upgrade as the coin comes in. Cheers