Crusty 4-core radiator (rebuild or replace)

[Whitfield]

Just curious which option is most common / best deal. 

I have a diesel 4-core radiator for my 1988 1-ton (Big block Cadillac 500 swap) and willo need to replace it or rebuild it.  The best I can so far is around $300 with shipping or try and have a radiator shop rebuild it (no price quote yet).   I have been told that in some cases you are better off to have a shop rework or recore your old radiator as in many cases they have better tanks / parts.

[zieg85]

I can't remember where I read it but you are right.  A radiator shop that can rebuild what you have is always better if your side tanks are good.

[malibu795]

pick up a 31x19 dual row allum univeral radiator for summit for 160.00
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-380331/
a 50.00 tranny cooler will be 10x better then an OEM replacement

[Whitfield]

I keep looking thru summit, but the factory application 1976 500 Caddy runs @ 200 deg + stock and holds a 20 lbs cap.  I've gotta have capacity to keep it cool.   OE temp light didn't come on until 256 deg.

I had to give up on OE radiator style Tranny coolers towing with 90's modle 1/2 tons (all makes). 

Poor flow & cooling would kill them off.   Bypass the radiator and install the biggest trans cooler I could by. 

This has served me well so far.

[VileZambonie]

You shouldn't bypass the trans cooler in the radiator. There's no need to run your engine hot either especially if you're towing. look on eBay for all aluminum radiators cheap.

[Lt.Del]

The best I can so far is around $300 with shipping or try and have a radiator shop rebuild it

buy one thru the radiator shop, and don't pay shipping.  A few years back i bought a 4 core for my '79 for $198 and the shop is about two miles from my house.

[Whitfield]

SgtDel  ~

I work in Richmond Va.  

Any prefered Radiator shops?


As far as engien temps, I'm just going by what I've read in  the "Big Inch Cadillac" by Doc Frohmaders.

I've also followed along with Popular Hot Rodding's / JEGS 2005 Engine Masters Challenge ~ 500 CID Big Block Dyno competitions where they claim that more temp equals more power.

Prior to this I was always from the school of cooler is better.  

I'm still open minded and would love to learn more about engine temps and the effect on power and towing.    

[Lt.Del]

indeed!   L and S it is on Bethlehem off Staples Mill Rd, before it turns into Dabney road.  Great place. They'll probably have it in stock.

L & S Radiator Sales and Service
4801 Bethlehem Road, Richmond, VA
(804) 359-4617‎


give them a call.

http://directory.richmond.com/2684106/L-and-S-Radiator-Sales-and-Service-Richmond-VA


http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&source=hp&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=radiator+richmond&fb=1&gl=us&hq=radiator&hnear=richmond&cid=9777580802042927707

[Whitfield]

Thanks      They were great, easy to work with and very knowledgable. 

Around $225 ~  + they want to see mine to match it up.

[Lt.Del]

they went up $27 in 4 yrs time...not bad

Yeah, there are two styles of radiators for our trucks....one seems shorter and wider than the other style.  They actually gave me the wrong one initially, but, the next day, they had the right one.

those guys are great.   www.delbridge.net/install

[Whitfield]

Hmmmm ~   I drove up to L&S Radiators today with an old 3row 6.2L Diesel radiator in hand for size comparison.  My 6.2l Rad was wrong (trans cooler on the wrong side) and the core was plugged.

Replacement 4-core 6.2L Diesel Radiator is now closer to $400 with an estimated $350+ to recore an old one.

They are now recomending that I adapt a late modle (90's GM radiator) into my older truck.    

 Not the answer I was looking for as I had cash in hand for a new 6.2L 4-core Radiator @ under $300.

However they were very helpful and very informative on radiators just not much info on swaps.

Time to go to Chesterfield Auto (U-wrench it) and pull a junk 95ish truck radiator and try installing it in a junk 80's modle truck.  

[Lt.Del]

I love Chesterfield Auto....my toy store.  I don't like going there when it is 30 degrees though. 

good luck finding what you need.

[Whitfield]

Lazy ~ rainy ~ New Years holliday ~ home with the family.

So far my research has been limited to the computer.  

I've taken great interest in the new style high efficiency core (larger high flow / aluminum tube / as offered on the 90's GMC's).

I'm searching for a radiator with a new style high efficency aluminium core with cooling capacity and direct fit for my application.  
This may be a tall order for a business that is struggling to keep alive.  My research has found 4 local warehouse distributors went out of business in the last year.  

I have found a high efficency style custom radiator on ebay for older 70's - 80 Chev / GMC's  
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390136566337

Still searching to figure out what makes the 77-80 454 3-row radiator different.  

Summit racing  comparison says:

Core Height (in) 19.250 in.              19.250 in.
Core Thickness (in) 2.625 in.           2.000 in.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Core Width (in) 34.000 in.               28.375 in.
Fan Diameter (in) - -
Fan Included No No
Fan Quantity - -
Footnote Legend - -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Inlet Location Upper driver side Upper driver side
Inlet Size 1 3/4 in.                         1 5/16 in.
Maximum Fan CFM - -
Heater return on rh tank.                Maximum cooling radiator.
Outlet Lower passenger side            Lower passenger side

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Outlet Size 1 3/4 in.                       1 9/16 in.

[VileZambonie]

The early models use a completely different radiator support and mounts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-88-89-90-91-Chevy-Blazer-Jimmy-Aluminum-Radiator_W0QQitemZ110475362049QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item19b8d83f01


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1984-CHEVROLET-BLAZER-FULL-SIZE-ALL-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR_W0QQitemZ250511634868QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3a53a831b4

[Whitfield]

Thanks Vile  

This 1987 Blazer Radiator (taller version) from the 2nd guy you posted looks like it might work.  I'm going to contact him for more info on the core / tube design.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250511638419&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en



I worry about the first one  
 It looks like an 80's small tube 3-row core (small tubes / prone to plug / limited flow) done from aluminium which is less efficient.