Author Topic: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20  (Read 4666 times)

Offline jwill226

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What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
« 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.

Offline Layne

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Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
« Reply #1 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.
77 c-10 - 77 400 86 700r4 "Emmy"
83 citation - 2.5L Four on the Floor!
88 sierra - reman 350 700r4 "Eleanor"
All normal practicality and rational money handling goes out of the window when it comes to my truck.

Offline malibu795

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Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
« Reply #2 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
adam wildman
75 K25 383/400
79 malibu 454/T56 305rwhp/432rwtq 15.6@92.8mph
02 2500HD D-max/allison best time 13.77 @ 99mph 463rwhp/930rwtq

Offline Lt.Del

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Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
« Reply #3 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


Offline highsierra86

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Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
« Reply #4 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


Offline beastie_3

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Re: What other OEM sized radiators will fit a 85 K20
« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2010, 11:36:34 pm »
Thats the one I have waiting for me in the garage to install.