4 core radiators?

[cybrfire]

Thanks guys,

I'm going to head to the junk yard and see what I can find. And yes I know the 160 is a cooler thermostat. I'm able to run more timing advance without detonation with the cooler thermostat. When we were tuning the motor we played with 160,180, and 195 and the 160 gave the best results. I dont' know what the stock 2 core radiators are rated at HP wise but I am sure I have exceeded it.

This only becomes an issue when its 90+ outside I have my boat attached and I am going up a steep hill. And even then it never goes over 200. And once I crest the hill the temp drops right back down. So I'm sure a 4 core would be enough to keep things steady.

What kind of cars should I look for that have a 4 core and auto transmission? I know I will need new brackets on the top to hold the radiator any ideas on where to get those?

Thermostat was just a suggestion, sounds like you've covered it.

Big block trucks and I think the diesels had the big 4 cores.

 

[nvrenuf]

IIRc, the 6.2 trucks had a bigger 4 row rad than the 454 trucks. The diesel rad is about 6"~8" longer on the driver side. Most of the mid 80's + trucks I've seen have the mounting holes for the extra wide version.

 

[Teck]

The core support should have the bolt holes for one, mine did just need the bigger pads and top mount plate.
Like the one I have.

Some did just have the 2 small top mount pieces.

 

[nvrenuf]

Teck, that is one wild & crazy top hose.

 

[Teck]

Its from an 06 silverado, LS swap

 

[nsxxtreme]

I have the same one in my 91 and I tow a 4600 lb boat around in 90+ degree weather up hill and the 383 in my suburban wont get over 195.

I just don't like the idea of the plastic tanks and would have gladly paid more for brass tanks.

Which radiator do you have and which thermostat are you running 195?
If it's rock solid at 195 then that's pretty good news for me.

Seems your setup is very similiar to mine and we use it for about the same things.

 

[nsxxtreme]

Thermostat was just a suggestion, sounds like you've covered it.

Big block trucks and I think the diesels had the big 4 cores.

Any information IMO is good information
I learn new stuff everyday that I may have never thought of.

 

[pblaze725]

I got mine from O'reily. I told them I needed the one for a 6.2 diesel. It was a perfect fit and I have had no problems. You can move the bottom mount over for the larger radiator.






...Then I backed it up with the Windstar fan.



The rig stays cool using only the primary fan. I would only need the secondary fan if I'm rock crawling for a long time.

 

[nsxxtreme]

I got mine from O'reily. I told them I needed the one for a 6.2 diesel. It was a perfect fit and I have had no problems. You can move the bottom mount over for the larger radiator.

How much did you pay for that? I have an O'reily's local to me. Any particular year?
Does that one have the automatic transmission cooler integrated into it?

I want to try and keep the stock fan.

 

[nvrenuf]

I want to try and keep the stock fan.

What fan and fan clutch do you have? A 7 blade fan make a decent difference over a 5.

Also, a mid 80's 1 ton with 454 & 4.56 gears uses a fan clutch stonger than the tyical heavy duty clutch.

 

[pblaze725]

How much did you pay for that? I have an O'reily's local to me. Any particular year?
Does that one have the automatic transmission cooler integrated into it?

I want to try and keep the stock fan.

O'Reily's Radiator <<< Click


It say's it's a 3 core. The one I took out was a 4 core!

This one is for a 1982 GMC JIMMY K1500 w/ a 6.2 diesel. $355.

 

[nsxxtreme]

O'Reily's Radiator <<< Click


It say's it's a 3 core. The one I took out was a 4 core!

This one is for a 1982 GMC JIMMY K1500 w/ a 6.2 diesel. $355.

Thanks! I'll go in the store and see if it really is a 3 core. Sometimes they get that stuff wrong. My Dad has a 4-core that he says needs to be rebuilt he would give me. Not sure what's wrong with it. Also not sure if they are worth rebuilding anymore.

 

[4xcrazy]

Ya know, even a new 3 core with a heavy duty fan clutch would keep that thing cool...

But even as you say, if it gets up to 200* when pulling and climbing a hill, that is not bad at all, especially if it cools down right away once you crest the hill.

I usually don't get too worried until they start reaching the 220* mark, then I watch that gauge like a hawk. I haven't ever had to deal with that though ever since the 4 core & HD fan clutch, I am also still using the factory 5 blade fan. It stays crazy cool right at the t-stat when it was here in Phoenix,AZ summer temps up over 100*.

 

[cuervo]

Which radiator do you have and which thermostat are you running 195?
If it's rock solid at 195 then that's pretty good news for me.

Seems your setup is very similiar to mine and we use it for about the same things.

I have the same 4 core that is in that photo(from LMC) and I'm pretty sure it's a 195 thermostat.

It seems to be a good rad but I just do not like the plastic tanks.

 

[Teck]

With the 4 core and the dual electric fans I install cooling is not a problem even when it was over 100* outside. The fans pull enough air that the AC will blow 40*. The fans have made a bigger difference then anything I did at making everything cool properly.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLX-295/