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I need a radiator

S

sickquad

1/2 ton status
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I'm looking for a new radiator for my 83 k20 with a SB and a 700r4.

Looking to buy it from the Zone, Napa... not Summit or Jegs.

Is there a certain year or make that had a larger size radiator for not so much money. Maybe a big four core or Aluminum for cheap some how.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks
 
Check the Zone. I got one for my '91 from them. Lifetime warranty and it was only $5 or $10 more for the biggest one they made for Chevys. I had to scrounge a pair of upper brackets for it (wider) and bought new top and bottom rubber for the brackets. It has worked great! (Also had to trim the fan ducting to get it to fit. Needed about an inch trimmed off).
 
I've heard a few people say that some of the radiators they have gotten for our trucks are now aluminum with plastic tanks. Personally I'd stay away from those, our trucks flex too much IMO.

It's quite doubtful you need anything larger than a 3 core that will fit in there, which will save you work and money. Efficiency of the radiator (IE how bad of shape the insides are) and cooling system in general is a lot more important than capacity. Move enough air over the radiator, and a water pump moving enough fluid, and it WILL cool the engine.
 
currently I work at oreillys and sometimes have a lot of free time to research. most of the new radiators we get have plastic tanks and are two core, which is what I have and it does ok but Im waiting for the day it cracks. so far I think every plastic tank radiator we have sold has come back in a warranty but the good news is they all come with lifetime warranties.

recently however, I found a radiator for a guy that was having overheating problems and Im guessing it worked since he hasnt came back. it was for a 78 3/4 ton with a 400, which 400s had overheating problems anyway. 3 core with steel tanks for $165.

if that is not enough you may be looking at spending some big bucks. the last 4 core radiator I sold was double the price of the 3 core.

my two core radiator cools good, never overheats even on a hot day with no fan.:doah: but like I said the plastic tanks always crack so Ill be getting the 3 core with steel tanks when it does.
 
While I was working for O'Reilly's I just went through the radiator book, and found a 4 core with dimensions that would fit in the truck and made some brackets, works like a charm and no plastic tanks.:D

mini-100_0288.jpg
 
Looks good to me, is that the "standard" width? (non 4-core?)

Only question I have is the "guaranteed to fit". It may sound stupid, but that may only mean it's guaranteed to fit under the hood, not that it will bolt up using the factory mounts that are in place on your truck. I know it says the specific year, truck, etc., but very few companies actually take the time to figure out year breaks, height, width, and so on for each truck made during our production run.

I suspect their listing is on the up and up, but with "racing style" thrown in there, I'd be just a bit cautious. All you'd have to do is ask them.
 
Got it installed, fits good, welds look good, appears to be a well made unit. Only problem is that I need a different size radiator cap.

Seems like a great price for an all aluminum radiator.
 
How many cores does it have? Can you tell how big the cores are?

Thanks,
Mike
 
Find one from the late 70's. Take it to a radiator shop. For 30-60 bucks they can clean and braze any holes.
 
I'll try to see if I can measure the cores for you tomorrow.
 
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