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New Radiator choices

R

riv1973

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hey all! we have a 1988 K5 with a 350 TBI engine. the radiator and the motor are tired and we have been doing a lot to this truck. body is done so now it is the engine bays turn. for now we are keeping the 350, but later may go to 454 we got recently. i am wondering about radiator choices. I have seen some aluminum radiators with electric fan set up and wonder how these fair against a regular radiator. also the 454 would be a mild build over stock. nothing nuts. it is a 1985 454. we are also going from an auto to a manual ( doing this as we speak).

here is one i found but does anyone have some good options for us? also want the best fit we can find. we are not having any cooling issues now but the radiator looks tired.

Blazer / Jimmy (73-91) Radiator

www.championradiators.com www.championradiators.com


thanks!

john
 
The core supports are set up to work with multiple sized radiators. You could go to the 454 radiator now, but you will need the matching shroud and the mounting brakets. I'm not sure if the hoses are different diameters, so that might take some creativity, but I'm sure some people here have already done that swap. There is also an even bigger radiator for the diesel engine, but that swaps the oil coolers from side to side and has the hoses routed differently, so the diesel radiator would be even more work.

I know there have been a couple threads in the last about which radiators are any good these days, so you should be able to find that information.
 
In addition to the BIG diesel radiator that Blue85 mentioned there is a version of it designed to work with a 454 that was an option on Cab Chassis applications.
There are also regular four core versions ( not as wide as the diesel and C/C 454 versions ) that will work just fine.

One thing to keep in mind is that none of the electric fan setups ( even the dual fans ) pull as much cfm of air as a H.D. fan clutch and seven blade fan combo ( if you’re running a serpentine belt system there’s even better fan options ) - there’s a reason why the really heavy duty stuff still uses them.
 
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I have been using a DeWitt's aluminum radiator for years now with no issues. It's a 4 row with automatic transmission cooler. My truck is a factory 350 TBI 700R4 K10 4x4. I swapped out the Radiator top support, top brackets, radiator cushions, and shroud with Big Block ones from LMC Truck parts. DeWitt's radiators are made in the USA and high quality. I tried other radiators both aluminum and brass/copper and they have not lasted. I am running the factory mechanical HD Clutch Fan and have no cooling issues in the summer heat with the A/C running. I also use a Clutch Fan on my 71 Chevelle with a 383 stroker motor and have no cooling issues. Hope this helps.
 
My Dad ran a Champion with his 454 for awhile, no issues, but it didn't fit properly. Most of the aftermarket ones don't seem to. No excuse for it, just the way it is. Always adapting mounts.

He towed a 10k trailer with it somewhat often, never had overheating issues, but it wasn't Arizona in the summer, either. Stock BBC fan setup.

Like most others aftermarket, the champions have been hit or miss on quality it seems. Problem is, paying more often doesnt mean the quality is better. Last I checked Mishimoto was good for quality.

In my case I gave up and just purchased the plastic/aluminum cheapy with lifetime warranty from the chain auto store. Usually they fail immediately if they are going to, but they are so cheap and readily available I don't see much of a downside to using them. Mines held up for a few years so for, although it sees very few miles.
 
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Thanks all! I think I will check on the 454 radiator and check the hose diameters. Go that direction. We are not going to build a radical 454. Just slightly over stock.
 
For the sake of tech, the wider diesel radiator will fit and the radiator hose routing is the same as gas engines but the hose necks are bigger so you’d need to adapt hoses or have a radiator shop change the necks.
 
I just put a Champion 4 core in my 85 with a 383, came with dual electric fans. It didn't overheat once in the 16'ish months I had it before, but it also had the tired original 305. Fit perfectly and the fans were easy to wire, even with the Holley Sniper 2 I have.
 
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