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PLAN B

This build was 2 parts 1 i have a truck I made to pretty to wheel so I'm building an ugly one I can actually enjoy. And 2. My cousin has been trying to join us for blazer bash but his truck wont be ready so we are surprising him with this one
random question. can someone point me to a thread or something that shows what the biggest/ best aluminum radiator is i could jam in this 88 blazer without modifying anything?

I put together parts lists that i shop off of and i do want to upgrade the cooling on this truck and POSSIBLY run my windstar fans. i wont run the windstars with my old radiator.

NOTE: the radiator has a little tiny leak and i don't really want to repair the factory radiator if i can easily upgrade.

When i run google searches or look on summit i get so many options with so many sizes i have no idea what to think
 
random question. can someone point me to a thread or something that shows what the biggest/ best aluminum radiator is i could jam in this 88 blazer without modifying anything?

I put together parts lists that i shop off of and i do want to upgrade the cooling on this truck and POSSIBLY run my windstar fans. i wont run the windstars with my old radiator.

NOTE: the radiator has a little tiny leak and i don't really want to repair the factory radiator if i can easily upgrade.

When i run google searches or look on summit i get so many options with so many sizes i have no idea what to think


Buy a reman 6.2 diesel rad, get the diesel rad brackets. Which apparently isn't that easy.

K30 cab/chassis trucks run the same thing.
 
I have heard of a few guys who were pleased with radiators express. I personally haven't used them, but a guy who owns a shop here has been pleased with them.
Maybe worth a look?
 
Look at lmc to get the size then match it up. Then order the appropriate mounting brackets.

Sometimes they work sometimes not.
 
I hate to beat a dead horse here, but you can't really beat what GM engineers already figured out. Go with the 6.2 diesel radiator. Spend the money to get the right brackets, shroud and top plate to fit it. HD fan clutch and 7 blade fan. You won't run hot. I've seen 113 degrees in the Mojave this summer and my engine didn't go past 200 with the diesel radiator setup. If anything the engine runs too cool now.

Hillbilly Wizard has the brackets, shroud and top plate normally. You've spent some serious coin on all the other gear on this build, spending some more to make a bulletproof cooling system for a small block (that will also handle a big block too) is just smart. You know, buy once, cry once, right?
 
random question. can someone point me to a thread or something that shows what the biggest/ best aluminum radiator is i could jam in this 88 blazer without modifying anything?

I put together parts lists that i shop off of and i do want to upgrade the cooling on this truck and POSSIBLY run my windstar fans. i wont run the windstars with my old radiator.

NOTE: the radiator has a little tiny leak and i don't really want to repair the factory radiator if i can easily upgrade.

When i run google searches or look on summit i get so many options with so many sizes i have no idea what to think
Here's my install: https://ck5.com/forums/threads/89-r...onversion-beyond.303347/page-129#post-3791789

I didn't use a 6.2 radiator but it's the same size. It is a lot easier to do if you can source the 6.2 brackets because they are different. But your 88 will have the provisions for this radiator just like my crew cab.
 
Radiator started to leak a little so if i am spending a buck i want to upgrade.

this year at blazer bash it ran fine most of the time. during the hottest points in the day when we were sitting there idling or going really slow it would creep up over 220 until i cut the ac off. then it would drop down to 200ish.

I didn't see AC on horton soooooo different beasts.

also if i am swapping radiators why not get one that i can grow into if i plan to motor swap eventually. either a BBC or LS motor. Note even my crossmember choice was made planning on one day adding a big block or ls motor. spend a little extra today so i don't have to change it later.

the 6.2 radiator may not be a horrible idea just because i could use it for pretty much any motor i may go with.
 
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Here's my install: https://ck5.com/forums/threads/89-r...onversion-beyond.303347/page-129#post-3791789

I didn't use a 6.2 radiator but it's the same size. It is a lot easier to do if you can source the 6.2 brackets because they are different. But your 88 will have the provisions for this radiator just like my crew cab.

This is the type of info i was looking for :) if i go this direction i may pick your brain a little. i couldn't see exactly what you changed with the thermostat housing and top hose
 
This is the type of info i was looking for :) if i go this direction i may pick your brain a little. i couldn't see exactly what you changed with the thermostat housing and top hose
Before I follow what this guy did make sure he's not overheating.
:dunno::whistle::pimp:
 
Before I follow what this guy did make sure he's not overheating.
:dunno::whistle::pimp:
lol yeah yeah. his overheating isn't as bad as my big blocks was.

another super simple solution for me could be just get a new factory replacement (maybe go aluminum) and run a flex fan. that really helped on my fire breathing big block at idle
 
Ok here's my theory.

It may be an unpopular one too. I hate adding weight to a truck. Lighter trucks break less, they wheel better, just do everything slightly better.

Besides a big engine will make your off road performance maybe slightly better.

Links on the other hand. Well you'll be blown away.

So that's my opinion . Keep the truck how it is maybe get an aluminum big block rad ( cause it's easier to find the brackets) and be done. Squirrel money away for links
 
Ok here's my theory.

It may be an unpopular one too. I hate adding weight to a truck. Lighter trucks break less, they wheel better, just do everything slightly better.

Besides a big engine will make your off road performance maybe slightly better.

Links on the other hand. Well you'll be blown away.

So that's my opinion . Keep the truck how it is maybe get an aluminum big block rad ( cause it's easier to find the brackets) and be done. Squirrel money away for links

yup brackets and a shroud are way easy to source from that hillbilly site.

i fully plan to run the tbi 350 until i dies. might run forever, might die tomorrow...
 
Ok here's my theory.

It may be an unpopular one too. I hate adding weight to a truck. Lighter trucks break less, they wheel better, just do everything slightly better.

Besides a big engine will make your off road performance maybe slightly better.

Links on the other hand. Well you'll be blown away.

So that's my opinion . Keep the truck how it is maybe get an aluminum big block rad ( cause it's easier to find the brackets) and be done. Squirrel money away for links
Did you just say links?
 
links are a whole new world i have never really looked into but seems like a lot of work and is a little intimidating.... i'm not saying i will not go there but i can say its not in my near future ;)

what is in my near future:
A-bomb/front bumper
rear bumper
basic cage
radiator

in that order lol
 
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links are a whole new world i have never really looked into but seems like a lot of work and is a little intimidating.... i'm not saying i will not go there but i can say its not in my near future ;)

what is in my near future:
A-bomb/front bumper
rear bumper
basic cage
radiator

in that order lol
It is at first but a kit like ORD takes a lot of the guess work out.
 
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