Updating older 3 row 28x17 core radiator

[77ck5]

I'm needing to update to an aluminum radiator for when i get the new engine eventually. It currently has an old 3 row brass radiator with a 28x17" core in it. Can I swap in a 28x19 core sized radiator without a whole lot of issues? Hoping just some new brackets for the top along with a new cover for the top of the radiator? Would the current shroud work with this size radiator ? Trying to get a bit more cooling area and keep the mechanical fan setup if possible. Also would you recommend updating the fanclutch at the same time since I am in there as old one looking pretty crusty ? I have been looking at the HD models and have seen a severe model as well?

 

[imiceman44]

I'm needing to update to an aluminum radiator for when i get the new engine eventually. It currently has an old 3 row brass radiator with a 28x17" core in it. Can I swap in a 28x19 core sized radiator without a whole lot of issues? Hoping just some new brackets for the top along with a new cover for the top of the radiator? Would the current shroud work with this size radiator ? Trying to get a bit more cooling area and keep the mechanical fan setup if possible. Also would you recommend updating the fanclutch at the same time since I am in there as old one looking pretty crusty ? I have been looking at the HD models and have seen a severe model as well?

If you can make the top work the shroud should work as long as it's attached at the top somehow with the new setup on top.
2" is a lot to compensate for so you may have your work cut out for you.
Can you post a picture of your setup now with the original radiator and without the top plate?

 

[imiceman44]

I'm needing to update to an aluminum radiator for when i get the new engine eventually. It currently has an old 3 row brass radiator with a 28x17" core in it. Can I swap in a 28x19 core sized radiator without a whole lot of issues? Hoping just some new brackets for the top along with a new cover for the top of the radiator? Would the current shroud work with this size radiator ? Trying to get a bit more cooling area and keep the mechanical fan setup if possible. Also would you recommend updating the fanclutch at the same time since I am in there as old one looking pretty crusty ? I have been looking at the HD models and have seen a severe model as well?

Did you consider going with big block radiator size?
I have the top plate for your truck year

 

[77ck5]

I was trying to stay close to stock perimeter so I did not have to hunt down a bunch of stuff. What size is the bbc radiator anyhow? Was that a surburban motor

 

[Blue85]

The BBC radiator is bigger than the SBC one and the diesel one is even bigger. The core supports are all the same and have extra holes for attaching the various size radiators. You do need the brackets and stuff to match when you change the size. There was a thread recently discussing which brands are junk (most) and who still offers a good one.

454 was optional in many models like K20, K30, K20 Suburban, etc, but never in a K5. Regardless, all of these trucks got the same core support (although they do vary by model year to account for grill/headlight differences).

 

[imiceman44]

I was trying to stay close to stock perimeter so I did not have to hunt down a bunch of stuff. What size is the bbc radiator anyhow? Was that a surburban motor

If you get the one for a 454 in a k20 I have the original top cover for your year

 

[77ck5]

for a 77Blazer Iceman?

 

[imiceman44]

for a 77Blazer Iceman?

As blue 85 said.
Blazer never came with a 454 but the core support is the same as a k20 so buy a radiator for a k20 with the 454 engine and the top piece I have will work with it.