Which radiator?

[RivMan]

I'm going to have to replace the radiator on my K5 soon, and I'm looking for opinions.
I've never had an issue keeping the engine cool, so I'm considering just a cheap parts store part. On the other hand I'm planning on a 5.3 / 6.0 swap at some point, so I'd like to get something to cover that as well.

What do you think?

-Rob

 

[85K5Jake]

I'm running an aluminum champion radiator keeps my 350 cool and will be great for the ls swap I am planning. It was about $230 new bolted right in to factory location with the shroud

 

[dyeager535]

I'm running an aluminum champion radiator keeps my 350 cool and will be great for the ls swap I am planning. It was about $230 new bolted right in to factory location with the shroud

I like the Champion in theory, but IIRC someone here has already had one leak. Many variables in these trucks though, if the mounts are good and care is taken to make sure it's not metal on metal, probably be ok with the champion. The hole for the heater is tiny. Seems to be ok for truck cabs, unsure about K5's/burbs.

If made and applied properly the plastic/aluminum obviously work, they are everywhere in OEM's, but I'm not completely sold that they will hold up as well in trucks that might have worn motor mounts, and might put some stress on them when the frame flexes. Pure speculation there, but I'm just not sold on pinched plastic vs. welds/solder.

 

[85K5Jake]

I've had mine in for about a year now with no problems, I used all the stock rubber isolators to mount it. It's been flexed and beat on pretty good and seems to hold up.