Champion radiator difficulties

[AuroraGirl]

Yes, I found some studs that fit. The serpentine was a GM kit from Summit that included new: water pump, PS pump, A/C compressor and alternator plus all hardware/brackets.
I added reverse fan/clutch. I may look into adding fan spacer with long bolts instead.

The reason I didnt suggest fan spacer is both that 1) that fan and clutch are already quite a bit far out there, and most spacers are longer than what you need to change. Im not sure if it will be a big deal or not but if you can find a spacer to do that amount that should work

 

[hogdaddy]

I was looking at these.

Search results

allstarperformance.com

 

[AuroraGirl]

I was looking at these.

Search results

allstarperformance.com

well that is more reassuring than most solutions, the less parts the better and the more centrally located the mass the better too.

 

[dusterdude]

mcarlo,radiator dropped in fine.bottom hose fits fine.top hose is too small.did you find a hose that will fit?

 

[mcarlo86]

mcarlo,radiator dropped in fine.bottom hose fits fine.top hose is too small.did you find a hose that will fit?

Yes, I ended up using a flex hose that had the correct size ends.

 

[dusterdude]

Groovy

 

[75gmck25]

If you want a radiator to be “direct fit” I suggest looking up your truck on RockAuto to see the various options for that year. Then measure and match your current radiator core with one of the sizes you found. The size should also have a number, like CU161, CU730, and that is the number you need to match. Don’t get confused by buying a radiator advertised as 3 row or 4 row, or for a big block or small block. The product numbers or core size are what you should match, not a general description.

IIRC, radiators are sized by the core (the finned area), not the overall radiator size, and the brackets and tanks increase the total size. The stock radiator bracket should hold and grab the radiator properly if you have the right total size. If you switch to a different CU number you will need the rubber saddles and brackets to match that size of radiator if you want it to be held properly.

 

[SirRobyn0]

Also there are some radiators made for these trucks that have multi-sized necks on the upper hose, so it had the smaller size and then steps up to the larger size. Also @dusterdude if you don't want a flex hose play try looking up a GMT-400 hose, or even just playing around with the year some. There was a smaller and larger upper hose used factory.

 

[dusterdude]

I found out the upper hose is supposed to have a 1 1/2 in opening as does the rad.my old gm rad has a 1 1/4 opening,my hose which was clamped on the old rad for so long has set in that sizing.im going to buy a new hose and see how that goes.i will let ya'll know later this week.

 

[78k25JJL]

I got a MC716 (19in 4 row) from champion got the wrong size, I have a 78 gmc k25 what radiator top mount would work with this, I need to have different mount on top for it to work.and hold it in. Should have gotten the 17in. Already installed fans so it isn't going back. Truck has newly rebuilt 350 in it can't wait to get it started.