Frankenstein 454 swap. Overheating at idle.

[83Burban]

Got the overflow bottle pulled out and flipped So that its actually functional. I bought a new OEM one....but I'm pretty sure the batt is sitting where it would mount up. Looking for universal set ups. Would be nice to actually be able to see the coolant inside.

Im def going to rip the baby sized radiator out. Feel a bit stupid now that ive done more research and soaked up all of your guys knowledge. Sealing off the shroud seems to make it work much better. Could probably spend a $250-400 on new fans to make it work.....But I think I'll opt for just getting the right equipment. Maybe have the old rad repaired? Idk which is cheaper....or if there are still any oldtimers around here that will braze a radiator.

 

[83Burban]

Found an "80s BBC 1ton radiator" on FB marketplace for $75. Appears to be the same size as the one I pulled out.

Does anybody know if there will be fitment issues between a 1ton and 1/2ton?

 

[Bextreme04]

Found an "80s BBC 1ton radiator" on FB marketplace for $75. Appears to be the same size as the one I pulled out.

Does anybody know if there will be fitment issues between a 1ton and 1/2ton?

They are identical bodies. It should fit. The big thing is going to be finding an electric fan that fits correctly. I had gotten some Ford windstar fans to go on my stock radiator before I decided to go with the bigger radiator. I was able to get the dual fans and harness for $40 from the local junkyard. You'll have to fabricate the mounts, but they are pretty easy and there are a few threads on doing it on this forum as well.

 

[83Burban]

Awesome. This place is a gold mine really. Ive got issues with my Heat / AC as well and ive found TONS of info.

 

[83Burban]

Could dual fans out of an 05 Tahoe be made to work with my new old radiator? Currently at pick-n-pull with one in hand. The plastic shroud is 34.5 x 20 and the fans are both 16" S blades.

The fans plug in....i assume I could just snip the pig tails off and wire into my painless wiring harnes....correct??

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[83Burban]

Ive not been able to find any info on them as far as CFM

 

[Bextreme04]

Ive not been able to find any info on them as far as CFM

Yes, those are identical to the ones I showed you in my pic. Mine are just the updated ones from a 2008-2014 as opposed to the earlier ones. They have the same mounting points and size. It will be bigger than the radiator you currently have, but would fit the 96-99 Suburban 454 radiator that was also in my pic with a little trimming and creativity in the mounts

 

[Bextreme04]

I have the wiring diagram for them also if you are interested... although for you I doubt it matters, since you will just be replacing the ones in your painless harness. Mine are going to be controlled by the 0411 LS ECU and will have the dual speed and also turning on with AC pressure so the wiring gets a little more complicated.

 

[83Burban]

Awesome. I did get the propper size radiator. Its used, but seems to be in pretty good shape. It was originally paired with a 454 in a 1 ton. Got it for $50. Got coolant on sale at Advanced Auto for $8 a gallon. Lol things might be looking up.

 

[1973c10]

I want the windstar fan rout on my BB truck and it works great you just need to make some mounts

 

[83Burban]

So...pressure tested the new old 1ton radiator prior to instillation. And its good I did.

Has a good leak around the lower trans cooler port. Going to try amd drop some solder on it tonight and try again.

 

[83Burban]

Well....turns out it has more than one hole
Now that the big hole was plugged, for sure can hear more leaks from the core. This rad is shot. Smh......$50 more up in smoke.

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[83Burban]

@Bextreme04

Think the radiator out of that 05 Tahoe I got my fans out of could be made to fit?

 

[83Burban]

Found an OEM radiator for an 01-02 GMC 3500. Has plastic tanks, seems like the neck for the cap might be a little too tall? Idk

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[83Burban]

Well, bought the rad for the 02 3500. Its short....but the fan shroud I bought out of the 05 Tahoe fit near perfectly.

Took a bit of drilling and cutting on the shroud in order to get it to sit down over the steering box. It's a tight fit. But it fits.....and best of all...keeps this truck cool. Let it idle at temp for about 30min. Never got over 205.

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