Question on size of Radiator

[84chevk10]

My 84 K10 has the alum, plastic tank rad in it. I haven't had it out yet, is the core size on these 28 1/2 by 17? I'm putting a 454 in it and before summer gets here I'm planning on a all alum upgrade. My truck came with a 305. Also, I have a new trans cooler that originally was for a 08 Ford diesel, it's pretty big but has 1/2 in barbed fittings on it. Other than welding new fittings on to it, does anyone know of a fitting to reduce it down? I used all braided hose and an fittings on my chevelle, but the B+M cooler had threaded inlets. May have to find someone that can weld me some fittings on. If anyone can verify the rad size I'd appreciate it, going to try to look around for a alum one where I can use my shroud.

 

[austinado16]

You can get accurate dimensions using your tape measure. You can also look on websites like rockauto, looking up your exact model, what radiators are sold for, and then read the specs for those radiators to get an accurate dimension. Some are 28x19 and I've seen some that are only 17" tall.

If your core support is set up for it (and many/most of them are) you can fit the much longer radiator that was available in certain 454 models. That core is 34" x 19" and gives an overall radiator length of about 38". There is also a 454 radiator that is the standard 28x19, but it is 4 row, as opposed to the 3 row that the small blocks got. My references here are for OEM copper/brass radiators, and not the aftermarket aluminum/plastic versions. The A/P versions are usually 2 row.

if you want to see what it takes to install the longer radiator, I have a thread located here: http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15474

 

[84chevk10]

I read the thread on the rad swap. Pretty good info. I looked them up and found 19 and 17 listed. I found a good price on a 19 in tall one. Mine is still in and all wrapped up right now . Doing body work. Got to get it out of the garage this week so I'll try to measure then. Hoping it's the 19 in one, and thanks.

 

[MikeB]

Seems like there are at least 3 and maybe 4 different radiator core sizes that were used on my 82 C10, depending on engine and whether or not the truck had A/C. And then there were 2-3 fan shrouds.

When doing a 250-six to 350 swap, I went through 2 radiators before getting the one I needed. I bought them from my local O'Reilly auto parts store, so the first 2 were easy to exchange. Mine is aluminum/plastic (the smallest one, as I recall), but works well even in 95-100 degree temps, and has a lifetime warranty.

I really lucked out and found a nice 2-piece fan shroud at some on-line vendor for $20-something. Turns out it must have had a pricing error, because the next time I checked the price had tripled!

In addition to rockauto.com, I suggest doing research on dimensions at LMCtruck.com and your local parts stores' web sites.

For example, here are the O'Reilly listings for your 1984 K10 with a 350. http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...ickup+4WD&vi=5225617&year=1984&make=Chevrolet

 

[bucket]

The 17" tall core seems to have mostly been used in the 70's without heavy duty cooling. Even a lot of V8/AC trucks. If they were used much in the 80's, it must have been the 6 cyl stripper trucks.

FFIW, I've been using the original type radiator (19" tall core) in my big block swapped C10 and it has done a good job so far. It's seen some fairly hot weather, just no towing. So if the current rad is still in good shape, it might not be worth it to replace it yet.

 

[84chevk10]

I found 2 alum ones, both are 19 tall. Thinking about going with the Champion, it's got the wide cores, 3 core like i used in my chevelle, 650 HP, 4800 stall converter and a big solid roller and itnever gets over 190 in town,

 

[87scotty]

Im thinkin mishimoto having mixed reviews on the big names lately

 

[87scotty]

But after looking at champions website... Thinking that 4 core 14inch fans combo for 400$ seems like a winner.

 

[bucket]

I bought one of those Champions a while back for my old C20 454 Burb, that dang thing had a minor leak right from the beginning. Must have been a fluke, because I haven't heard any bad reviews from other folks. But it did just fine keeping the motor cool in very hot weather while towing.

 

[87scotty]

There website says made in china. but for an extra 100$ or so they have made in usa ones. decisones.

 

[74 Shortbed]

I have two Champions had them a couple years now, perfect fit and no issues since day one, I'll be getting another one when this truck is done.

 

[MikeB]

Don't forget to take into consideration fan shroud fit, unless you plan to use an electric fan setup. I know for certain the OE shroud for a 17" tall radiator will NOT work on a 19" radiator. Radiator hold down brackets are different, too.

Regarding cooling capacity, the reason I stayed with the standard size for 250-292-305-350 is a guy on this forum said he is running that exact same Murray radiator with a blown 383, and it never overheats.

So, I suggest you stick with what you have, and see how well it works. Unless your truck is used for hauling heavy loads or towing, it may work fine, especially with a good clutch fan and shroud. Also, if you use it for slow-going off-road playing, you may very well need a monster radiator and fan setup.

 

[84chevk10]

I will stick with the same size. I don't want to buy a shroud. I found both 17 and 19 listed, height, that's why I asked. I put a Champion with shroud and dual electric fans in my chevelle about 4 years ago. 434, over 600 HP, 4500 stall converter, have never had it over 195 in the hottest weather. We drive the heck out of it in good weather. Been a really nice piece, one I found for the truck is a Champion for $200,

 

[84Squarebodlvr]

Anyone know what size hose diameters for an 84 K20? Thanks!

 

[Shawn Watson]

I've been eyeballing this Eastwood for my 83 K10 with a 406 SBC. In my inquiry, I mentioned it must use OEM brackets and shroud and the engine produces 500hp, 2,500 stall, a/c, blazin' hot summers and this is what they recommended.

I don't know if you've seen these or not of if it's what you're looking for but here it is. https://www.eastwood.com/cold-case-77-87-gm-truck-pickup-at-gmt556a.html


Shawn