Radiator condenser combo.

[Terry Wilkerson]

Seems as no one has an aluminum radiator in stock for my 86 gmc. Was planning on using an original configuration because the ac condenser lines come around the end of the rad on the right side into the engine bay. This limits me on the length of a rad. Question is if I use a later modle wider rad how can I still have condenser line access for ac? Oh BTW this is in reference to an ls swap.

 

[fast 99]

Did you try Rock Auto? Just looked they have a large selection. Most replacements today are aluminum. Bought one for an 85. Fit was very good.

 

[SquareRoot]

I have an aftermarket radiator that's a few inches wider than stock. I also have an aftermarket condenser for my Vintage Air system. If you plan on converting to R134, you want the biggest condenser you can fit. You will have custom hoses either way so it really doesn't matter. Get the biggest radiator and condenser you can and make them fit.

 

[Camar068]

There is a post somewhere that shows how to upgrade the radiator using 88+'ish truck radiators. Some even included oil cooling. These were still copper/brass. @bucket @HotRodPC @89Suburban for a refresher hopefully.

I don't like plastic tanks personally, so I stuck with original on my swap as I have a radiator shop close by.

 

[89Suburban]

There is a post somewhere that shows how to upgrade the radiator using 88+'ish truck radiators. Some even included oil cooling. These were still copper/brass. @bucket @HotRodPC @89Suburban for a refresher hopefully.

I don't like plastic tanks personally, so I stuck with original on my swap as I have a radiator shop close by.

Been a long time since I dealt with those old school brass radiators. That being said, in today's world of plastic tanks/aluminum cores vs all aluminum. I'll take the plastic tank/alum core all day long.

 

[Camar068]

Been a long time since I dealt with those old school brass radiators. That being said, in today's world of plastic tanks/aluminum cores vs all aluminum. I'll take the plastic tank/alum core all day long.

really.....why? Cost? I've been sticking with brass because I've got a radiator shop up the road. i need to start stock piling them I think lol.

 

[SquareRoot]

I'll take a quality all aluminum over plastic. Been using mine for 20+ years in several vehicles and it looks brand new. You must use an anode if you don't want it to dissolve.

 

[89Suburban]

really.....why? Cost? I've been sticking with brass because I've got a radiator shop up the road. i need to start stock piling them I think lol.

I see many stories over on the Tahoe Yukon forum about all aluminum radiators developing leaks at welds more than makes me comfy about even trying one. I just replaced the factory plastic/alum rad in my Tahoe last fall. It had over 350K on it. I replaced it with a factory one.

 

[ChuckN]

Seems as no one has an aluminum radiator in stock for my 86 gmc. Was planning on using an original configuration because the ac condenser lines come around the end of the rad on the right side into the engine bay. This limits me on the length of a rad. Question is if I use a later modle wider rad how can I still have condenser line access for ac? Oh BTW this is in reference to an ls swap.

Cold case has them in stock. https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/p...aluminum-performance-radiator?sku=GMT556A21LS

I think if you use the code “Vice grip” in checkout you’ll get free shipping.

 

[Finkaire]

After a couple of fitment issues with aftermarket radiators I had my original OE high efficiency radiator re-cored. Not inexpensive but looking back, I have no regrets

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Took my 85 diesel rad with air to the local shop, full of holes. Ordered an exact replacement, brass copper, came to me from texas. They are out there but expensive, 700 bucks, (ouch), but it was exactly like the one I pulled so everything fit, still a PITA to install, took me 4 hours of struggling. My wife said it's so big...I told her thanks babe.

 

[idahovette]

^^^^^Thanks, Babe.......made my day!!!!!

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Well Perry, my wife is just awesome, We have a lot of fun, the way it should be. Took three times...ugh

 

[idahovette]

Yeah,^^^^^^^^ took me twice.......got it RIGHT!!!!!!

 

[HotRodPC]

Been a long time since I dealt with those old school brass radiators. That being said, in today's world of plastic tanks/aluminum cores vs all aluminum. I'll take the plastic tank/alum core all day long.

You have to forgive this muhhfugger. He grew up as a Dodge lover, didn't get along with his dad to well, then when he did finally come over from the dark side and got into the Chevy fan club, he did wonderful for a few years. Then his boss gave him a later model Hoe and he dumped the square. So give him a break, it really wasn't all his fault. He's been lead by the wrong crowd. Best just to love him as he is and have some empathy for @89Suburban . He really means no harm telling you to buy plastic BS, but he's his own worst enemy and don't know it.