Tall 3 core rad vs shorter 4 core

[AuroraGirl]

I have a 19 inch tall rad with two tanks and 3 cores while I have the opportunity to get a 4 core but it's the same dimensions as my current one. 17 tall. Width of the cores are the same. Thickness is slightly larger for 4th core. My tall 3 core has straight up cap but 4 core has the slant to the side

Should I pass on the 4 core?

Also, I'm needing help finding a fan shroud. Is there a way to know which I need?

Also also I have a top plate for HD cooling truck with AC. I don't have a condensor, it will still work to secure the top of the rad, right?

 

[Salty Crusty]

4-core with same thickness will have less cooling, there are spaces between the tubes that is wasted.
I'm going with a 2-row that has 1" tubes.

 

[Curt]

I can’t speak to 70’s models for sure,but I know the 84-85’ model on the 4 core radiator took a 1 piece shroud.The rad is taller and wider.28” wide x 19” tall I believe.They call the shroud for the 3 core 1 piece as well,but it’s 2 half's stapled together,where the 4 core is really 1 solid molding.Also,the 4 core takes a plate (1 piece) across the core support for hold down,where all others use 2 brackets on each side to hold the rad down.I can send you pics of the plate and shroud in just a bit when the sun is out.

 

[Curt]

Sun is out,coffee is hot.What a great day to be alive!4 core parts

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[AuroraGirl]

i have a 78 4 core AC plate, its narrower but flat

but i may be mistaken

 

[bucket]

Radiators are a confusing topic with these trucks. In the 70's, there were heavier duty trucks with light duty cooling and lighter trucks with heavy duty cooling, there were different thicknesses for both the tall and short versions and there was maybe 3 different top panels and a few different shrouds. Then in the 80's, most of the radiators were of the taller design, but not all. Again, different thicknesses. And there were different widths of the tall radiators, along with several different top panel designs and several different shrouds.

So over the model years there were oodles of combos used used at different times and with different optioned trucks. Then you add in 30-40 years of people swapping parts around and it can make things even more confusing.


With all that said, I'd run a tall 3-core over a short 4-core. I believe frontal surface area is more important than core thickness.

 

[Camar068]

I wouldn't turn down anything copper.....if anything to put on the shelf for another day.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I wouldn't turn down anything copper.....if anything to put on the shelf for another day.

i dont own the 4 core and its priced inline with most used ones so i think ill pass. if i had it already, def

 

[Grit dog]

What’s your goal here?
Have to replace a leaking radiator or theoretical efficiency of different radiators?
I ask because in your use, basically anything that passes coolant through it without turning the snow green will work just fine. You’re not subjecting the truck to any high stress or heat.
If theoretical discussion, I can’t comment. Not knowledgeable enough on the nuances of GM truck radiators.

 

[80BrownK10]

What’s your goal here?
Have to replace a leaking radiator or theoretical efficiency of different radiators?
I ask because in your use, basically anything that passes coolant through it without turning the snow green will work just fine. You’re not subjecting the truck to any high stress or heat.
If theoretical discussion, I can’t comment. Not knowledgeable enough on the nuances of GM truck radiators.

I'm thinking the same. I guess the old one is leaking so bad or causing overheat issues due to being so plugged up with scale? But any functional radiator sized for squares with a v8 should keep that plow truck cool in the sub artic winter up there.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Stock rad in my 73 K20 with stock shroud, 350, switched to 454 no prob, haul hay in summer never gets hot.

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[Ken B]

I think this topic just helped me make a decision. I have an old (copper) rad for my c10 with a 250 Cu in. I am swapping in a 350 cu in. the rad.
I aint gonna be hauling or running to hard, I think the old copper will stay in place. Should be able to cool that 350.

 

[crpntr78]

If it's a two core, better think again. Especially if its a "new" 350.

 

[AuroraGirl]

My current one has a broken overflow nipple and Its full of deposits. I had a line on a cheap 4 core but I currently have a larger 3 core.

I decided to just get the 3 core cleaned up and put it in, its bigger than my current one as well. I would rather have more than less cooling ability if im going to refresh a radiator. I would just fix my current one if I didnt have a larger one already.

 

[idahovette]

Ha HA, @AuroraGirl said nipple!!!......sorry Taylor old guys gotta get their jollies