Time for a new radiator

[Hatchet54]

I wish we could cut off the debate about plastic tanks, since most new aluminum radiators sold for the squarebody are like the one pictured in post #36 - note that there are no plastic parts in that radiator! This is not a Honda or Toyota.

I used the Champion 3 row for my '75 truck and the brackets and hoses all fit the same as stock. IIRC, the upper hose fitting is stepped so it can handle 2 different sizes of hose - a little odd, but it sealed well.

I am using a high flow 195 degree thermostat (which appears to be a little off in calibration), and it lets the engine get up to a little over 190, then opens and the temp moves down to 185. It stays at that temp regardless of driving conditions. Its been about 90 degrees outside lately, and I could let the truck idle with the A/C on, run at 60 mph traffic, etc., and its always at 185. The temp is measured with a Stewart Warner mechanical guage, tapped into the cylinder head sensor port.

Bruce

Did you use your stock fan for this setup?

Currently debating if the electric fan shroud combo is worth it. It's a lot of extra $$$...

 

[87_stepper]

Just finished my Cu730 big block Rad and Flex a lite 295 fan install give me 6 months and I will let you know how well it cools.

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[Frankenchevy]

Just finished my Cu730 big block Rad and Flex a lite 295 fan install give me 6 months and I will let you know how well it cools.

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what's the part number on your upper radiator hose?

 

[75gmck25]

In response to Hatchet54 - I used the stock fan and shroud with the Champion 3 row radiator. I was already using a Hayden HD fan clutch, and I also have a Stewart Stage One high flow water pump and high flow thermostat.

Bruce

 

[87_stepper]

what's the part number on your upper radiator hose?

Upper Ac delco 26064X
Lower Ac delco 24205L

Have to trim the upper a little bit to get clean bends but otherwise fits perfect

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[Frankenchevy]

Upper Ac delco 26064X
Lower Ac delco 24205L

Have to trim the upper a little bit to get clean bends but otherwise fits perfect

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I’m wondering if that could replace my chrome atrocity. Nothing I’ve tried will clear my compressor.

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[87_stepper]

I’m wondering if that could replace my chrome atrocity. Nothing I’ve tried will clear my compressor.

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I am in the garage today I can send measurements if you put a level across the rad support and take a measurement to the ac compressor I will do the same.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I am in the garage today I can send measurements if you put a level across the rad support and take a measurement to the ac compressor I will do the same.

Will do

 

[Nonstop]

I’m wondering if that could replace my chrome atrocity. Nothing I’ve tried will clear my compressor.

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You might want to try one out of a 1990 v3500 with a big block. You need a new water neck as well. It comes straight up out of the block, runs pretty much straight forward toward the radiator, then runs along radiator to the inlet neck.

 

[Hatchet54]

Just wanted to update this thread. After weighing my options I decided to go with a 3-row Champion. Ended up finding one for a pretty heavy discount on eBay so I went for it.

It was more or less a perfect swap for my OEM radiator and I got it lined up using the stock rubber mounts and shroud. Pretty clever the way they make everything fit the way they do.

It is worth mentioning for anyone looking to do a similar swap as I did...they don't give you any way to plug the trans cooler lines, so be prepared to make a run to the hardware store before you can fire up your truck. I got some stout aluminum bolts that were a perfect fit (sorry I forgot the thread count) and put some plumbing tape on the threads. That was weeks ago and no leaks.

I'm running a new Stant 185 thermostat, all stock fans, clutch, shroud, etc. and I sit on the first quarter mark on my temp gauge with this rad. Epic!

Thanks for all the discussion in this thread.

 

[1985c20]

Usually the trans coolers will have plastic plugs in them but you don’t need anything. If you aren’t using it you can just leave them open to the air. There won’t be coolant coming out of them.

 

[73c20jim]

I haven't hooked up my temperature gauge yet, so it can't overheat. One less gauge to look at.

 

[Kim Burke]

I haven't hooked up my temperature gauge yet, so it can't overheat. One less gauge to look at.

Hahaha hahaha! I finally quit watching mine running off the road after the 2500 mile trip.

 

[MikeB]

Just had to jump back in here after I read an article in Car & Driver where they mentioned the efficiency of aluminum radiators allowing car hoods to be lower and air intakes to be smaller. The aluminum-haters here would freak out of they saw the size of the radiators in my Mustang GT and my wife's Infiniti -- both with (OMG!) nylon tanks.

Hey, I'm an old skool guy, but over the years I've had to replace WAAAAY too many brass & copper radiators or have them "boiled and rodded", so I don't want to get anywhere near another one.

 

[MikeB]

Just finished my Cu730 big block Rad and Flex a lite 295 fan install give me 6 months and I will let you know how well it cools.

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Beautiful engine bay you have there.