Radiator choices for LS1

[skymangs]

What is the consensus on the best radiator to use for an LS1 swap in a AD truck? I've heard good things about Champion, but wonder if a crossflow radiator out of a newer car/truck woudn't cool the motor better and give room for dual fans?

I was considering this route for my new project: choose a 31 x 19 crossflow radiator, remake the core support to accept it and lose the inner fenders.

I had all kinds of problems keeping my kids 48 cool in traffic this summer, and I don't want to build another that you have to eyeball the temp gauge in town all the time.

[not2oldchevy]

Originally Posted by skymangs

What is the consensus on the best radiator to use for an LS1 swap in a AD truck? I've heard good things about Champion, but wonder if a crossflow radiator out of a newer car/truck woudn't cool the motor better and give room for dual fans?

I was considering this route for my new project: choose a 31 x 19 crossflow radiator, remake the core support to accept it and lose the inner fenders.

I had all kinds of problems keeping my kids 48 cool in traffic this summer, and I don't want to build another that you have to eyeball the temp gauge in town all the time.

I used the champion cools good fan never comes on unless in heavy traffic in hot weather.

[skymangs]

Thanks, that's 1 vote for Champion... What efan are you using? Is it shrouded? Could you post a pic?

[not2oldchevy]

Originally Posted by skymangs

Thanks, that's 1 vote for Champion... What efan are you using? Is it shrouded? Could you post a pic?

No shroud it came with electric fan. Do not know how to post a pic. I am to old to learn!

[chev3600]

I also have a champion radiator, currently running a mech fan original to the 5.3 that's swapped in. Even without a shroud mine still cools fine in hot weather. I'll be adding a shroud when the a/c gets done but otherwise it has been fine.
You'd have a fun time making up the brackets for the cross flow. Have to find a way to hang the fenders if you lose the inners completely or cut them up quite a bit.
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[skymangs]

Thanks for the input, I found a thread where someone had used a 19x22 crossflow from Griffin that fit in the original core support. I assume the Champion is an upright style radiator and not a crossflow?

[chev3600]

Yes, upright. Haven't seen a cross flow that fits original mounts. Nice.
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[skymangs]

Here's a link to the build thread, not sure if anyone has real world driving experience with this rad or not. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=384736&page=2 What I'm concerned with is the power steering box clearance. Using a 71 Camaro clip, so same issues arise as do the S10 swap. This Griffin allows me to remove the lower portion of the support for clearance.

[BlueJeep]

Originally Posted by skymangs

Here's a link to the build thread, not sure if anyone has real world driving experience with this rad or not. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=384736&page=2 What I'm concerned with is the power steering box clearance. Using a 71 Camaro clip, so same issues arise as do the S10 swap. This Griffin allows me to remove the lower portion of the support for clearance.

Hey, that's me. I drove the truck for one summer with that setup I posted. It is a 19x22 cheepie radiator with an aluminum shroud and a 16" SPAL puller fan. Once I made sure I had a good fuse for the fan, I had no cooling problems. Here are some pics of the radiator and shroud.





Pay no attention to the rusty Dex-cool all over it, that stuff was messy! To fit the radiator I did have to do slight trimming to the engine side of the radiator support, but it did fit.


Clearance around the steering box was just about right:

[skymangs]

Thanks BlueJeep. That's exactly what I was looking for. I really like the way that radiator fits and the fact that it's a crossflow. I was reading your build, but didn't realize that you had it on the road already. Great to know that it works well!

[BlueJeep]

I did have it on the road, but it's not now. I bought it in 2009, built it the winter of 09/10 and drove it the summer of 2010. Then that winter I tore it apart to fix some things....and some more things...and as a result it hasn't been back on the road since.

[_Ogre]

cross flow or stock radiator, without a shroud expect some over heating when your in stop n go traffic.
add a shroud and use the full cooling area of your radiator.

[skymangs]

I have a full shroud on the kids truck, and it runs at 185 on the highway, but around town gets to 200deg. I am not comfortable using the AC in town as long as it's doing that. I have an aluminum rad, aluminum water pump, and a 16" Hayes electric fan that runs (relayed) whenever the ignition is on.

[Kid]

I have a stock 5.3 ...I've had no cooling problems with a down flow "Wizard" rad. stock mechanical fan, no shroud. 197 degrees going down the hiway. goes up to 207 with AC on, windows up idling around the fair grounds in 100 plus degrees.

[skymangs]

Looks really nice, very clean installation.