radiator advice needed

[GMCBubba]

Hey guys, radiator question that I couldn't get the desired info from searching. I am putting in a new 383 into my truck (manual, non-ac) and want to replace radiator at the same time. Currently has 2 core so I know I have to improve that. I live in south Texas and will likely add an aftermarket a/c in the future. Do I want a 3 core or 4 core radiator? I will run a clutch fan with a shroud. And does it matter what brand as long as it is a direct fit? Is the autozone rad as good as the rad shop radiator? I know i have to replace the mounting straps if I go with 4 core.

Opinions and expert advice both welcome
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[ChevLoRay]

My A/C truck with a 350 came with a 4-row core radiator. I'm thinking you don't need anything less. You'll also want that shroud, since the fan creates a vacuum as it turns and that helps to pull air through the radiator when you are sitting still. Since you're in south Texas, you know it can get hot.

If you go with an aftermarket dual electric fan setup you won't need the shroud, but that's your shot to call.

[NGN]

Sorry don't know much about cooling but, I just seen a Suburban 2wd auto 350 A/C loaded with options. I found it odd that it was a single core. I did put a four core in mine and it's six cyl auto . I got the rad at a bone yard bought it to the rad shop they presser test , boil it and pianted all for 110.00 But as far as were i'd buy mind it would be the rad shop. I like to support the mom and pop shops. Nick

[AusTx68]

Are you looking to keep it stock or are you willing to go aluminum? I live here in Austin and run an aluminum 3 core. I picked it up on Ebay for less than $250. On a hot Texas day the temp in traffic peaks at 195 and cruises below 165. On a day less than 90 degrees it gets almost too cool. Cruise temp drops to 158. Has me thinking to ditch the 160 thermostat for something a little warmer. I'm running an Edelbrock water pump, 160 thermostat, aluminum radiator and a single electric fan with no shroud.

[junkyardjohn]

WITH RADIATORS... BIGGER IS BETTER. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF ONE BEING TOO COOL & I LIVED IN THE HIGH DESERT OF NEVADA. YOU CAN ALWAYS REGULATE THE AMOUNT OF COOLING WITH A HOTTER THERMOSTAT IF DESIRED. JOHN

[67ChevyRedneck]

I had a stock 3 row, auto, 7 blade clutch fan. All was fine until I added A/C. I had to get a stock 4 row. I think I got it from advance for $200-210... and get this, it was in stock.

[passthebuck]

I like the look of an old skool 4 core factory style rad. I do love the aluminum look too, but the factoy big rad is still the coolest. Get it with the trans cooler in case you do one day go auto...

[El Jay]

We replaced the straight 6 in my truck with a mild 355 & ran the factory 2 core without any cooling problems.
Having said that, the factory radiator started to 'weep' in a couple places (Hell, it was only 38 years old), so I pulled it to have it recored.
Call me strange, but I just wanted to keep the factory Harrison tanks.
But I digress. I was going to go with a 4 core, but the owner of the radiator shop talked me out of that & into a 3 core.

I haven't had a bit of cooling problems. In fact, like AusTx68 sometimes it's a bit too cool.

That's my story & I'm sticking to it.

LJ

[grs]

I put a 4 core desert cooler radiator in my truck. It has vintage air, shroud, and clutch fan. Radiator came with a life time warranty. Cools real cool.

[GMCBubba]

while i love the look of OE stuff, i also like the idea of using the 3 core aluminum radiator and hopefully avoid having to replace all those radiator mounting straps.

any recs on better ones to get than others?

[71 c10 rat]

FSR Products i got a aluminum built for my truck shipped $400 its great no heating issues at all and im running a big block

[72 LONGHORN]

gmcbubba, I have a good 4 core rad for a manual trans truck for sale if your interested in buying used.

[33shooter]

http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/entropytec/

I've heard great things about these guys.

[C20-67_N_MO]

I bought an aluminum raditor off ebay for $125 plus shipping.

The only thing I found out installing it was I need 3-4 row raditor mounts to make it work properly.

It's been a good raditor for the money as I plan on running A/C on my SBC 406 once I get my truck back together.

[petey-pablo]

Originally Posted by C20-67_N_MO

I bought an aluminum raditor off ebay for $125 plus shipping.

The only thing I found out installing it was I need 3-4 row raditor mounts to make it work properly.

It's been a good raditor for the money as I plan on running A/C on my SBC 406 once I get my truck back together.

any info on who you you bought it from? Linky?

[C20-67_N_MO]

Originally Posted by petey-pablo

any info on who you you bought it from? Linky?

Sure thing my friend!

http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/radiators4less

[GMCBubba]

i assume i should try to avoid the radiators with the plastic tanks and aluminum? those prone to failure more frequently? autozone carries those for pretty cheap

[llowlife]

They use a gasket to seal the tanks to the core. I would pony up and get it done right the first time. In all my years of being a tech I have seen many radiators go bad. Usually from the gasket not sealing after a while. I have fixed them too with a pair of pliers but....I digress...I will be going to aluminum when the A/c gets in

[33shooter]

The guys in the link I gave above make one for 67-72 models with no fans and charge less than $400. It may or may not be in the link. Send em a message.
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[GMCBubba]

thanks, guys, for all the input. i actually went with a new OEM style copper/brass 4 row radiator from o'reilly's for 178 and a new set of saddles with rubber for $48 from ebay. hopefully all will work out well.