LSx conversion radiator? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

menace121978 · 03-31-2010, 09:51 PM

does anyone know of a radiator for our trucks with the inlet/outlet, tranny cooler lines, and steam vent all on the passenger side. i've been searching for a direct replacement/custom made aluminum one with efans and havent had any luck yet... ron davis radiators said they could make one but the cooler lines would have to be on the driverside. whats the point of that @ $1100!

any suggestions or other options im missing here?

Cherub · 03-31-2010, 10:41 PM

why are you wanting everything on one side?

menace121978 · 03-31-2010, 10:46 PM

just for a cleaner look... the water pump on the 6.0 points that way rather than running the long hose all the way to the other side. whatcha thinking? just get the stock one and run the hose??

Pyrotechnic · 03-31-2010, 11:23 PM

I've read that you can also take the water pump, heat the housing where the neck is pressed in, then stick something in the neck and turn it to the angle you want.

87chevy.com · 04-01-2010, 12:23 AM

in my swap, i used a stock 454 radiator. as far as the vent/steam port, i went to ACE hardware and got a 3/4 nylon pipe thread adapter to 1/4 or so barb fitting. and just hose clamed everything with facotry black clamps... looks plain and almost factory like.

78-5.3 · 04-01-2010, 08:06 AM

i used my stock diesel rad had to reduce the top hose outlet on the radiator using an adapter i used a 2002 truck top rad hose and modified the lower rad hose ,I see S&P likes the hoses on the same side but it seamed to interfer with the K&N filter on my truck

Cherub · 04-01-2010, 08:42 AM

gotcha i think that the S&P 77 ls1 swap used a radiator like your mentioning.

Just looked and the trans cooler lines are on the driverside also.

Ceeten · 04-01-2010, 09:28 AM

Honestly, I would skip the cooler in the radiator all together and get a good stand alone trans cooler, and mount it behind the grill. That's how I did my 86, worked great!

glock35ipsc · 04-01-2010, 09:33 AM

Use the stock one. Get a piece of stainless pipe to either 1] run across the top of the radiator with short sections of hose to connect it to the WP and the rad, or 2] have a piece of stainless pipe mandrel bent to make the rubber connections even shorter. Then polish the pipe. That would look pretty good.

menace121978 · 04-01-2010, 10:10 AM

Thata a good idea Bob. then i could always have a stock replacement radiator rather than having to have a custom one made again. hmmm...

glock35ipsc · 04-01-2010, 10:27 AM

Something like this, but polished:

I wonder if you could have just the tanks of a stock radiator ceramic coated, or even just powder coated with an aluminum color? Then paint the fins to match. Faux aluminum radiator!

menace121978 · 04-01-2010, 10:32 AM

i like that... is that welded fitting for the steam vent? i need a link now

glock35ipsc · 04-01-2010, 10:38 AM

LOL, that was just some random pic I pulled off the intrawebs.

But since you mentioned it, you could have an 1/8NPT threaded bung welded in to the back side, down low, so it would be well hidden.

Don't forget too that you can always drill and tap the top of the water pump and run it there. Less hose to run = cleaner looking, since that's what you are shooting for, less clutter.

rcrahn · 04-01-2010, 01:01 PM

Might take a look at a double pass or cross flow aluminum radiator such as PN 555-52039 from JEGS. $230.
Does not have steam vent or trans cooling capability. Drill/tap WP for vent as suggested and run seperate trans cooler. For trans could use finned tubular style about $80 or go with small radiator style unit with fan, cost about $150, mounted almost anywhere. I've seen them even mounted on bottom side of bed.

87chevy.com · 04-01-2010, 01:17 PM

the new replacement radiators from GM for our trucks are no longer copper, theyre the plastic/aluminum.
clint

Big Port Jimmy 6 · 04-01-2010, 09:13 PM

The cooler has to be opposite the hoses. The tank has a divider in it to force the coolant to go across the radiator, otherwise it would just got straight from one hose to the other. Jay

menace121978 · 04-01-2010, 09:41 PM

thanks Jay! i just learned that! i'm going to have to route the cooler lines across the core support some how. i found a really nice radiator with efans, inlet/outlet pass side, tranny cooler, and steam line vent for a great price. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123

menace121978 · 04-01-2010, 10:53 PM

now i just need to figure if its better for the tranny lines on the passengerside or the inlet on pass side!?!?!?!!

piecesparts · 04-02-2010, 11:08 AM

Get in touch with "Be Cool" and they will make you what you want or they may even have one already. http://www.becool.com/

They set me up with a radiator and fans for my 68 that I am putting a Gen III motor into.

**nlped** · 04-02-2010, 11:18 AM

^^^I think Dennis already pulled the trigger on the Ebay fan. Looks like a good piece. Let us know what you think after you receive it.

menace121978 · 04-02-2010, 06:48 PM

i did! for a third of the price of the be cool. i'll def. let everyone know how i like it and how well it does its job!

03-31-2010, 09:51 PM	#1
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	LSx conversion radiator? does anyone know of a radiator for our trucks with the inlet/outlet, tranny cooler lines, and steam vent all on the passenger side. i've been searching for a direct replacement/custom made aluminum one with efans and havent had any luck yet... ron davis radiators said they could make one but the cooler lines would have to be on the driverside. whats the point of that @ $1100! any suggestions or other options im missing here? __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

03-31-2010, 10:41 PM	#2
Cherub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 970	Re: LSx conversion radiator? why are you wanting everything on one side? __________________ 2014 LTZ Z71 Silverado 82 C15 LQ4/4L80E Conversion 78 Suburban build (SOLD) 83 4x4 Suburban(SOLD) 82 C15 (my first truck)

03-31-2010, 10:46 PM	#3
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: LSx conversion radiator? just for a cleaner look... the water pump on the 6.0 points that way rather than running the long hose all the way to the other side. whatcha thinking? just get the stock one and run the hose?? __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

03-31-2010, 11:23 PM	#4
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: LSx conversion radiator? I've read that you can also take the water pump, heat the housing where the neck is pressed in, then stick something in the neck and turn it to the angle you want. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

04-01-2010, 12:23 AM	#5
87chevy.com BMW & ASE Master Certified Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,261	Re: LSx conversion radiator? in my swap, i used a stock 454 radiator. as far as the vent/steam port, i went to ACE hardware and got a 3/4 nylon pipe thread adapter to 1/4 or so barb fitting. and just hose clamed everything with facotry black clamps... looks plain and almost factory like. __________________ 1987 Silverado - L83 5.3 w/ 6L80e ,A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors, Wilwood C-10 Pro Spindles w/ 2018 silverado front brakes & C-5 Corvette Rear Disc Brakes 1999 BMW 528i - 5.7 LS1 w/ 4l60e, Ford 8.8 IRS w31 spline posi & FX-r projector retrofit New project: 2006 BMW x5 6cyl AWD to L83 6l80e 4wd to 2WD / RWD A poor man buy's it twice finally got my domain name back, 87chevy.com.... site rework in progress

04-01-2010, 08:06 AM	#6
78-5.3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterboro ,MAINE Posts: 547	Re: LSx conversion radiator? i used my stock diesel rad had to reduce the top hose outlet on the radiator using an adapter i used a 2002 truck top rad hose and modified the lower rad hose ,I see S&P likes the hoses on the same side but it seamed to interfer with the K&N filter on my truck __________________ 78 C-10 5.3 LSX -4L60E

04-01-2010, 08:42 AM	#7
Cherub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 970	Re: LSx conversion radiator? gotcha i think that the S&P 77 ls1 swap used a radiator like your mentioning. Just looked and the trans cooler lines are on the driverside also. __________________ 2014 LTZ Z71 Silverado 82 C15 LQ4/4L80E Conversion 78 Suburban build (SOLD) 83 4x4 Suburban(SOLD) 82 C15 (my first truck) Last edited by Cherub; 04-01-2010 at 08:45 AM.

04-01-2010, 09:28 AM	#8
Ceeten Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Jay, Fl Posts: 126	Re: LSx conversion radiator? Honestly, I would skip the cooler in the radiator all together and get a good stand alone trans cooler, and mount it behind the grill. That's how I did my 86, worked great!

04-01-2010, 09:33 AM	#9
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: LSx conversion radiator? Use the stock one. Get a piece of stainless pipe to either 1] run across the top of the radiator with short sections of hose to connect it to the WP and the rad, or 2] have a piece of stainless pipe mandrel bent to make the rubber connections even shorter. Then polish the pipe. That would look pretty good. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-01-2010, 10:10 AM	#10
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: LSx conversion radiator? Thata a good idea Bob. then i could always have a stock replacement radiator rather than having to have a custom one made again. hmmm... __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

04-01-2010, 10:27 AM	#11
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: LSx conversion radiator? Something like this, but polished: I wonder if you could have just the tanks of a stock radiator ceramic coated, or even just powder coated with an aluminum color? Then paint the fins to match. Faux aluminum radiator! __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-01-2010, 10:32 AM	#12
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: LSx conversion radiator? i like that... is that welded fitting for the steam vent? i need a link now __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

04-01-2010, 10:38 AM	#13
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: LSx conversion radiator? LOL, that was just some random pic I pulled off the intrawebs. But since you mentioned it, you could have an 1/8NPT threaded bung welded in to the back side, down low, so it would be well hidden. Don't forget too that you can always drill and tap the top of the water pump and run it there. Less hose to run = cleaner looking, since that's what you are shooting for, less clutter. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE Last edited by glock35ipsc; 04-01-2010 at 10:39 AM.

04-01-2010, 01:01 PM	#14
rcrahn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The West Posts: 767	Re: LSx conversion radiator? Might take a look at a double pass or cross flow aluminum radiator such as PN 555-52039 from JEGS. $230. Does not have steam vent or trans cooling capability. Drill/tap WP for vent as suggested and run seperate trans cooler. For trans could use finned tubular style about $80 or go with small radiator style unit with fan, cost about $150, mounted almost anywhere. I've seen them even mounted on bottom side of bed.

04-01-2010, 01:17 PM	#15
87chevy.com BMW & ASE Master Certified Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,261	Re: LSx conversion radiator? the new replacement radiators from GM for our trucks are no longer copper, theyre the plastic/aluminum. clint __________________ 1987 Silverado - L83 5.3 w/ 6L80e ,A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors, Wilwood C-10 Pro Spindles w/ 2018 silverado front brakes & C-5 Corvette Rear Disc Brakes 1999 BMW 528i - 5.7 LS1 w/ 4l60e, Ford 8.8 IRS w31 spline posi & FX-r projector retrofit New project: 2006 BMW x5 6cyl AWD to L83 6l80e 4wd to 2WD / RWD A poor man buy's it twice finally got my domain name back, 87chevy.com.... site rework in progress



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04-01-2010, 09:13 PM	#16
Big Port Jimmy 6 Addicted to Rust Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Abbeville SC Posts: 1,030	Re: LSx conversion radiator? The cooler has to be opposite the hoses. The tank has a divider in it to force the coolant to go across the radiator, otherwise it would just got straight from one hose to the other. Jay __________________ Current trucks: (48 GMC100 320 inliner) Gone (48 Suburban in pieces) Sold 87 GMC CCSB 5.3 4l60E Daily Driver ECTA National record holder XO/PP We never really grow up, we just learn how to act in public.

04-01-2010, 09:41 PM	#17
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: LSx conversion radiator? thanks Jay! i just learned that! i'm going to have to route the cooler lines across the core support some how. i found a really nice radiator with efans, inlet/outlet pass side, tranny cooler, and steam line vent for a great price. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123 __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

04-01-2010, 10:53 PM	#18
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: LSx conversion radiator? now i just need to figure if its better for the tranny lines on the passengerside or the inlet on pass side!?!?!?!! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

04-02-2010, 11:08 AM	#19
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: LSx conversion radiator? Get in touch with "Be Cool" and they will make you what you want or they may even have one already. http://www.becool.com/ They set me up with a radiator and fans for my 68 that I am putting a Gen III motor into. __________________ Frank

04-02-2010, 11:18 AM	#20
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: LSx conversion radiator? ^^^I think Dennis already pulled the trigger on the Ebay fan. Looks like a good piece. Let us know what you think after you receive it. __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

04-02-2010, 06:48 PM	#21
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: LSx conversion radiator? i did! for a third of the price of the be cool. i'll def. let everyone know how i like it and how well it does its job! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

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