Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hazieview · 11-01-2010, 02:11 PM

I have a beefed up sb 400 with a 350th trani. i already bought a trani cooler from summit racing.

Just wondering what radiator I should go with. I want an aluminum radiator with electric fans.

I do not have AC yet but I will be getting it in the future so for now I'm removing the condensor but I will be getting another one.

If you have an opinion on which AC condensor to get that would help be out as well.

thanks guys!

(motor is together, trani is together, gas tank being put in today, almost there!)

Hazieview · 11-01-2010, 02:14 PM

thought about this one from autozone.

Part Number: 438161
Weight: 13.85 lbs
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Application: With automatic transmission
With A/C

Notes: 1 row, 28 1/4" x 17" x 1 1/4" core size.
Description: Radiator
Core Type: Aluminum
Tank Material: Plastic
Number of Rows: 1
Core Size: 28 1/4 in. x 17 in. x 1 1/4 in.
Inlet Header: 2 3/4 in. x 18 5/8 in.
Outlet Header: 2 3/4 in. x 18 5/8 in.
Inlet Diameter: 1 5/16 in.
Outlet Diameter: 1 9/16 in.
Engine Oil Cooler: None
Transmission Oil Cooler: 8 1/2 in. (concentric)
Shipping Information: Overnight and Two Day shipping are not available for PO Box, APO/FPO/DPO or US Territory addresses.

Restrorob · 11-01-2010, 02:56 PM

It may be worth checking this place out, I've bought 4 from them for my different vehicles.....

http://www.radiatorbarn.com/search.php?product=radiator

gchemist · 11-02-2010, 12:00 AM

Buy a same year 454 radiator. You'll need it if you plan on running electric fans.

Hazieview · 11-02-2010, 08:52 PM

Why do you think I need a big block radiator?

gchemist · 11-03-2010, 01:13 AM

It's hot here!! Trust me. I've run a 454 radiator for several years with electric fans and A/C. Buy a crossflow condensor. Crossflow work better for R134 conversions.

Hazieview · 11-03-2010, 06:25 AM

How many 'rows' do I need?

Should I get the one that says 'with AC' since I'm going to have it in the future?

What do I need to look for when is says transmission cooler? I already have an aftermarket transmission cooler so how do I know if I'm getting the right size?

gchemist · 11-03-2010, 08:39 PM

Go Orielly's. If you buy a condensor, it should be a crossflow condensor. You will need to cover the gap. The gap between condensor and radiator will have to be closed. If not, your A/C will struggle at idle and low speeds. You need as much airflow to flow across the condensor. I run two coolers. The radiator cooler and external cooler.

11-01-2010, 02:11 PM	#1
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 I have a beefed up sb 400 with a 350th trani. i already bought a trani cooler from summit racing. Just wondering what radiator I should go with. I want an aluminum radiator with electric fans. I do not have AC yet but I will be getting it in the future so for now I'm removing the condensor but I will be getting another one. If you have an opinion on which AC condensor to get that would help be out as well. thanks guys! (motor is together, trani is together, gas tank being put in today, almost there!)

11-01-2010, 02:14 PM	#2
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Re: Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 thought about this one from autozone. Part Number: 438161 Weight: 13.85 lbs Warranty: Limited Lifetime Application: With automatic transmission With A/C Notes: 1 row, 28 1/4" x 17" x 1 1/4" core size. Description: Radiator Core Type: Aluminum Tank Material: Plastic Number of Rows: 1 Core Size: 28 1/4 in. x 17 in. x 1 1/4 in. Inlet Header: 2 3/4 in. x 18 5/8 in. Outlet Header: 2 3/4 in. x 18 5/8 in. Inlet Diameter: 1 5/16 in. Outlet Diameter: 1 9/16 in. Engine Oil Cooler: None Transmission Oil Cooler: 8 1/2 in. (concentric) Shipping Information: Overnight and Two Day shipping are not available for PO Box, APO/FPO/DPO or US Territory addresses.

11-01-2010, 02:56 PM	#3
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 It may be worth checking this place out, I've bought 4 from them for my different vehicles..... http://www.radiatorbarn.com/search.php?product=radiator __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

11-02-2010, 12:00 AM	#4
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 Buy a same year 454 radiator. You'll need it if you plan on running electric fans. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

11-02-2010, 08:52 PM	#5
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Re: Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 Why do you think I need a big block radiator?

11-03-2010, 01:13 AM	#6
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 It's hot here!! Trust me. I've run a 454 radiator for several years with electric fans and A/C. Buy a crossflow condensor. Crossflow work better for R134 conversions. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

11-03-2010, 06:25 AM	#7
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Re: Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 How many 'rows' do I need? Should I get the one that says 'with AC' since I'm going to have it in the future? What do I need to look for when is says transmission cooler? I already have an aftermarket transmission cooler so how do I know if I'm getting the right size?

11-03-2010, 08:39 PM	#8
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Which aluminum radiator for my '81 with sb400 Go Orielly's. If you buy a condensor, it should be a crossflow condensor. You will need to cover the gap. The gap between condensor and radiator will have to be closed. If not, your A/C will struggle at idle and low speeds. You need as much airflow to flow across the condensor. I run two coolers. The radiator cooler and external cooler. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos



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