69 C10 Lt1 radiator question. Please school me

[bbobb]

I am in the process of dropping a Lt1 down in my 69 C10. I will also using the 4l60e tranny that is behind it and running a/c. My question is, will a 3 row provide the cooling i need or should i go with a 4 row. Last but not least,is there a 3 or 4 row radiator year model with the a/c connections already built in that will do a direct bolt into my factory core support

Thanks for any and all help on this one

[6772owner]

I am not sure of the exact answer for you, but on my LT1 swap I used the factory radiator for a 96' Camaro (same as my engine came out of). I used this primarily because then I could use the factory LT1 fans/shroud and the radiator hoses for the Camaro worked as well. Now I will say that I dont think the radiator is large enough to cool the truck with a/c (which I dont have right now) or for heavy towing. I also dont think the transmission cooler is large enough because I had to add an aux cooler just to keep my 700R4 from burping ATF... I now have a trans temp gauge and frequently run over 210* when towing a small enclosed trailer.

I would probably either get a 3/4 row aluminum radiator or maybe the radiator for the modern trucks (99+ 1500 truck for example) they are apx 34" cores I think. Then you would have to use the e-fans for the 05+ trucks or make your own shroud to use whatever fans you want.

Just my .02 on this.... hope it helps at least a little bit.

[bbobb]

Originally Posted by 6772owner

I am not sure of the exact answer for you, but on my LT1 swap I used the factory radiator for a 96' Camaro (same as my engine came out of). I used this primarily because then I could use the factory LT1 fans/shroud and the radiator hoses for the Camaro worked as well. Now I will say that I dont think the radiator is large enough to cool the truck with a/c (which I dont have right now) or for heavy towing. I also dont think the transmission cooler is large enough because I had to add an aux cooler just to keep my 700R4 from burping ATF... I now have a trans temp gauge and frequently run over 210* when towing a small enclosed trailer.

I would probably either get a 3/4 row aluminum radiator or maybe the radiator for the modern trucks (99+ 1500 truck for example) they are apx 34" cores I think. Then you would have to use the e-fans for the 05+ trucks or make your own shroud to use whatever fans you want.



Just my .02 on this.... hope it helps at least a little bit.

I would have used the Camaro parts,but the donor took a direct hit to the front. I am hoping to use a oem with a external cooler if at all possible but not sure what route to go. Would be nice for the looks if a oem radiator with cooler connection would work out

[PanelDeland]

My 4 row(a replacement from O'Rielly's) came with a built in tanny cooler.I'm not certain where the water outlets are on the LT1 but if they are near the original location,they should work out thugh I'm not sure of hose diameter.It's all copper/brass OM style replacement and ran right at $200.

[6772owner]

I purchased my radiator and fans off of E-Bay because my donor was totalled as well. I paid around $80 for a brand new replacement radiator and I think around $100 for used LT1 fans w/shroud.

The problem with the LT1 is the coolant is reverse and smaller than the traditional SBC if I remember correctly. There is also the steam vent to the top of the radiator near the cap to consider, but that is easy to add to any radiator really.

Here's a pic of mine, I can get a better one if you would like, this is all I have at work.