Will a 4 core radiator work in my truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BiggSixx1970 · 06-03-2013, 01:23 AM

This all started a couple weeks back when I decided it would be a good idea to flush my cooling system. Thinking that was a good idea I shove a garden hose in my radiator, replace all my heating/radiator hoses, and flush everything out. After blowing all the rusty sediment out with the garden hose I figured I was doing my old truck a service.. WRONG!!!!!!

Upon flushing my system, replacing my hoses and thermostat, after some time, a few days my water pump began to weep.. I replaced the water pump this afternoon, thinking I had it whipped I fired my truck up for a test drive, only to yeild an overheat... My radiator is no longer circulating coolant it appears..

My buddy is a Buick guy, he has a couple of radiators laying around from his 1970 skylark he swapped from a 350 olds rocket to 455 olds big block. He has a 3 core which is slightly smaller than my radiator in my 1970 c20 with a 250 straight 6, and a 4 core that is slightly bigger than my stock radiator..

Here's the deal, the 3 core has what looks like heater hose hook ups on it that I wouldn't be able to do anything with.. The 4 core has an inlet and outlet, no other bs on it.. Would this 4 core work in my truck if it fits? Obviously coming up with a bracket might be an issue, but idk, thoughts? This 4 core is definitely bigger than the stock radiator currently in my truck, but there is room seeing as how they put big blocks in these things and I just have a little I6

Thank you all!

Xeen · 06-03-2013, 02:13 AM

Your issue will be wether or not the radiator is the right dimensions on height and width, the depth isnt as much of a concern, as long as your fan blades are half in and half out of the shroud it is fine.
The hookups on the 3-row is probably for automatic transmission or AC, which can both be plugged off with no issues.

BiggSixx1970 · 06-16-2013, 05:31 PM

To confirm for anyone else who may do this upgrade in the future.

Yes it will, It will drop right in, didn't even have to adjust the radiator mounts, but there was a difference in the inlet/outlet sizes, compensated for this problem with making a sleeve out of a smaller piece of radiator hose

06-03-2013, 01:23 AM	#1
BiggSixx1970 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 78	Will a 4 core radiator work in my truck? This all started a couple weeks back when I decided it would be a good idea to flush my cooling system. Thinking that was a good idea I shove a garden hose in my radiator, replace all my heating/radiator hoses, and flush everything out. After blowing all the rusty sediment out with the garden hose I figured I was doing my old truck a service.. WRONG!!!!!! Upon flushing my system, replacing my hoses and thermostat, after some time, a few days my water pump began to weep.. I replaced the water pump this afternoon, thinking I had it whipped I fired my truck up for a test drive, only to yeild an overheat... My radiator is no longer circulating coolant it appears.. My buddy is a Buick guy, he has a couple of radiators laying around from his 1970 skylark he swapped from a 350 olds rocket to 455 olds big block. He has a 3 core which is slightly smaller than my radiator in my 1970 c20 with a 250 straight 6, and a 4 core that is slightly bigger than my stock radiator.. Here's the deal, the 3 core has what looks like heater hose hook ups on it that I wouldn't be able to do anything with.. The 4 core has an inlet and outlet, no other bs on it.. Would this 4 core work in my truck if it fits? Obviously coming up with a bracket might be an issue, but idk, thoughts? This 4 core is definitely bigger than the stock radiator currently in my truck, but there is room seeing as how they put big blocks in these things and I just have a little I6 Thank you all! __________________ 1970 C20, SM465, Eaton Ho52, HD coils, NO PB/PS/AC, 250 I6, Wood bed. All original minus a tune up! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=545486 Gentlemen wear a bow tie.

06-03-2013, 02:13 AM	#2
Xeen Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Topeka Kansas Posts: 2,655	Re: Will a 4 core radiator work in my truck? Your issue will be wether or not the radiator is the right dimensions on height and width, the depth isnt as much of a concern, as long as your fan blades are half in and half out of the shroud it is fine. The hookups on the 3-row is probably for automatic transmission or AC, which can both be plugged off with no issues. __________________ Please call me Brian. Check out My 1972 SWB Fleetside 5.3L Vortec Restomod Build

06-16-2013, 05:31 PM	#3
BiggSixx1970 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 78	Re: Will a 4 core radiator work in my truck? To confirm for anyone else who may do this upgrade in the future. Yes it will, It will drop right in, didn't even have to adjust the radiator mounts, but there was a difference in the inlet/outlet sizes, compensated for this problem with making a sleeve out of a smaller piece of radiator hose __________________ 1970 C20, SM465, Eaton Ho52, HD coils, NO PB/PS/AC, 250 I6, Wood bed. All original minus a tune up! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=545486 Gentlemen wear a bow tie.



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