Radiator R&R and upgrade, OEM + ?
 

My rad in my 90 c1500 pos/project took a dive.....I eventually want to swap to an LS 5.3/6.0 -4l80e, it has a 4.3 5spd in it now.

I was wondering what would be the way to go on replacing the leaking rad with something that I could use on both the 4.3 for now and still be adequate for the eventual LS/Auto?

Is there an OEM solution, 454 rad,5.7 vortec years, 2500+ radiator, etc etc etc?

I've read horror stories about the cheap full aluminium one of ebay and the like, and the plastic china replicas breaking at the upper bung/hose on the tank.

TIA

Re: Radiator R&R and upgrade, OEM + ?
 

The cores are different widths between the ranks. You can go bigger, but you’ll need a fan shroud that will fit the core of the radiator, and the cooling fan.

Re: Radiator R&R and upgrade, OEM + ?
 

I've replaced several V6 GM trucks with one I got from Oriellys for like $100. Never had an issue with anything on them. For that Price I would just replace it, and work out the detials later for what will work whent you engine swap.

Re: Radiator R&R and upgrade, OEM + ?
 

Ranks should be tanks in my last post.

Re: Radiator R&R and upgrade, OEM + ?
 

Upgrade to the biggest oem one you can fit. I put the 4 row oem style autozone lifetime warranty one in my 98 to replace the 2 row and I literally can't get it to go 10* over the thermostat opening temp in AZ 118* heat in traffic. Bigger is better in this case.

Re: Radiator R&R and upgrade, OEM + ?
 

I installed an O'reilly's factory replacement about 4K miles ago. So far so good. As said above, it's relatively cheap and works. Worry about the LS radiator when you get there.