Radiators - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ziegelsteinfaust · 08-18-2021, 04:51 PM

What is the biggest radiator I can fit into a C10 with out more mods?

This is the radiator I have now. The spectra cu730 radiator 20 1/4 x 28 core. Apparently when my 350 went thermonuclear it expanded the plastic tank, and ripped the seal.

I am looking at a these radiators from Summit.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f.../c10/year/1983
And
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s.../c10/year/1983

Which are about the biggest on a budget I am comfortable with ones I can get quickly.

Looking for other options or opinions before I pull the trigger

Thanks.

84 400 · 08-18-2021, 05:19 PM

Since its for an 83 you could always fit a radiator ment for a 6.2 diesel. They are huge but came factory in these trucks so you can use stock brackets and shroud… might have to make your own hoses tho

Ziegelsteinfaust · 08-18-2021, 06:01 PM

Thanks, and I looked them up.

Appartently the one I have supercedes the diesel one, and is the biggest one listed. I checked rock auto, auto zone, and summit racing. Along with Google generic searches. The summit racing ones are inline with the diesel optional performance, and the 454. From what I could tell.

Plus the Radiator Lady couldn't get ahold of one due to covid supply issues, and she recommended atleast a 1.5 to 2" core for piece of mind.

I will splurge, and get a nicer one vs a parts store replacement. As I want this engine to last, and I will work it.

SCOTI · 08-24-2021, 06:15 PM

Type of cooling fan set-up plays big when changing radiators so keep that in mind.

The thinner cores work better for electric fans & aluminum radiators.
The thicker brass cores are better suited for a standard cooling set-up w/an engine driven fan.

Axle · 08-27-2021, 08:43 AM

You already have the big rad (CU730) The aluminum/plastic one is the "super core" or whatever spectra terms the core. And yes, it does a better job than the old brass/copper rads with the full width 4-core that it replaces.

Ziegelsteinfaust · 08-28-2021, 05:54 PM

I didn't realize that as I remember bigger radiators from the factory.

I got a 4 core summit version for the truck. Which should work very well as it holds alot of water.

Right now I am stuck on a bad points replacement module. I should have a new one tomorrow.

08-18-2021, 04:51 PM	#1
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,561	Radiators What is the biggest radiator I can fit into a C10 with out more mods? This is the radiator I have now. The spectra cu730 radiator 20 1/4 x 28 core. Apparently when my 350 went thermonuclear it expanded the plastic tank, and ripped the seal. I am looking at a these radiators from Summit. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f.../c10/year/1983 And https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s.../c10/year/1983 Which are about the biggest on a budget I am comfortable with ones I can get quickly. Looking for other options or opinions before I pull the trigger Thanks.

08-18-2021, 05:19 PM	#2
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,741	Re: Radiators Since its for an 83 you could always fit a radiator ment for a 6.2 diesel. They are huge but came factory in these trucks so you can use stock brackets and shroud… might have to make your own hoses tho __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

08-18-2021, 06:01 PM	#3
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,561	Re: Radiators Thanks, and I looked them up. Appartently the one I have supercedes the diesel one, and is the biggest one listed. I checked rock auto, auto zone, and summit racing. Along with Google generic searches. The summit racing ones are inline with the diesel optional performance, and the 454. From what I could tell. Plus the Radiator Lady couldn't get ahold of one due to covid supply issues, and she recommended atleast a 1.5 to 2" core for piece of mind. I will splurge, and get a nicer one vs a parts store replacement. As I want this engine to last, and I will work it.

08-24-2021, 06:15 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,910	Re: Radiators Type of cooling fan set-up plays big when changing radiators so keep that in mind. The thinner cores work better for electric fans & aluminum radiators. The thicker brass cores are better suited for a standard cooling set-up w/an engine driven fan. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-27-2021, 08:43 AM	#5
Axle Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SW Ontario Posts: 1,199	Re: Radiators You already have the big rad (CU730) The aluminum/plastic one is the "super core" or whatever spectra terms the core. And yes, it does a better job than the old brass/copper rads with the full width 4-core that it replaces.

08-28-2021, 05:54 PM	#6
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,561	Re: Radiators I didn't realize that as I remember bigger radiators from the factory. I got a 4 core summit version for the truck. Which should work very well as it holds alot of water. Right now I am stuck on a bad points replacement module. I should have a new one tomorrow.



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