Will this radiator work for my '81 with a small block chevy?

[Hazieview]

Spectra Premium Ind/RadiatorFor your 1981 Chevrolet Truck C10 1/2 ton P/U 2WD 5.7L 4BL 8cylPart Number:
433730
Price:$162.99
AVAILABILITY:STORE PICK UP SPECIAL ORDERVisit your local store to special order.SHIP TO HOMEAVAILABLEShips within 2 business days.Features & Benefits

Built to meet or exceed all OE specifications. Validated for fit, form, and function.
Part Number: 433730
Weight: 25.6 lbs
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Notes: Heavy duty cooling2 rows, 28 1/4" x 19" x 2 1/2" core size
Description: Radiator
Core Type: Aluminum
Tank Material: Plastic
Number of Rows: 2
Core Size: 28 1/4 in. x 19 in. x 2 1/2 in.
Inlet Header: 3 1/2 in. x 20 7/8 in.
Outlet Header: 3 1/2 in. x 20 7/8 in.
Inlet Diameter: 1 5/16 in.
Outlet Diameter: 1 9/16 in.
Engine Oil Cooler: None
Transmission Oil Cooler: 8 1/2 in. (5 plate)
Shipping Information: Overnight and Two Day shipping are not available for PO Box, APO/FPO/DPO or US Territory addresses.

[gchemist]

Yes. Why not install a bb radiator? You can easily change the mounting bracket and rubber bushings.
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[Hazieview]

I dont see why I would really need a big block radiator.... I'm going to have to run electric fans anyway but if a big block radiator would be better then I would consider it. I'ver heard people mention it but I dont know if I need it you know.

[swb85]

That is a big block radiator. Yes it will fit but you need bbc pads & brackets. I run the same rad in my truck and it works good. That is the same part you'll get from any parts shack if you ask for a stock replacement for a big block truck w/heavy duty cooling.....it's the aluminum version of a 4 row copper/brass radiator.

[Hazieview]

Originally Posted by swb85

That is a big block radiator. Yes it will fit but you need bbc pads & brackets. I run the same rad in my truck and it works good. That is the same part you'll get from any parts shack if you ask for a stock replacement for a big block truck w/heavy duty cooling.....it's the aluminum version of a 4 row copper/brass radiator.

It says this radiator is for a 5.7 which is a small block. So is this radiator the same as the big block or something?

[gchemist]

We live in Texas!! You'll need a BB radiator if you plan to run electric fans. You'll need the biggest fans you can get if you have A/C. Block off the gap between the condensor and radiator. Max air flow is necessary across the condensor for A/C. I run a BB aluminum radiator with dual LS1 fans.

[Hazieview]

Originally Posted by gchemist

We live in Texas!! You'll need a BB radiator if you plan to run electric fans. You'll need the biggest fans you can get if you have A/C. Block off the gap between the condensor and radiator. Max air flow is necessary across the condensor for A/C. I run a BB aluminum radiator with dual LS1 fans.

What radiator do you run? Where'd you get your fans? Got any pictures? Thanks!

[bmchevy1979]

Not a 100 % but if its like 73-80 a 5.7 w/ A/C, Heavy duty cooling is the same rad as your standard big block rad

[swb85]

Originally Posted by bmchevy1979

Not a 100 % but if its like 73-80 a 5.7 w/ A/C, Heavy duty cooling is the same rad as your standard big block rad

Not sure on the years either, but that's correct.......some a/c 350's got heavy duty (big block) rads

[terryj]

You might try looking for a 4 core radiator about the same size as the stock one, it will provide more cooling than the 2 core shown in your post. The cost may be a little higher however, in the long run I think it will perform better.

[swb85]

Originally Posted by terryj

You might try looking for a 4 core radiator about the same size as the stock one, it will provide more cooling than the 2 core shown in your post. The cost may be a little higher however, in the long run I think it will perform better.

An aluminum 2 core with 1" tubes will cool more efficiently than a copper/brass 4 core with their smaller tubes.

[terryj]

Originally Posted by swb85

An aluminum 2 core with 1" tubes will cool more efficiently than a copper/brass 4 core with their smaller tubes.

Thanks for the information, I'll remember that when it comes time to replace my radiator

[gchemist]

Here is my setup.


I'll probably remove the LS1 fans next year. I'm upgrading to a Mark VIII or Jeep fan. I plan to use the dual speed fan. Low for A/C and high for cooling. http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...cfan/index.php

I run my engine hot. The ZZ4 aluminum heads like heat. Best performance on MPG is near 195. I run a thermal switch on the fans now. The fans turn on at 205. Turn off at 190. The temps are not great for A/C!! I'm upgrading to a crossflow condensor too.

[Hazieview]

So I should go with the radiator I picked out I think. Right?

Any suggestions on which fans to get for my particular radiator?

unfortunately autozone is the closest auto part store to me...