47-55.1 What Radiator for LS Swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Laid_Out_50 · 03-23-2020, 12:49 AM

I just finished up my LS 6.0L swaps do need a new radiator. I previously had a Buick 401 engine but I don’t remember what size radiator I had. So my question is should I run a 2,3 or 4 row radiator. Also do I want to mount the electric fan on the front or on the back of the radiator?

**mr48chev** · 03-23-2020, 02:56 AM

I've got one of these stashed away for my 48 that I thought I'd already have running.

http://www.speedcooling.com/1948-195...-Radiator.html

It's a beast of a radiator and looks right as far as aluminum goes. Shipping weight in the box is 55 lbs so it isn't some flimsy thing

They also have the same radiator with your choice of electric fans and shroud if that is something you might need.

**mongocanfly** · 03-23-2020, 09:09 AM

If you had a 401 in it and it cooled it, then you should have no problem with the LS..
as far as the fan, I prefer to pull thru the radiator, not push...how much room do you have between radiator and water pump?..
Also be sure you fill the LS engine thru the top radiator hose when you hook everything up..making sure the engine is full before you hook the hose up

**jweb** · 03-23-2020, 12:52 PM

You want to run a puller fan if possible, they are way more efficient. Just be sure to buy a SPAL or other high quality fan.

As far as radiators you have many options, if you still have the one from your previous engine it will cool the LS. If the stock hose locations will work, you can use a Champion radiator. If you want an LS specific radiator, I used a Superior and I'm very happy with it. See links for both below.

Champion: https://www.jegs.com/i/Champion+Cool...xoCkmcQAvD_BwE

Superior:
https://www.wwwsuperiorradiator.com/...60_chevy_truck

Jedema · 03-25-2020, 07:13 AM

those are some gorgeous options for a radiator. My LS will be very cool with one of these baby's. Have you had to change up the Thermostat neck to make it work?

**jweb** · 03-25-2020, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedema

those are some gorgeous options for a radiator. My LS will be very cool with one of these baby's. Have you had to change up the Thermostat neck to make it work?

I did install a swivel housing that is pointed down. Then I just have a short 90 for a hose.

03-23-2020, 12:49 AM	#1
Laid_Out_50 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bay Area Cali Posts: 270	What Radiator for LS Swap I just finished up my LS 6.0L swaps do need a new radiator. I previously had a Buick 401 engine but I don’t remember what size radiator I had. So my question is should I run a 2,3 or 4 row radiator. Also do I want to mount the electric fan on the front or on the back of the radiator?

03-23-2020, 02:56 AM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: What Radiator for LS Swap I've got one of these stashed away for my 48 that I thought I'd already have running. http://www.speedcooling.com/1948-195...-Radiator.html It's a beast of a radiator and looks right as far as aluminum goes. Shipping weight in the box is 55 lbs so it isn't some flimsy thing They also have the same radiator with your choice of electric fans and shroud if that is something you might need. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

03-23-2020, 09:09 AM	#3
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,671	Re: What Radiator for LS Swap If you had a 401 in it and it cooled it, then you should have no problem with the LS.. as far as the fan, I prefer to pull thru the radiator, not push...how much room do you have between radiator and water pump?.. Also be sure you fill the LS engine thru the top radiator hose when you hook everything up..making sure the engine is full before you hook the hose up __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

03-23-2020, 12:52 PM	#4
jweb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,208	Re: What Radiator for LS Swap You want to run a puller fan if possible, they are way more efficient. Just be sure to buy a SPAL or other high quality fan. As far as radiators you have many options, if you still have the one from your previous engine it will cool the LS. If the stock hose locations will work, you can use a Champion radiator. If you want an LS specific radiator, I used a Superior and I'm very happy with it. See links for both below. Champion: https://www.jegs.com/i/Champion+Cool...xoCkmcQAvD_BwE Superior: https://www.wwwsuperiorradiator.com/...60_chevy_truck __________________ 1951 Truck, LS1/4L60 1964 Suburban, current project 2014 Silverado daily driver 1953 Westerner "canned ham" trailer, rebuilt 1974 Prowler trailer, rebuilt

03-25-2020, 07:13 AM	#5
Jedema Registered User Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Hudsonville Posts: 11	Re: What Radiator for LS Swap those are some gorgeous options for a radiator. My LS will be very cool with one of these baby's. Have you had to change up the Thermostat neck to make it work?

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