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12-29-2016, 12:19 AM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 2,326
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Best radiator
I know this has been beaten to death but posts I find are old. I have a 1979 c10 with a 375 hp 350. I have a 3 core right now and it has a crack in each tank. I am going to look at having it repaired but it is over 25 years old. What is the best bang for the buck if I go to buy a new one?
Thanks
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Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart  My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE |
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12-29-2016, 08:20 AM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Guntersville Alabama
Posts: 1,073
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Re: Best radiator
Summit has some nice brass ones that will fit . If the one in my 82 has problems thats what I will be doing . Looks like oem and direct fit as well or very close .
I am not a fan of the alum/plastic end ones you get from the parts store . But it may give you your bang for the buck your looking for . |
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12-29-2016, 02:51 PM
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Posts: 770
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Re: Best radiator
I got one from napa, 4 row if I remember correctly. I'm happy with it, 135 bucks and a lifetime warranty... it's aluminum with plastic tanks.
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1979  Sierra Classic Heavy-half1996 Silverado x-cab "the daily" |
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12-29-2016, 02:53 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Good Thunder Mn.
Posts: 955
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Re: Best radiator
I have used a couple of spectra premium radiators. The seem to fit good, and cool very well.
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77 k10 winter beater build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=716884 85 GMC short fleet budget build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714222 80 C10 stepside build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693848 |
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12-29-2016, 06:11 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,189
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Re: Best radiator
An old reference, but I was a brass/copper fan until they had repeated leaks here in the desert southwest. The cheap Spectra plastic/aluminum radiator I installed not long ago is better, IMHO. It is just a thicker 2 core and works fine with my 454.
As previously posted, I replaced the plastic/aluminum original radiator in my 2002 Cavalier last year after it had 146,000 miles of desert usage. It had no leaks, it was just clogged up and was causing overheating. I think 14 years of use is a good testament to plastic/aluminum. You will likely find that getting a good repair on your radiator won't be cheap, and an aftermarket copper/brass will be about $450 or so. All aluminum is not a sure fix either. My friend has an Champion aluminum radiator and he has had fitting leaks and an undetermined coolant loss on that one. Spend $100 on a plastic/aluminum and see how it works. Just don't torque down the radiator clamps too tight, since plastic is not very forgiving of this. |
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12-31-2016, 12:54 AM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: greenville sc
Posts: 558
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Re: Best radiator
best is to record your original if you have it
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12-31-2016, 07:34 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 2,326
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Re: Best radiator
Repair estimate is $50-$75 for the two holes could be more. Won't know until I drop it off for inspection.
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Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE |
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12-31-2016, 08:11 PM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Posts: 1,056
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Re: Best radiator
I would say get an all-aluminum double or triple pass radiator depending on what motor you running with
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