GonHuntin

iTrader: (2)

I'm working on getting my '68 back on the road after sitting for several years and I'm in need of a new radiator. I am currently running a first gen small block, but may do an LS swap next year (already have the motor and trans).

Don't really want to buy a new radiator now and replace it if/when I do the LS swap, will a stock type 3 row '68 replacement radiator work with the LS??

sprech

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure, but in my '69 Firebird which now has an LQ9, I put in a 98-02 Camaro rad and dual fan setup. I know the top hose is drivers side and I believe bottom is passengers side. I used the Camaro hoses, but had to use a 6" adapter on the top hose to get it to work with the truck pump. I know this didn't directly answer your question, but hopefully there is enough info here to help you out.

GonHuntin

iTrader: (2)

Did you use the 98-02 radiator with a non LS motor???

Finding a radiator to work with the LS isn't a problem, finding one that will work with the first gen sbc now and with the LS later is the question.

sprech

iTrader: (1)

No, but the fitment was fine regardless of the motor, I don't recall where the inlet and outlet are on the original rad compared to the new rad, but my thought is that it may be possible to use a 98-02 radiator if the hoses are modified. Not sure what would have to be done, but if the end state is going to be an LS motor, it may not be that bad to make hoses that will connect the new rad to the sbc until you can do the swap.

CBM Motorsports

iTrader: (2)

When I did the swap in my 2nd gen Camaro, I used a Griffin aluminum radiator. I also used it for a few months before the swap. It was the same dimensions as the stock radiator. It worked fine for both the old 383 and the new iron block 6.0. Hope that helps.

GonHuntin

iTrader: (2)

Thanks…...Were the hoses the same size, or did you have to adapt them?

Blowerman

I can tell you that the stock 69 camaro radiator can keep a 496 BBC cool in Texas.
Have you priced a copper and brass radiator lately? Hold on to your Arss!

GonHuntin

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking at this one at Oreilly's.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...yword=radiator

Thoughts??

sprech

iTrader: (1)

From a price perspective, I paid just over $200 for the 98-02 rad and fans on Amazon and I see the rad in the link is just about $200 itself.

GonHuntin

iTrader: (2)

I already have the fans from the '02 trans am donor car, I have the radiator too, but it was damaged in the wreck and leaks (still in the car).

If the one I posted will work, I'd rather use it, I won't have to fabricate mounts and the factory shroud will work while I'm running the gen 1 SBC. Don't think it would be too difficult to adapt the fans to the earlier style radiator if/when I do the LS conversion.

CBM Motorsports

iTrader: (2)

The lower hose was the same size on the 383 and the LS. I think I used the same hose as well. The top hose was different. The outlet on the LS was smaller then the 383 and in a different spot. That required a hose that was smaller on one end then the other. Pretty sure I got one from Summit. Do put an electric fan on! You will be more then happy. I had a single 12" and it worked just fine. Going with factory Camaro fans wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Blowerman

That's a good price. I've seen them for about $400. That's what I would go with. Worst case you would would have to adapt to your hoses.

GonHuntin

iTrader: (2)

Thanks to everyone for the input.