taylor8907

Hey guys,

I was doing research trying to sort out what radiator I should use for my 66 GTO convertible. It looks like the best option is to have the inlet and outlet both on the passenger side. Also not sure if anyone found ones that would work that have a trans cooler built in or if guys are going separate. But right now I am kind of at a loss, the one that Chuck Hanson was using in his ls swap videos is way out of budget, so if anyone knows of any budget options please let me know.

We have a 4.8 lsx in the car for reference.

Thanks in advance.
-Allan

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

If you have a good radiator, why not keep it? GM uses a long upper hose that crosses over to drivers side.

taylor8907

Radiator was trashed so it has to be replaced anyway.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

Well if price is a factor, consider a universal aluminum (Northern, Griffin, etc). Can be set up with cross flow or double pass. I would recommend the built in trans cooler rather than external. It heats fluid as well as cools it.
Both Griffin and Northern make double pass with auto trans cooler.
Griffin lets you "build your own" on their website.
Northern have ones for LS like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Northern-205183-Muscle-Car-55-57-Chev-Ls-1-Double-Pass-In-Out-Right-Radiator-/321249712293?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4acbf998a5&vxp=mtr

1989GTA

On my 1965 Skylark I got the radiator with the inlets and outlets on the passenger side. The reason for that is because I made up a nice cold air box the fits on the drivers side.

kwhizz

Order a Griffin...............

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

A low buck option is the C4 Corvette radiator (look up the dimensions to make sure it fits). It has the same inlet and outlet hose dimensions as the LS engine and is light weight and inexpensive.

Andrew

Geoff1200

Summit has a Direct Fit system for under $700 (manual) a bit more for auto. Griffin radiator and dual Spal fans...

GimmeLSx

iTrader: (4)

I don't think you are going to find one with the radiator cooler built in if you have to have the inlet and outlet on the same side. On my '68 Chevelle, I am using the factory radiator and have had zero issues with cooling the 6.0, so you could pick up a stock replacement and be good without spending a ton of money. Another option would be to use an LS1 F-body or Corvette radiator, then use the respective stock hoses.

Mikes64

Just recently saw a external trans cooler with a electric fan in front of the radiator, was in a 70 Nova, stock radiator also with ele. fans. Another options I guess.

Geoff1200

Summit's LS radiator has trans cooler on drivers side...

RicOtt

My son an I built a 66 GTO with the 6.0 LS engine. We used a 2000 Camaro radiator and Fans. I also used Dirty dingo water pump spacer brackets and a 2000 Camaro water pump on the Truck spacing. This setup works great, and I'm currently doing it in my 1955 Chevy Pickup with an LS engine. The radiator can be had new for about 120 and the fan setup is relatively easy to come by. I used the relays from a 2005? chevy pickup (had a standalone relay to run electric fans that year). Some fabricating was necessary on the bottom of the GTO radiator support to get it all to fit, but it is a great setup and CHEAP!

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

I have tried 3 different aluminum replacement radiators. They all seem to have the same problem. Where they fit in the saddles, the corners are too square. So they will not fit inside the rubber insulators. So, they require custom saddles on the bottom and a new custom radiator top plate.

The current radiator I have in the box ready to go in is from Radiators for less. It is the nicest of the 3 that I tried, but it will still require custom saddles and top plate.

toxic99

If looks aren't a huge deal, go 4th gen fbody radiator and fans. Light and the fans will keep it cool with 0 issues. Can get whole setup from junk yard cheap too. Even better is the v6 cars have same identical setup so finding them shouldn't be a problem. Jmo.

Russ K

iTrader: (1)

I used a Dewitts LS rad in a 1968 Chevelle that I'm installing an LS3. This rad has the trans cooler, both rad hoses and the steam vent tube all on the pass side.

The supplied insulators don't fit, but with the oem insulators, the rad fits perfectly.

Russ Kemp

Tom DeWitt

Why not? We custom made them just so they would fit and have sold thousands of them so far.

http://www.dewitts.com/collections/a...ustom-cushions

Russ K

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I got those cushions. But they do not fit the OEM small block top rad plate.

Russ Kemp

BoozrCruzr

iTrader: (2)

I run this one in my Can Am and it works great! $269

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1972-GM-A-BODY-WITH-LS-MOTOR-SWAP-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-LIFETIME-WARRANTY-/301308825738?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AChevelle&hash=item462767d08a&vxp=mtr

71ANTICARB

iTrader: (23)

I used a stock replacement BBC rad, with cooler in it (that I don't use).

71ANTICARB

iTrader: (23)

F-body accessories and hoses as well.