Correct Radiator For Swap
Correct Radiator For Swap Hello,
I'm swapping a 5.3 / 4l60e from a 2003 truck into a 1978 aerocoupe. Nothing fancy, just a straight swap. I'm going to be getting a new radiator, condenser and using a separate transmission cooler and switching to electric fans. I'm thinking because I'm going to be running a trans cooler, I can order a universal fit radiator for a manual transmission and not have to block off the trans cooler part of the radiator. Am I thinking of this correctly? Also, I'm not yet familiar with the purpose of the steam line, but I've heard of it and suppose I should get a radiator that has a provision for it.
I found this radiator which seems to fit my criteria. Would this be a correct unit for what I have listed above?
http://www.griffinrad.com/load_detai..._id=8-00010-LS
Thanks,
Brandon
I'm swapping a 5.3 / 4l60e from a 2003 truck into a 1978 aerocoupe. Nothing fancy, just a straight swap. I'm going to be getting a new radiator, condenser and using a separate transmission cooler and switching to electric fans. I'm thinking because I'm going to be running a trans cooler, I can order a universal fit radiator for a manual transmission and not have to block off the trans cooler part of the radiator. Am I thinking of this correctly? Also, I'm not yet familiar with the purpose of the steam line, but I've heard of it and suppose I should get a radiator that has a provision for it.
I found this radiator which seems to fit my criteria. Would this be a correct unit for what I have listed above?
http://www.griffinrad.com/load_detai..._id=8-00010-LS
Thanks,
Brandon
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 526
I like using a dual pass radiator. I places the inlet and outlet on the passenger side. I just put a 31' x 19" dual pass in my 68 C10. Made by AFCO. About $250. Had a vent fitting welded in. Charged me $20 to do the welding. The aluminum bung was $5.
You can drill/tap the water pump for the steam line, or route it to the upper hose, if you don't want to hassle with having one welded to the radiator itself.
I just installed a single-pass Griffin with the exact dimensions, and it keeps my swap cool even in 100°+ and Vintage Air on high. If that one fits, you should be good to go.
I just installed a single-pass Griffin with the exact dimensions, and it keeps my swap cool even in 100°+ and Vintage Air on high. If that one fits, you should be good to go.
Neither Caprice, nor Impala were ever an Aerocoupe. Chevy did use the name on some of the 86-87 Monte SS models, and something back in the 50s but not your car. FYI.
The replacement radiator for an 89 Caprice will have the smaller upper hose fit (78 was a bigger upper hose) and will more than likely fit your 78; check the dimensions.
It looks like the heater hose fitting up top is there, which can be used for a steam line bleed off too. The late model plastic aluminum single row style will have enough capacity for your build, as well. Beyond that budget friendly choice, the sky is the limit.
The replacement radiator for an 89 Caprice will have the smaller upper hose fit (78 was a bigger upper hose) and will more than likely fit your 78; check the dimensions.
It looks like the heater hose fitting up top is there, which can be used for a steam line bleed off too. The late model plastic aluminum single row style will have enough capacity for your build, as well. Beyond that budget friendly choice, the sky is the limit.
Last edited by jmd; Jun 4, 2018 at 03:29 PM.
Thanks for the replies. Griffin has been around a while and I feel as though if something goes wrong I can trust them to take care of the situation.
1977-1979 Impala and Caprice Coupes has a wraparound rear window which was used in Nascar, as did the Monte Carlos. Although it looks similar in design, it is not the same window.
1977-1979 Impala and Caprice Coupes has a wraparound rear window which was used in Nascar, as did the Monte Carlos. Although it looks similar in design, it is not the same window.
