I just discovered my stock LS1 radiator will not fit my 72 Chevelle without some modifications to the support. Can any of you who have installed LS1's into any Chevys recommend a manufacturer and part number of a radiator and fans that should fit a space of 17 inches tall and 34 inches wide? thanks.

 

Why not use the stock Chevelle radiator?

 

use a be cool #80008 and you may have to adapt hose sizes, but this kit is gaurunteed to cool 700hp, comes with fans, relays, wiring, billet overflow, brackets, radiator cap, everything except hoses and fluid this kit is specific for 68-77 chevelle, direct bolt it

 

Thanks for the replies so far. I saw the Be Cool setup. Real nice but $1200 is a little out of my budget.

My options so far:

1) Use the stock radiator that already fits the Chevelle. Cheaper but most don't seem to come with electric fan attachments. Would have to fab something up. Also the stock radiators are older technology and this car is going to see some real heat (115 deg summers).

2) Use one of the newer and more expensive 3 or 4 core radiators. Might be overkill but see earlier comment on summer temps. Will require a mod to the radiator support sheet metal for a thicker radiator and I'm concered the thicker radiator and fan might not fit in front of the engine.

3) Use the LS1 radiator and fan setup I already have. Advantage is interoperability with engine and I already have the parts. Disadvantage is it will require radiator support sheet metal mods as well and would extend below bumper exposing it to potential damage.

I'll figure out what I'll do in the next couple of days. Thanks again.

 

Most companies like Griffin, Ron David, Evans Cooling, offer "universal" radiators. Just pick the one that most closely matches the size of your stock radiator. The universals are relatively inexpensive, around 200 bucks usually. I would think a 19X28 should fit well. If you want, I can measure my BeCool radiator in my GTO and let you know what the exact size is.

Andrew

 

I went with the Be Cool set up. I had them build a chevelle radiator with the fittings size/location to match the LS1. It wasn't cheap but for the convienence of being able to bolt it in and get hoses from any parts store, I think it was worth $900.

 

the kit runs 1010.99 from ramchargers, if that is out of your budget, what is in it? maybe i can find you a substitute

 

oh, universal a body radiators can be anywhere from 31x19 to 33x19

 

I'm with JohnB. Unless you just want a aftermarket unit i would check the local parts store for stock replacement. This is what i done on my 79 elcamino conversion. Something like $84 and even had a threaded fitting under top radiator hose where i reduced down in size and connected the purge lines. I have the engine temps set at on 205 and off 198. I let the engine idle until it comes up to where the fan comes on and it takes 50 seconds to pull the motor back down to 198 and the fan cuts off. That sold me on the job the radiator does, but my motor is stock.