small block to big block radiator

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spanky55amg

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I have purchased a big block replacement radiator. I was told that I needed to switch out the brackets, but I have the over-the-top bolt brackets. Looking at LMC, they dont have specific mounts for 81-87 454 brackets. LMC does show 81-87 support pads (9). Are the brackets the same?

I know I will need the shroud (5) and panel (16).
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Frankenchevy

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The support pads are the rubber bits. The other part necessary is like #11. Even though those listed are for 305 & 350, my diesel radiator had something similar on top.
 

shiftpro

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And the support pads are listed, 0972.

When having trouble finding your part, cross reference and just look at the applications vs the part #... it's easy to fill in the blanks
when you see the same part # on several applications. Just the way I navigate through parts catalogs.
 

shiftpro

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Funny I noticed the 400 shares the same big ass rad as the 454...
What heat issues...?:Good or Bad:
 

shiftpro

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Say "big ass rad' three times as fast as you can.
 

bucket

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The top panel #16 doesn't use the little brackets, as the pads attach right to it.
 

Craig 85

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Here's what my 454 radiator set up looks like. Let me know if you need more pictures.

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spanky55amg

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Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh

Thanks @bucket and @Craig 85.

I was assuming it was two different parts like the small blocks.... That makes sense.

So just 16, shroud, and 4 pads.

Thanks y'all.
 

rpcraft

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Funny I noticed the 400 shares the same big ass rad as the 454...
What heat issues...?:Good or Bad:


Probably because the general knew about it's penchant for running hot.
 

82silverado01

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Glad I found this post. Radiator leaking so I’m replacing it. Since motor is changed from 305 to 350 I thought I should get heavy duty radiator. I think I may have same problem with my top brackets being about an inch too short. Did that part (16) from LMC work out for you? If you have 350, did you really need to change shroud too or would your old one have been ok?
 

Honky Kong jr

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What is so damn hard about just making your own parts? Unless your doing a Concourse restoration on it who gives a ****. I’m sure anything you make will be better then the Chinese re-pop **** your gonna buy. It isn’t rocket science it ******* trucks.
 

yevgenievich

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I just made old brackets work on my swap. The hose is still a problem, the inlet on my radiator is a little larger than factory. In the second picture can see how much metal was added as it was still just tacked in place for a test fit.
Other issue is the fan and shroud placement. Fan moved from ideal location to just barely inside the shroud, which is less than ideal but still okish.
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Honky Kong jr

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rpcraft

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what's the donor on that shroud? Looks nice and tight on that Rad!
 

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