Radiator for my 83 GMC 305 with a/c recommendations

[83sierraclassic]

Looking for a quality radiator for my 83 GMC with 305 motor 2 wheel drive with a/c. I'm not very knowledgeable in whats good and what to stay away from. Thanks in advance.

 

[75gmck25]

Go to Rockauto.com and look at the standard radiator sizes for your truck. Then compare the dimensions to the one you have and decide what part number you are looking for. For example, my '75 GMC K25 with A/C uses the CU161 (28-1/4 x 17-1/4 x 1-1/4) which is the original size for a 3 row copper radiator. I can use any other radiator with same dimensions and hose fittings. Just remember that when you are measuring the radiator size you only measure the finned area (the core), not the side tanks or brackets on top.

If I swap in a thicker radiator I'll probably need new saddles (rubber pieces under the bottom) and if it's taller I may need a new bracket for the top. If it's wider it may not fit at all. When the radiators are listed as a 2 row or 3 row equivalent it usually means they are the same size as a 2 or 3 row, but aluminum may actually have a different number of rows.

I bought a CU161 equivalent aluminum Champion radiator that I got from Jegs. When I got it a few years ago some companies had really crazy high prices for aluminum, but this one was more reasonable. Excellent cooling.

 

[edgephoto]

Why not just fix the radiator you have now or have a shop make that radiator better?

 

[Moodyalaskan]

If you want OEM style, I had good luck with radiator.com looking for a new one for my 85 Chevy about 2 months ago. Found a copper core with brass tanks, 3-row. They also have aluminum ones. They are wholesale but sold to me a non-business. They have places all over the country. Follow 75gmck25's method for measuring. I went from 2 row to 3 row. The mounts fit as the radiator tank lips fit into the rubber mounts. Search online, in this forum I believe, and you should be able to find more info as to how to install the larger size radiator if you currently have the small size. If I remember right, it involved moving the rubber mounts outboard in the core support.

 

[xm20k]

Unfortunately, the cost of rebuilding a brass/copper rad is more expensive than a new full aluminum radiator if there is even a place left near you that even works on them any longer.

Summit has a line 2 3 and 4 row for squares.

2 row

Pardon Our Interruption

3 row

Pardon Our Interruption

4 row

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[edgephoto]

Unfortunately, the cost of rebuilding a brass/copper rad is more expensive than a new full aluminum radiator if there is even a place left near you that even works on them any longer.

Summit has a line 2 3 and 4 row for squares.

2 row

Pardon Our Interruption

3 row

Pardon Our Interruption

4 row

Pardon Our Interruption

You are not wrong but brass/copper radiators cool much more effectively and will last a lifetime if taken care of.

I had a radiator shop near me that is excellent. He does stuff for people all over the country. Not many pros doing repairs left.

I brought my radiator to him a few months ago. I expected it to need a core. This shop had recored it sometime in the 90s. He checked and cleaned it. Said it was actually very clean and in good shape. $55. He did say that replacement cores were in the $700 range, his cost.

 

[75gmck25]

The copper/brass vs. aluminum cooling capability comparison can get very complicated. Copper/brass itself conducts heat better than aluminum, but the tin used in manufacturing does not conduct as well. Then you have to look at the number of rows, thickness of material, durability, , etc. As said, it does get complicated.

If you are on a budget you may be forced to go aluminum, since new copper/brass radiators have increased quite a bit in price.