small block to big block radiator

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75gmck25

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When I replaced the 3 row radiator on my '75 K25 I used one of these Champion 17" tall 3 row radiators, purchased from Jegs. https://www.championradiators.com/Chevy-truck-radiator-1973-1987

I replaced my radiator in about July as part of an engine heads and cam upgrade, and when I got done I needed to recharge the A/C. I had the truck running at idle with the A/C on for over an hour and it never got above 195 degrees with this radiator. I'm running a 195 degree thermostat, stock shroud and fan, and a severe duty thermal fan clutch. Since I was replacing stock 4 row with aluminum 3 row I didn't have to change any brackets or rubber pads.

Bruce
 

rpcraft

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02 Crown Vic the radiator is for a big block 67 Chevelle


Nice, I am going to be using the Spectra OEM replacement for the LS trucks and I have not settled on the shroud yet. probably the OEM with an extension piece, depending on where it lines up with the fan. In the long run though I am probably going to swap to an Electric dual fan setup, using either the older Taurus shroud and fan assembly or just bend some Aluminum up and make my own. I recently got access to a shop full of tools that are going to allow me to do a **** ton more custom stuff, lol
 

bucket

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Nice, I am going to be using the Spectra OEM replacement for the LS trucks and I have not settled on the shroud yet. probably the OEM with an extension piece, depending on where it lines up with the fan. In the long run though I am probably going to swap to an Electric dual fan setup, using either the older Taurus shroud and fan assembly or just bend some Aluminum up and make my own. I recently got access to a shop full of tools that are going to allow me to do a **** ton more custom stuff, lol

If going with the newer radiator, dual fans would be easy. Starting in like '04 or '05, the trucks started getting dual electric fans in place of the mechanical fan.
 

rpcraft

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If going with the newer radiator, dual fans would be easy. Starting in like '04 or '05, the trucks started getting dual electric fans in place of the mechanical fan.

Yeah but they seem to think the new fans are made of platinum or gold for some reason. Wrecking yard is pretty affordable to me, plus you can get the relays and harness and just wire it in like an OEM piece.
 

Honky Kong jr

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Yeah but they seem to think the new fans are made of platinum or gold for some reason. Wrecking yard is pretty affordable to me, plus you can get the relays and harness and just wire it in like an OEM piece.
Look for Volvo fan controllers. They are nice and simple. That’s what I’m using and a BMW temp switch.
 

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