Best radiator for the $$$

[Wilecoyote]

My 98 5.7 rad. is shot, looking for a new one, and maybe an all Aluminum 2 core.

 

[454cid]

I've been quite pleased with the TYC that I bought. It was well packed for shipping, and the workmanship looked very good. The only thing that could be better is that the filler neck is a little too high.... it rubs on the hood insulation. That may not be an issue with the small block radiator.... the 454 radiator is taller.

 

[mtl111]

I replaced mine a year ago in my 99' 2 door Tahoe with one from Napa. The only issue I've had with it was that most replacement radiators have and extra outlet below the radiator cap that I believe is for a Suburban or Tahoe with rear heat/air. If you don't need this, they put a cheap rubber plug and hose clamp on it....well the plug disintegrated and shot hot coolant all over the engine. Luckily i had just pulled into the garage and killed it. I replaced the plug and so far, no issues. If I had it to do over again I'd buy an AC Delco radiator that is absolutely correct in every way.
If money is no object, get a Be Cool aluminum radiator. I've had a couple in older Corvette"s I've had and they were fantastic!! They are pretty pricey though!


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[454cid]

I replaced mine a year ago in my 99' 2 door Tahoe with one from Napa. The only issue I've had with it was that most replacement radiators have and extra outlet below the radiator cap that I believe is for a Suburban or Tahoe with rear heat/air.

Some engines use it for the return line for the heater core. It's not a rear heat thing.

If you don't need this, they put a cheap rubber plug and hose clamp on it....well the plug disintegrated and shot hot coolant all over the engine. Luckily i had just pulled into the garage and killed it. I replaced the plug and so far, no issues.

There are silicone versions that should last longer, but you'll probably have to order it online.... ebay has them.

If I had it to do over again I'd buy an AC Delco radiator that is absolutely correct in every way.
If money is no object, get a Be Cool aluminum radiator. I've had a couple in older Corvette"s I've had and they were fantastic!! They are pretty pricey though!

I believe they're all out of Mexico now. GM's radiator plant is the Lockport, NY plant..... it had been sold off to Delphi, but GM got it back during Delphi's bankruptcy. I think they're only making stuff for new vehicles there now. Someone here on the forum bought a new AC Radiator and it wasn't US made.

I would bet that even a new AC Delco would have the extra port..... fewer radiator models to make that way.

 

[Schurkey]

The only thing that could be better is that the filler neck is a little too high.... it rubs on the hood insulation. That may not be an issue with the small block radiator.... the 454 radiator is taller.

I put a radiator in my '97 K2500, 7.4 (454).

There were two radiators listed, one with the short filler neck, (1696) and one with the taller filler neck (1520). I bet you bought the tall filler neck version. Mine is, of course, Chinese, and therefore questionable. But there's no real option for an equivalent US-made product. It's been in and working OK for over six months. No idea about long-term use.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZSDV6N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Radiator-rep...dp/B01LXU0KCY/ref=psdc_15725431_t1_B01LZSDV6N

 

[454cid]

I put a radiator in my '97 K2500, 7.4 (454).

There were two radiators listed, one with the short filler neck, (1696) and one with the taller filler neck (1520). I bet you bought the tall filler neck version.

No, the short one was just made a little taller for some reason. The tall filler neck radiator is for the 3500hd and I wouldn't be able to close my hood if I installed it.

 

[jaywestfall]

Just wanted to share this. It's an upgrade to stock, but I don't know if it is Chinesium or not. Prices out at $257 all aluminum all TIG welded...no epoxy.

www.speedcooling.com/1988-1998-chevy-truck-aluminum-radiator-upgrade.html

I think it said it's a two row, and has 1" tubes. They are based out of Chicago.

I bought a 4 row Chinesium on eBay for about the same price a while back. Probably a mistake, but if it dumps on me, I am going to buy one of these, instead.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Here's some choices.

https://www.radiatorexpress.com/part-lookup/radiator/chevrolet/1998/c1500/base/57l-v8

 

[Wilecoyote]

So I see there are some that are thicker than my oem 1 1/4 " I have a 10 blade fan. Would it be better to spend a little more and get one larger tubes.I think the HD was 1 3/4"

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Would it be better to spend a little more and get one larger tubes.I think the HD was 1 3/4"

It's all about surface area for heat exchange, the more you got the more efficient it is.