Best radiator for the $$$

[aaronb]

Another option for a radiator is cold case radiators.
They have them for the 400's.
They are aluminum 2 core with 1.25" tube's. They aren't badly priced.
I have one in my 66 chevy II cooling the 406 no problem.

https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/product/88-98-gm-truck-1500-w-oil-cooler

 

[Wilecoyote]

Got it installed, still trying to fill it. I did'nt drain it hot, probably should have.I flushed it with a hose and rag stuck in intake after removing the stat.I used a cheap plastic kiddie pool and no debris came out.The coolant that came out was clean and the flush too.Previous owner switched out the dexcool w the water pump, it looks like the temp switch replaced too, red thread sealer on it.I've driven it a few minutes a few times and it's about full.It pushed coolant into the reservoir and sucked up some coolant while I burped it.

 

[454cid]

Another option for a radiator is cold case radiators.
They have them for the 400's.
They are aluminum 2 core with 1.25" tube's. They aren't badly priced.

More than twice what I paid for my TYC that's also a 2-row, and a 19" tall core.

In fact their equivalent to my radiator is 3 times what I paid.

https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/product/94-01-gm-truck-74l-aluminum-performance-radiator

 

[Wilecoyote]

Mine was $185 if it lasts 10 yrs I'll be satisfied.

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It came w 4 adapters for the trans. and oil coolers.I did not need the adapters but I used the O rings on the oil cooler adapters on the oem lines. No leaks anywhere after 30 mins. of driving.

 

[div4scpro]

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!


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It sounds like the same post that is unused on my 97 K1500 w/5.7. I used to replace it every year as soon as I saw the rubber cap start to bulge and crack, always worried about it. If that's the case I ordered Autobahn88 silicone blanking cap in the 15.5mm (0.61") size. on Amazon three years ago. It was a perfect fit and there is no bulging or cracking. I ordered the set of caps because I wasn't patient enough to look for an individual cap. They also list plenty of other sizes if you think you need a different size but i think you will be happy with this item.

 

[Supercharged111]

The silicone caps don't dry out like the rubber does.

 

[Vikingdude]

Does anyone have firsthand experience with the OSC radiators? I saw them on Rock Auto, it looks like they installed a threaded fitting that take a drain plug where most budget units have the rubber caps, which sounds like a great improvement over a most of inexpensive units.
The previous owner had added radiator stop leak to the rad on my yukon. Not sure if it's the rad that was leaking, cause it hasn't lost a drop in the months I've owned it, but I figure replacing the rad, hoses, and heater core isn't crazy expensive so I may as well do it all and switch from dex-cool to green at the same time.

 

[Schurkey]

Sounds like a whole bunch of wasted time, money, effort, and enthusiasm.

If the rad isn't leaking, and the truck doesn't overheat...what do you gain by replacing it?

How old are the hoses? They seem pretty long-lived now. I don't replace them until at least ten years and often longer than that. But if they're bulging or showing signs of deterioration, yeah, shitcan them all including heater hoses.

Check the coolant; flush and fill if needed. "I" would not go backwards to ordinary "green" coolant, but some folks are superstitious.

 

[TechNova]

More than twice what I paid for my TYC that's also a 2-row, and a 19" tall core.

In fact their equivalent to my radiator is 3 times what I paid.

https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/product/94-01-gm-truck-74l-aluminum-performance-radiator

Your TYC has 1.25 inch tubes and aluminum end tanks?

 

[SUBURBAN5]

Check the coolant; flush and fill if needed. "I" would not go backwards to ordinary "green" coolant, but some folks are superstitious.

Just curious. Why dont you recommend the green coolant?