Radiator selection

[ds454ss]

I have a 1990 454 SS that I bought as a roller. Im building a 454 bored 30 over with some 265cc AFR heads and howards hydroller cam 2500-6100 and a 4L80e trans. I have been looking for radiators and am not sure which one to pick and how it will mount. I think i need 1.5 inlet and 1.5 outlet. I want to use a mechanical cooling fan. On champion radiators there is no selection for a 1990 c1500 with a 454. But i found the truck/rv radiators that seem like they would work. however they are for a suburban or a blazer. I do not have to stay with champion these are just ones i came across.
https://www.championradiators.com/Chevy-Truck-3-row-radiator-17incore-1987-1991
and
https://www.championradiators.com/Chevy-Truck-3-row-radiator-19incore-1987-1991

Would one of these work and how would i mount it?

 

[RichLo]

Stick with a 2-row

https://www.speedcooling.com/blog/copper-brass-radiators-versus-aluminum-radiators.html

 

[TechNova]

I have an ECP in my car, I did a lot of reading and the oval shape aluminum tunes are the way to go.

 

[ds454ss]

I have an ECP in my car, I did a lot of reading and the oval shape aluminum tunes are the way to go.

figures they are sold out for my year

 

[PolarBear]

I hate to be that guy, but I had REALLY good luck with a factory replacement 454SS radiator, with a 17x34" core size. It didn't have an issue cooling the turbo sbc in the truck, or the new worked over 6.0 LS.

A simple $130 fix and its been in the truck for 3 years.

 

[RichLo]

^ Yep. If you want it to perform well, stick with a large factory 2-row. If you want a lighter wallet and less cooling capacity go with one of those welded ones

Another thread from my previous link
https://www.speedcooling.com/blog/category/radiators/3-row

 

[Erik the Awful]

If you want the bling bling of an aluminum radiator, but don't want the price:
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Chevy-SBC-BBC-Universal-Aluminum-Radiators,3557.html

Personally, I'd go with a factory-style radiator. If I ever have to replace the radiator in my stepside, I'll probably go with a larger Vortec Suburban radiator.

 

[454cid]

I get about 10 years out of a plastic tanked radiator. I bought a TYC this last time. I was impressed at the packing job...it arrived in a very nice box, padded with foam. It was much more secure than the previous Delphi. The build quality seems pretty good too. The only complaint I have is that the filler neck is slightly too tall...it rubs the hood insulation.

 

[b454rat]

Use a stock radiator. I had a 92 Blazer that was only the 350, but had the huge radiator, same as the 1 ton and 454/diesel trucks had. Course that never got warm lol. But I had a healthy 454 in a 79 Malibu, used a dirt track aluminum radiator, believe it was a 3 core, but motor never got hot. I had a Taurus fan set to run on hi, and would cool the motor sitting still. If the car was moving, didn't ever need to turn the fan on. The radiator was factory size, so if you get one for YOUR truck, it will cool it fine.

 

[454cid]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1373915&cc=1353451&jsn=1

Fitment is listed as starting with 94, but I'm not sure why.... maybe some fittings are different, or maybe the taller brackets came later?