Looking for a bigger radiator

[Michael F]

Hi everyone,
I have a 70 DeVille Conv and am looking at replacing the stock radiator with two new ones: a wider core for eng coolant only and adding a good quality cooler for the transmission. Of course the parts store say it's not in the Komputer; the stock radiator is called a 29", actual size is 29 x 17 x2. I have been told Summit has a 31 x 17 but it is not clear if this core is for eng coolant only.
I should start looking after a swap in a truck with manual transmission. I am sure this mod has been done previously and would appreciate your comments.
Thanks. Michael

[curtis73]

You could just re-core your current radiator with a wider core. The inlet/outlet for the transmission fluid can just be not used. Just undo the lines to the inlet and outlet and bypass it to the new tranny cooler.

You can have a new high-efficiency core put in for under $200 and save yourself some headaches. Keep in mind that aluminum radiators don't always cool better. Copper and brass both transfer heat better than aluminum does, its just that the aluminum can be formed into shapes that (in some applications) make more surface area and therefore more efficient cooling.

Stop in your local radiator shop and they can hook you up with info, prices, etc.

[dave_brode]

Michael,

Beware of cheap chain store replacement rads. They often have lesser # of tubes and fin per inch count, compared to stock. I too would choose a oem spec re-core job to those. Fyi - Modine replacement stuff was crappy for a while, but they have improved their line in recent years. Any good radiator shop should be able to use any stock GM 4 row tanks and build you a nice unit for $200 or so.
Dave


F"]Hi everyone,
I have a 70 DeVille Conv and am looking at replacing the stock radiator with two new ones: a wider core for eng coolant only and adding a good quality cooler for the transmission. Of course the parts store say it's not in the Komputer; the stock radiator is called a 29", actual size is 29 x 17 x2. I have been told Summit has a 31 x 17 but it is not clear if this core is for eng coolant only.
I should start looking after a swap in a truck with manual transmission. I am sure this mod has been done previously and would appreciate your comments.
Thanks. Michael[/quote]