Radiator for 3rd gen stocker

BMFRACING · 06-15-2013, 11:29 PM

Need to replace radiator, I ordered one it is 26.5 inches wide the one in car is 21inches wide. Any body else have this problem. thanks,Bob Fowkes

Lew Silverman · 06-16-2013, 12:31 AM

How large is the opening in the radiator support? The rules specify a "full-size stock radiator"... "of the same year or model", so I'm not sure you could use an aluminum replacement for a copper/brass OEM. Most vehicles had different size radiators installed for each engine they had, V-8's with A/C being the largest, and as long as the new radiator mounts the same way as the old one, you shouldn't have any tech OR cooling issues.

BMFRACING · 06-16-2013, 09:21 PM

Thanks for the reply Lew, The rad support is wide enough for the 26 but it also has a place for the 21. My top bracket is for the 21. I can not find one for the 26. Thanks again, Bob Fowkes

Lew Silverman · 06-16-2013, 10:04 PM

Bob, you may need to pay a visit to the local automotive "recyclers" with a tape measure. I had the same problem installing a larger 4-core replacement in my truck. I'm sure there's a Malibu or full-size GM product with the correct spacing for your 3rd Gen. Don't forget to grab the rubber grommets from the bottom of the support, you'll need 'em!

Lew

Doug Blackley · 06-17-2013, 11:55 AM

Is your third gen originally v6 powered?

BMFRACING · 06-17-2013, 06:30 PM

Yes I believe originally it had a v6.

Doug Blackley · 06-17-2013, 08:58 PM

That's the issue, the v6 rad is not as long. Look for a v8 3rd gen plastic upper rad support. Also move the lower rubbers to the outer position. If I recall correctly there was a plastic side piece you had to take out to fully expose the opening. You might want to check if you can use a fully aluminum rad as the o.e was alum with plastic tanks. Will say that the o.e. replacement rad will cool things fine

06-15-2013, 11:29 PM	#1
BMFRACING Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bethesda, Ohio Posts: 26 Likes: 42 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Radiator for 3rd gen stocker Need to replace radiator, I ordered one it is 26.5 inches wide the one in car is 21inches wide. Any body else have this problem. thanks,Bob Fowkes

06-16-2013, 12:31 AM	#2
Lew Silverman VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 1,435 Likes: 371 Liked 129 Times in 59 Posts	Re: Radiator for 3rd gen stocker How large is the opening in the radiator support? The rules specify a "full-size stock radiator"... "of the same year or model", so I'm not sure you could use an aluminum replacement for a copper/brass OEM. Most vehicles had different size radiators installed for each engine they had, V-8's with A/C being the largest, and as long as the new radiator mounts the same way as the old one, you shouldn't have any tech OR cooling issues. __________________ Lew Silverman #2070 "The Wagon Master" N/SA

06-16-2013, 09:21 PM	#3
BMFRACING Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bethesda, Ohio Posts: 26 Likes: 42 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Radiator for 3rd gen stocker Thanks for the reply Lew, The rad support is wide enough for the 26 but it also has a place for the 21. My top bracket is for the 21. I can not find one for the 26. Thanks again, Bob Fowkes

06-16-2013, 10:04 PM	#4
Lew Silverman VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 1,435 Likes: 371 Liked 129 Times in 59 Posts	Re: Radiator for 3rd gen stocker Bob, you may need to pay a visit to the local automotive "recyclers" with a tape measure. I had the same problem installing a larger 4-core replacement in my truck. I'm sure there's a Malibu or full-size GM product with the correct spacing for your 3rd Gen. Don't forget to grab the rubber grommets from the bottom of the support, you'll need 'em! Lew __________________ Lew Silverman #2070 "The Wagon Master" N/SA

06-17-2013, 11:55 AM	#5
Doug Blackley Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hanover, MA Posts: 430 Likes: 3 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Radiator for 3rd gen stocker Is your third gen originally v6 powered? __________________ Doug Blackley 1697 STK

06-17-2013, 06:30 PM	#6
BMFRACING Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bethesda, Ohio Posts: 26 Likes: 42 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Radiator for 3rd gen stocker Yes I believe originally it had a v6.

06-17-2013, 08:58 PM	#7
Doug Blackley Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hanover, MA Posts: 430 Likes: 3 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Radiator for 3rd gen stocker That's the issue, the v6 rad is not as long. Look for a v8 3rd gen plastic upper rad support. Also move the lower rubbers to the outer position. If I recall correctly there was a plastic side piece you had to take out to fully expose the opening. You might want to check if you can use a fully aluminum rad as the o.e was alum with plastic tanks. Will say that the o.e. replacement rad will cool things fine __________________ Doug Blackley 1697 STK