LS and LT Radiator for 1970-1981 Camaro and 1978-1988 G-Body Vehicles
Installing a modern LS or LT powerplant into a vintage F Body or G body chassis demands precise coolant management, and this radiator for manual transmission layouts addresses that core challenge. It aligns with factory frame mounts on 1970 through 1981 Chevy Camaro and 1978 through 1988 G body models to preserve original hose routing without any cutting or drilling. The fully TIG welded aluminum core and tanks deliver exceptional thermal response and maintain structural integrity under repeated heat cycles. By providing an exact direct fit you avoid time consuming fabrication and gain dependable cooling performance to protect your drivetrain under both daily driving and spirited runs.
Precision Weld Integrity for LS LT Cooling Applications
Every seam on the core and tanks is crafted using TIG welding, a process that offers precise control over heat input to thin aluminum walls. This technique minimizes distortion, preserving exact dimensions that are essential for a snug fit between engine block and frame mounts. The resulting joints resist fatigue and cracking through repeated heating and cooling cycles, ensuring a leak free assembly under the high pressures and vibration typical of LS or LT swaps. Installers benefit from consistent seam strength and dimensional accuracy from first start through years of use.
Alloy Core Design Maximizing Heat Rejection
Constructed from high quality aluminum alloy, the radiator's tube and fin arrangement optimizes surface area for rapid heat transfer. Aluminum's thermal conductivity stands well above steel, allowing the core to shed engine heat quickly during both steady highway cruising and spirited acceleration. The design channels air efficiently through each fin, preventing localized hot spots and maintaining uniform coolant temperature. By reducing coolant heat load faster, the system supports stable engine operation and helps protect components from thermal stress without adding unnecessary front end weight.
Classic Finish Choices for Corrosion Protection
Owners may choose a natural bare aluminum appearance or a protective black epoxy coating applied under strict adhesion standards. The bare option exposes metal directly to airflow, delivering unobstructed heat radiation for maximum cooling efficiency. The black epoxy layer, on the other hand, creates a robust barrier against moisture, road grime, and airborne contaminants, dramatically reducing the risk of corrosion over time. Beyond protection, the dark finish enhances underhood aesthetics and simplifies cleaning, all while maintaining resistance to peeling or flaking in demanding conditions.
Factory Frame Mount Fit Preserving Original Routing
This radiator aligns precisely with the factory frame brackets on 1970–1981 Camaro and 1978–1988 G body chassis equipped with a manual transmission. By reusing the original mounting points and hose outlets, it preserves the stock coolant path without cutting or drilling the frame. Maintaining the intended routing prevents sharp bends or kinks that can restrict flow, while ensuring proper clearance for fan shroud and shifter linkage. The direct bolt in fit not only saves installation time but also delivers reliable coolant circulation that mirrors the factory design.
To access the same radiator but with fans, see our 1970-1981 Camaro and 1978-1988 G body Radiator (Manual Transmission) with Fans and trust in its reliable cooling performance.