LS and LT Radiator for 1968-1972 Chevy Nova and 1964-1966 Buick Skylark X-Body
When swapping an LS or LT engine into a vintage X body Nova or Skylark with an automatic transmission, precise cooling becomes critical and this radiator keeps temperatures stable under sustained load. Built around a TIG welded aluminum core and matching tanks, it disperses heat quickly and stands up to corrosion for lasting service. The lightweight design reduces nose weight and supports nimble handling in classic chassis. Its direct bolt in setup aligns with factory mount points and transmission fitting locations to simplify installation and avoid any need for custom brackets.
Precision TIG Welding for Leak Free Durability
Each radiator seam is joined using full TIG welding, creating consistent, deep weld beads that stand up to pressure variations and engine vibration. This method eliminates gaps and potential leak paths, ensuring coolant remains contained even under high load. The uniform joints also resist fatigue over many heat cycles, providing a reliable cooling backbone for LS or LT swaps. Builders gain peace of mind knowing that every tank-to-core connection is engineered for lasting integrity without need for ongoing fixes.
Aluminum Core Architecture for Fast Cooling Response
At the heart of this design is a solid aluminum core crafted for maximum coolant contact and efficient heat transfer. Aluminum's natural conductivity draws heat away from the engine block almost instantly, helping to keep temperatures within optimal range under sustained load. Its lightweight construction also reduces front-end mass, which can sharpen handling in the classic X body chassis. And because aluminum resists warping under high thermal stress, you'll experience consistent performance through spirited runs or long highway stretches.
Finish Options Blending Protection with Classic Style
You can select a bare aluminum finish to showcase the polished metal look prized in vintage restorations or choose a black epoxy coating for enhanced chemical and moisture resistance. The epoxy layer forms a tight barrier against road salts and grime, extending radiator life in humid or coastal environments. Both finishes are applied in a controlled factory process to ensure even coverage and long lasting adhesion. This choice lets you coordinate with your vehicle's theme while adding real environmental defense.
Direct Fitment to Simplify Installation
This radiator bolts directly into the stock mount points on 1968–1972 Chevy Nova and 1964–1966 Buick Skylark frames without any welding or custom bracket fabrication. Inlet and outlet ports line up precisely with automatic transmission lines, which reduces plumbing errors and speeds up hose routing. The drop-in design preserves factory clearances around the fan shroud and support panel, so your swap stays true to the original chassis layout. As a result, you'll unlock fast installation and maintain a clean, uncluttered engine bay.
Trust MuscleRods for reliable engine bay cooling. For the same radiator but with fans, see our 1968-1972 Nova and 1964-1966 Skylark Radiator (Automatic Transmission) with Fan.