LS and LT Radiator for Auto Trans in 1968-72 Chevy Nova and 1964-66 Skylark
Anyone fitting an LS or LT engine into a 1968 through 1972 Nova or a 1964 through 1966 Skylark with automatic transmission needs a cooling solution built for reliability and precise fitment. This radiator is constructed with a TIG welded aluminum core and tanks and its inlet and outlet ports align with factory transmission lines to simplify plumbing and preserve correct clearances around the fan shroud in the X Body layout. The dense fin arrangement moves heat quickly while keeping nose weight low to maintain front end balance during towing or spirited street runs.
Precision TIG Welding Ensuring Lasting Integrity
The radiator's 100 percent TIG welded aluminum construction delivers a bond that stands up to the repeated heating and cooling cycles of an LS or LT setup. TIG welding produces smooth, uniform seams with minimal warping and no gaps, keeping coolant securely inside the system. By matching the alloy in both tanks and core, each joint shares identical expansion rates, reducing stress under load. Builders benefit from a joint design that resists vibration and pressure spikes, resulting in a coolant system backbone that requires less maintenance and provides consistent service mile after mile.
High Conductivity Aluminum Core for Efficient Cooling
Constructed from premium aluminum, the core excels at moving heat away from engine coolant into the passing air. A dense arrangement of parallel tubes paired with closely spaced fins maximizes surface area without impeding airflow under the classic X Body nose. This configuration ensures rapid heat rejection during towing, spirited street driving, or extended highway use. The naturally light weight of aluminum keeps nose mass low, preserving original suspension balance and steering feel in the Nova and Skylark chassis while maintaining optimal engine temperature control.
Dual Coating Selections for Appearance and Corrosion Resistance
Owners can choose between a natural bare finish or a black epoxy coat to complement their engine bay styling. The epoxy is applied in a controlled environment that yields a uniform barrier against road chemicals, moisture, and salt spray, helping prevent corrosion in harsh climates. By contrast, the untreated aluminum surface showcases the metal's grain and will develop a unique patina over time. Both options extend service life and let builders tailor the look of their cooling system to match modern or vintage restorations without sacrificing protection.
Exact Fit Radiator Layout for Streamlined Integration
Engineered to drop directly into the frame rails of 1968–1972 Chevy Nova and 1964–1966 Buick Skylark models with automatic transmission, this radiator eliminates hours of trial‐and‐error fabrication. Inlet and outlet bosses align precisely with factory transmission lines, simplifying hose routing and avoiding special adapters. With correct clearance around the fan shroud already accounted for, no extra brackets or core support modifications are needed. The result is a clean engine bay installation that stays true to the original chassis design and delivers repeatable swap results.
For the same radiator but with fans see our 1968-1972 Nova and 1964-1966 Skylark Radiator (Automatic Transmission) with Fan for reliable cooling and precise fitment.