Radiator for LS and LT Engine Swap on 1959-1964 Chevy Impala
When you are fitting an LS or LT powerplant into a 1959-1964 Chevy Impala B Body with an automatic transmission this radiator brings reliable coolant control even under heavy load. It installs with direct fitment and includes integrated transmission cooler ports that use stock lines for a clean engine bay and effortless plumbing. This unit features a TIG welded aluminum core and tanks fused into a rigid assembly that resists corrosion and sustains consistent heat rejection. A matched pair of dual electric fans maintains steady airflow at idle traffic or track pulls and only engages when needed to keep temps in check without drawing high current.
Precision TIG Welded Aluminum Core and Tanks
The radiator core and end tanks are fully constructed from high quality aluminum and joined through a precision TIG welding process. This method produces exceptionally smooth weld beads that resist leaks and eliminate stress points common with mechanical fasteners. Aluminum's rapid thermal conductivity allows heat to move quickly from coolant passages into the fin pack, delivering faster temperature reduction under heavy acceleration or sustained highway driving. A welded assembly also reduces overall weight compared to multi-piece designs, enhancing the Impala's front-end balance and improving response. Built in the USA, this seamless structure offers both strength and reliability for demanding LS and LT engine swaps.
Dual Electric Fans for Reliable Engine Temperature Control
Equipped with two high-performance electric fans mounted in a custom shroud, this radiator ensures steady airflow at low vehicle speed or when idling in traffic. The matched pair operates independently to draw maximum air through the full height of the fin pack, eliminating hotspots that can lead to coolant boil in hot weather or on the track. By engaging only when coolant temperature rises above a preset threshold, the system balances efficient cooling with minimal alternator load and reduced noise. The fans bolt directly to factory mounting points, preserving a clean engine bay and simplifying electrical routing without the need for extra relays or complex wiring harnesses.
Seamless Transmission Cooling Integration
Built-in transmission cooler ports accept stock automatic transmission lines without requiring adapters or aftermarket fittings. This factory-style integration eliminates potential leak paths and maintains a tidy engine bay layout by using original routing and hardware. The ports are positioned for direct connectivity to the cooler lines from the factory bellhousing adapter, which means no cutting or welding is necessary during installation. With a snug fit in the factory support brackets, service access to both coolant and transmission circuits remains straightforward, helping ensure reliable performance and simple maintenance over the life of the vehicle.
Protective Bare Aluminum and Black Epoxy Finishes
Choose between a polished bare aluminum appearance or a durable black epoxy coating to suit the style of your restoration or custom build. The untreated aluminum option can be buffed to maintain a bright shine while preserving optimal heat transfer across the core surfaces. The black epoxy finish adds a corrosion resistant barrier that stands up to road salts, moisture, and debris without sacrificing thermal efficiency. Both treatments seal the end tanks and header areas against environmental damage, providing long-lasting protection and a showroom-quality look under the 1959-1964 Impala hood.
Count on MuscleRods for precise coolant control and a clean engine bay appearance; for the same radiator but without fans, see our 1959-1964 Impala Radiator (Automatic Transmission).