Radiator for LS and LT Swaps in 1967-1987 Chevy/GMC C/K Trucks Blazer Suburban
If you are retrofitting a classic C/K Series SquareBody with an LS or LT motor, this 18.5 inch tall radiator tackles cooling challenges by matching the factory mounting points of your 1967 to 1987 Chevy or GMC C10, C15, K10 and K15 truck as well as Blazer and Suburban models. Designed to hold nearly twenty percent more coolant than the original, it maintains stable temperatures during towing or spirited driving through its optimized core height. Crafted in the United States from premium aluminum, the unit follows factory line routing to preserve engine bay clearance and resists corrosion for reliable everyday use. Installation requires no trimming or filler panel changes, ensuring a precise fit for manual transmission applications in these vintage platforms.
OEM Height Alignment for LS and LT Swapped Chevy Trucks
Installing an LS or LT motor into a 1967–1987 C/K Series or Blazer/Suburban chassis demands precise radiator positioning, and this 18.5 inch tall unit achieves that with exact factory mounting point compatibility. By maintaining the original line routing, this radiator preserves engine bay clearance and prevents interference with steering linkages or hood latch hardware. The manual transmission version requires no panel trimming or filler modifications, so fitment remains straightforward on stock core supports. Serviceability mirrors the OEM setup, allowing familiar access to hoses, fan shroud mounting locations, and coolant level inspections. As a result, coolant flow remains consistent under towing or spirited driving without sacrificing the classic appearance.
High-Quality Aluminum Core for Rapid Heat Rejection
This radiator core is crafted from high-quality aluminum, a material prized for its exceptional thermal conductivity and lightweight nature. Its increased coolant capacity-nearly twenty percent more than the stock unit-acts as a larger thermal reservoir to slow temperature spikes under load. Even distribution of coolant through the taller core minimizes hot spots in high-stress zones, protecting head gaskets and reducing detonation risk during heavy towing or performance runs. The assembly resists fatigue from repeated heat cycles, holding its shape and thermal efficiency over thousands of miles. Reduced mass at the front of the vehicle also contributes to snappier steering response and shorter stopping distances.
Durable Coating Choices to Resist Corrosion Over Time
Owners can choose between a classic bare aluminum finish or a stylish black epoxy coating, each offering distinct advantages for longevity. The epoxy option provides a uniform protective barrier that adheres strongly to aluminum substrates, slowing oxidation in humid or salty environments. Bare aluminum delivers its own corrosion resistance while revealing the metal's natural luster, appealing to restorers who favor an authentic look. Both finishes undergo coating and curing within the same US facility that extrudes and forms the core, ensuring consistent surface preparation and adhesion. This integrated process yields a durable protective layer that stands up to everyday road debris and fluid exposure.
United States Manufacturing for Reliable Fit and Finish
Every radiator is produced from initial extrusion of aluminum profiles through final assembly at US-based operations that enforce strict quality controls. Core plates, end tanks, and header connections achieve consistent wall thickness and tight tolerances, eliminating variation that can lead to coolant leaks or alignment issues. Local production shortens lead times for replacement parts and technical support, safeguarding long-term ownership. Buyers benefit from a traceable build history and easily accessible service documentation. The result is a radiator that not only matches OEM standards but also supports long lasting performance and resale value.
This radiator ensures reliable cooling for LS and LT engine swaps in classic C/K trucks. For the same radiator but with fans, see our 1967-1987 GM Truck Radiator 18.5" Tall (Manual Transmission) with Fans.