1967-1987 C/K Series Trucks and Blazer/Suburban Radiator for LS and LT Swaps
Starting your LS or LT powertrain conversion in a SquareBody C/K Series truck or classic Blazer and Suburban often stalls at the radiator phase, but this 18.5 inch tall manual transmission unit preserves factory coolant lines and adds nearly twenty percent extra capacity to handle heavy haul and spirited miles reliably. It bolts into the stock frame rails and core support without altering steering linkages or hood latch geometry and keeps installation straightforward for technicians familiar with the original layout. With an aluminum core engineered to dissipate heat rapidly and resist corrosion over thousands of cycles, it maintains stable engine temperature under towing stress or lively highway runs.
OEM Height and Simplified Fit for LS LT Conversions
The 18.5 inch tall radiator is engineered to match the exact factory core support position in 1967–1987 C/K Series trucks and classic Blazers or Suburbans, allowing LS and LT engine installations to proceed without modification to steering linkages or hood latch components. By maintaining the original coolant line routing and attachment points, this design saves time in the shop and reduces the risk of hose abrasion or misalignment. Technicians can install the radiator using stock brackets and hardware, preserving familiar service procedures for shroud removal and fan clearance. This level of precision ensures consistent coolant flow across all driving conditions and prevents interference with frame rails or filler panels.
Aluminum Core Performance for Heavy Haul and Road Use
The core is built from premium aluminum renowned for its rapid heat transfer and lightweight traits, giving the radiator nearly twenty percent more fluid capacity than the original design. This larger volume acts as a thermal reservoir, dampening temperature spikes under towing or spirited driving and reducing stress on critical engine seals. Uniform tube and fin spacing ensures even coolant distribution and minimizes hot spots that could compromise head gasket durability. At the same time, the lower mass at the front of the vehicle can deliver a subtle improvement in steering feel and brake response by shifting less weight forward during maneuvers.
Customizable Surface Protection for Lasting Finish
Customers have the option of leaving the radiator in its natural aluminum appearance or selecting a black epoxy coating for enhanced corrosion resistance in humid or salted road environments. The epoxy finish forms a tight bond to the metal surface, creating a uniform barrier against oxidation and road debris impact. In contrast, the bare metal look offers inherent resistance from aluminum's natural oxide layer while preserving an authentic classic appearance. Both finishing processes are carried out at the same U.S. facility that extrudes and forms the core, ensuring consistent surface preparation, curing times, and quality control across each unit.
American Craftsmanship and Quality Assurance
Every radiator is produced start to finish in U.S. facilities that oversee core plate extrusion, tank fabrication, and final assembly. Rigorous inspection protocols verify wall thickness, weld integrity, and dimensional accuracy to prevent leaks and ensure a true fit on manual transmission models. A build record accompanies each unit, enabling reference to production details if service or warranty support is ever needed. Local manufacturing not only shortens lead times for replacement parts but also provides direct access to technical expertise and detailed documentation, resulting in a product that upholds or exceeds original factory standards while retaining strong resale appeal.
Count on consistent cooling performance in your LS or LT swap and, for the same radiator but with fans, see our 1967-1987 GM Truck Radiator 18.5" Tall (Manual Transmission) with Fans.