LS and LT Radiator for 1967-1987 C/K Series Trucks and SUVs
Installing a modern LS or LT V8 in a 1967-1987 C/K Series truck often pushes the original cooling setup beyond its limits so the 1967-1987 GM Truck Radiator 20.75" Tall (Manual Trans) - HD Cooling meets the need with a taller core that carries more coolant during towing or slow speed climbs. Its precision formed mounting tabs and factory aligned hose outlets match C10 C15 K10 K15 Blazer and Suburban frames without trimming. Made from high quality aluminum this radiator resists corrosion and accelerates heat transfer under extreme summer conditions. Accurate factory alignment saves installation time and prevents leaks or interference with manual transmission linkages.
Precision Formed Mounting Tabs for Direct Fitment
The radiator's mounting tabs and hose outlets are stamped to factory specifications for 1967-1987 C10, C15, K10, K15, Blazer, and Suburban frames. This precise match eliminates the need for custom brackets or trimming, preserving correct hose routing angles and manual transmission linkage alignment. By maintaining proper firewall offset, it ensures clearance for service access, prevents hose kinks, and avoids interference with shifter linkages. Installers benefit from a streamlined assembly process, cutting labor time and minimizing leak points common in generic replacements. Such design accuracy guarantees a seamless integration of modern LS and LT engines into classic GM truck chassis.
20.75 Inch Core Height for Superior Cooling Capacity
Expanding the core height to 20.75 inches increases coolant capacity to dampen rapid temperature spikes produced by LS and LT powerplants under load. A dense tube and fin layout maximizes heat transfer area so airflow extracts heat evenly across the entire surface, even when the vehicle climbs steep grades or tows heavy loads at low speed. The added coolant volume slows temperature rise during extended drives in hot conditions, giving drivers consistent gauge readings and reducing the risk of overheating. This enhanced cooling capability is critical for heavy towing or rough terrain where engine demands exceed the limits of stock radiators.
Premium Aluminum Construction with Weight Savings and Durability
Fabricated entirely from high quality aluminum, the radiator reduces mass at the front of the vehicle compared to traditional copper brass units, improving steering response and reducing spring load. Aluminum's excellent thermal conductivity quickly moves heat from coolant into fins and then into oncoming air, boosting overall rejection rates. Its natural resistance to moisture and road salt prevents corrosion and pitting in coastal or winter environments. By combining lightweight design with structural strength, this radiator enhances chassis balance, supports long term durability, and helps preserve suspension tuning after an LS or LT engine swap.
Finish Options for Corrosion Protection and Style
Users can choose between a classic bare aluminum finish that forms a mechanical patina over time and a black epoxy coating for extra defense against moisture and debris. The black epoxy is applied under strict quality controls to ensure adhesion and uniform coverage, guarding against peeling and chipping in harsh service conditions. Each radiator undergoes inspection before leaving the factory, verifying coating consistency and performance under stress. This choice allows builders to match aesthetic preferences while preserving radiator efficiency and coolant flow, regardless of local climate or driving demands.
Count on MuscleRods quality for reliable operation under load. For the same radiator but with fans, see our 1967-1987 GM Truck Radiator 20.75" Tall (Manual Transmission) with Fans - HD Cooling.