1988-1995 Chevy GMC GMT400 Radiator for LS and LT Swaps
Installing an LS or LT engine into a GMT400 C/K chassis often overtaxes the factory radiator under heavy load. This 1988 to 1995 LS Radiator features a 28.25 inch core width that pulls heat away during towing or spirited driving to maintain stable temperatures. Aluminum tanks and core are joined with TIG welding to withstand vibrations and thermal cycling without leaking. It mounts directly to the stock support on Chevy C1500, K1500, Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon models from 1988 through 1995 with manual transmission while keeping coolant hoses perfectly aligned and resisting corrosion in salt or moisture rich environments.
Expansive Core Design for Consistent Temperature Regulation
The 28.25 inch wide aluminum core delivers a broad cooling surface that rapidly pulls heat away from the coolant, ensuring consistent engine temperatures under heavy load. By increasing the area exposed to incoming airflow, this design minimizes hot spots that can develop during towing or spirited acceleration. Aluminum's natural conductivity accelerates the transfer of thermal energy from coolant to ambient air while contributing minimal weight to the front end. A wider core also reduces reliance on auxiliary coolers, simplifying the cooling system and lowering overall complexity. The result is stable performance in hot weather or demanding driving conditions without sacrificing vehicle balance.
Precision TIG Welded Joints for Unwavering Structural Integrity
Every tank and core interface is manufactured using 100 percent TIG welding, a process that delivers uniform, high-strength joints with minimal heat distortion. By applying a focused heat source and filler material, TIG welding preserves the intrinsic strength of the aluminum while forming a tight, leak-resistant seal. This precision technique resists cracking under repeated thermal cycling and vibration common in truck and SUV applications. The continuous weld bead also minimizes the chance of microscopic gaps that lead to slow leaks over time. Ultimately, the assembly stands up to long-term stress, earning confidence on both road trips and daily drives.
Versatile Coating Options for Environmental Protection
Choose between a bare aluminum finish and a robust black epoxy coating to suit your climate and maintenance preferences. The bare option facilitates routine visual inspection and relies on aluminum's natural ability to dissipate heat, while the epoxy layer adds a protective barrier against road salts, moisture and debris buildup. Both finishes are carefully applied to preserve airflow through the core without blocking fins or altering thermal performance. Epoxy adheres tightly under vibration and temperature swings, extending service intervals where corrosion risk is high. Selecting the right finish helps guard against rust and keeps the radiator looking fresh over years of use.
Direct Factory Mount Fitment for Streamlined Installation
This radiator is engineered to drop into existing support brackets on 1988–1995 Chevy C1500 and K1500 trucks as well as Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon models equipped with a manual transmission. No modifications to the core support, brackets or filler neck are required, so you can swap in an LS or LT engine without fabricating custom mounts. Coolant hose connections align precisely with stock locations to eliminate kinks or tension that lead to premature wear. Installation time is dramatically reduced and the entire cooling system remains factory-level tidy. With perfect fitment from day one, you gain reliable operation without extra trim or tooling.
Trust this radiator to maintain stable engine temperatures under heavy load and for the same radiator but with fans see our 1988-1995 LS Radiator 28.25" Core Width (Manual Transmission) with Fans.