1973-1976 Chevy Corvette LS Swap Radiator 26 Inch Wide Core
Installing an LS powerplant into a 1973-1976 Chevy Corvette manual chassis often pushes the stock cooling system beyond its limits and this 1973-1976 Corvette Radiator 26" Wide Core (Manual Trans) is designed to maintain stable temperatures under continuous load. Featuring a 26 inch wide core to increase coolant volume and airflow, it spreads heat across a larger surface area to reduce temperature spikes during stop and go traffic and spirited highway runs. Constructed from premium aluminum in the USA with precision mounts that align with the Y Body frame and manual transmission layout, this radiator installs into factory positions while resisting corrosion and shedding weight. The extra core width keeps gauge readings steady through extended climbs and idle traffic while keeping cooling reliable for daily driving and track use.
Precision Mounting for 1973 to 1976 Corvette Manual Transmissions
This radiator features mounting points that align exactly with the Y Body frame of 1973 to 1976 Corvette manual chassis. Inlet and outlet tubes match original dimensions so hoses and brackets fit without alteration to factory routing. The precise alignment preserves pressure integrity and chassis geometry under load, which is critical when pairing an LS motor with a manual transmission layout. Installers will appreciate minimal adjustment for a reliable seal and consistent coolant flow from the first attempt.
Expanded Core Design for Efficient Thermal Management
A 26 inch wide core expands coolant volume and fin surface area to maximize heat exchange under varied driving conditions. In city traffic and on sustained highway runs, this extra capacity prevents rapid temperature spikes by spreading heat load across a larger matrix. The design mitigates heat soak during idling and maintains stable gauge readings even during steep climbs or high speed cruising. By improving air flow and coolant distribution, the system protects vital LS engine components from thermal stress.
Lightweight Aluminum Structure Balancing Strength and Conductivity
Constructed entirely from premium aluminum, the radiator combines low mass with exceptional thermal conductivity. Aluminum resists corrosion and can withstand repeated heating cycles without cracking or fatigue, ensuring dependable long term operation. The lightweight nature of the core reduces strain on mounting hardware and hoses, while rapid heat rejection helps the LS engine maintain its optimal temperature band. This balance of strength and conduction contributes to improved handling and performance consistency.
Custom Finishing Options to Guard Against Corrosion
Customers can choose a bare metal finish for direct thermal transfer or opt for a black epoxy coat to protect against moisture and road contaminants. The uncoated core offers maximum heat conduction, while the epoxy layer acts as a barrier that slows oxidation in humid or salt prone environments. Each finish is applied under precise conditions to ensure uniform coverage without blocking airflow through the fins. This flexibility lets drivers adapt their radiator to local climate and maintenance habits without sacrificing performance.
Engineered to deliver stable cooling under continuous load you can rely on this radiator for consistent LS performance. For the same radiator but with fans see our 1973-1976 Corvette Radiator 26" Wide Core (Manual Transmission) with Fans.