1973-1976 Chevy Corvette LS Swap Radiator 26 Inch Wide Core Manual Trans
For LS engine conversions in a 1973 to 1976 Chevy Corvette manual chassis, reliable cooling is critical to avoid heat soak during city idling or extended highway runs. This radiator features a 26 inch wide core that expands coolant flow and surface contact area, allowing thermal energy to dissipate more efficiently under load. Constructed from premium aluminum in the USA, it stands up to repeated heating cycles and resists corrosion, cutting weight compared to stock units. Precision engineered mounts align with the Y Body frame and manual transmission layout so installation requires no alterations to the factory mounting points.
Precise Fitment for 1973 to 1976 Corvette Manual Chassis
Engineered in the USA to exacting standards, this radiator mounts directly to the Y Body frame of 1973 to 1976 Corvette manual configurations without any modifications. Inlet and outlet tubes share the original dimensions and placement, preserving the factory routing of hoses and brackets. This level of precision fitment eliminates guesswork during installation and safeguards factory chassis geometry under load. Installers can rely on consistent quality control to ensure each unit aligns perfectly on first attempt. As a result, the coolant system maintains proper orientation and pressure integrity for the LS engine package.
Wide Core Engineering for Superior Thermal Management
The 26 inch wide core expands coolant capacity and surface contact area to significantly boost heat exchange efficiency. In stop and go traffic or spirited highway operation, the extra passages prevent temperature spikes by spreading heat across a larger section of fin material. This design reduces the risk of heat soak when the engine idles under load and helps maintain stable gauge readings during long climbs or sustained cruising. By maximizing coolant volume and air flow, the system offers reliable temperature control even under heavy strain. This benefit translates directly into protection against thermal fatigue in vital engine components.
Premium Aluminum Structure Supporting Efficient Heat Transfer
Crafted entirely from high quality aluminum, the radiator marries low mass with exceptional thermal conductivity. Aluminum resists corrosion and withstands repeated heating cycles without developing cracks or losing structural integrity. Its lightweight nature also eases stress on mounting brackets and hose fittings, contributing to a more reliable underhood assembly. The fast heat rejection inherent to aluminum helps an LS engine operate closer to its ideal temperature band, improving performance consistency. Additionally, this material selection aids in keeping overall vehicle weight in check for better handling and responsiveness.
Customizable Corrosion Shielding with Bare Metal or Epoxy Options
Owners can choose a bare aluminum finish to prioritize direct heat flow or select a black epoxy coat for added protection against moisture and road debris. The uncoated option offers maximum thermal conduction through the core, while the epoxy variant forms a barrier that prevents oxidation in humid or salt prone environments. Both finishes are applied under tightly controlled conditions to ensure uniform coverage and adhesion without impeding cooling efficiency. This flexibility allows drivers to match their radiator to local climate and maintenance preferences without sacrificing core performance. Ultimately, the right finish extends service life and maintains a clean appearance over time.
Trust this radiator for consistent engine temperature control. To complete your same radiator but with fans setup consider our 1973-1976 Corvette Radiator 26" Wide Core (Manual Transmission) with Fans.