LS Radiator 26 Inch Wide Core with Fans for 1973-1976 Chevy Corvette
When installing an LS engine and automatic transmission in a 1973 to 1976 Corvette Y Body, this 26 inch wide core radiator with built in fans provides the precise coolant flow needed to prevent overheating under load. Matching original mounting tabs with LS style inlet and outlet connections eliminates the need for custom brackets or complicated hose reroutes. Featuring dual cooling fans that activate automatically at low vehicle speeds, the design ensures consistent airflow through the core whether idling in traffic or charging down the highway. Constructed from welded aluminum in the USA, the radiator resists corrosion while rejecting heat rapidly to keep engine temperature under control.
Efficient Heat Rejection Through a 26 Inch Wide Core
The 26 inch wide core significantly increases coolant volume and surface area, facilitating rapid heat dissipation from the LS engine under sustained load. Precision aligned tubes and dense fins disperse heat evenly across the entire face of the core, reducing hot spots that can develop during spirited driving in high ambient temperatures. Uniform flow across the wide face supports stable coolant temperatures even when highway cruising reduces the flow rate through each tube. Such consistent heat rejection helps maintain internal engine components in their optimal thermal range, promoting longevity and reliable performance over time.
Automatic Dual Fan System Ensuring Constant Airflow
Two fans are mounted directly to the radiator face and are controlled by an electronic switch that senses coolant temperature or vehicle speed. At low travel speeds or idling conditions, the system activates both fans to pull air evenly through the core, compensating for the lack of ram air on city streets or steep inclines. This proactive airflow management also cools the transmission area, preventing fluid breakdown in the torque converter under load. By eliminating the need for manual fan control, the system ensures the driver can focus on performance without concern for rising temperatures.
Aluminum Construction and Corrosion Resistance Explained
This radiator is crafted from premium aluminum to balance weight and thermal conductivity. Aluminum offers superior resistance to corrosion compared with traditional materials, a vital attribute in regions with frequent moisture exposure or harsh road treatments. Customers can choose a bare finish to maximize heat transfer or select a black epoxy coat for added surface protection against abrasion and environmental contaminants. All coating applications are inspected in the USA to verify uniform coverage and proper adhesion. The result is a durable assembly that resists wear while presenting a clean appearance in the engine bay.
Direct Fit Installation for 1973 to 1976 Corvette Y Body
Installation requires no custom brackets or frame alterations, as the radiator mounts to the original support structure of the 1973 to 1976 Corvette Y Body. LS style hose connections line up with factory plumbing angles, while the core and fan assembly clear the automatic transmission housing for a precise fit. Factory tabs and brace points are preserved, maintaining the chassis rigidity that Corvette engineers designed into the Y Body. This plug and play approach reduces labor time and eliminates the frustration of modifying brackets or rerouting hoses. As a result, professional level cooling performance can be achieved with straightforward bolt in installation.
Count on consistent cooling performance. For the same radiator but without fans see our 1973-1976 Corvette Radiator 26" Wide Core (Automatic Transmission).