P30 Van Radiator help or other suggestions [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: P30 Van Radiator help or other suggestions


Slick71ss
May 18th, 06, 6:48 PM
Can someone please post or email a picture of the van radiator??? I've read many posts about it but no one has a picture posted.

Also, will this radiator affect how close my shroud is to the fan? I can't afford to have the shroud any further from the fan if this rad is thinner.

I'm debating between these 3 radiators...

P30 van radiator GM #52479539

A reproduction 4 core brass/copper radiator

Ebay Aluminum... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-77-CHEVELLE-GTO-CUTLASS-GM-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR_W0QQitemZ8065480749QQcategoryZ33602QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Any other suggestions? Looking to stay around or below $300. Stock appearance isn't an issue but I don't want something too ugly. If I get aluminum I will at least paint the tanks black. Don't need any coolers but I can just use plugs if it has one. If the 4 core would keep my 502 cool, I would go with that, but I'm worried it will run hot.

Robinls5
May 18th, 06, 10:05 PM
I turned a 71 nomad wagon into an SS 454. I am using a 4 core 70s Gm it a caddy Gm 4 cores 70 mid 80s pretty much alike. I use to get 4 cores from buick and pontiac wagons. and it is the same a a chevelle, just drop it in.
Bob ACES 2825

Slick71ss
May 18th, 06, 10:11 PM
I'm looking to buy something new. From what I've read, they don't make the new 4-cores like they used to. Something about smaller tubes and less cooling surface?

ALUMITECH REPRODUCTIONS
May 19th, 06, 8:54 AM
I'm looking to buy something new. From what I've read, they don't make the new 4-cores like they used to. Something about smaller tubes and less cooling surface?


Bob
That's a nice looking ride you have there
I am sure you have invested a boat load of money in that 502 .. don't cheep out on your cooling system ... I am not a huge fan of plastic tank radiators ... they will in time leak , and do nothing for a stock looking appearance .

Do a search on Alumitech . I think the results will make you happy ... remember team members get a 10% discount on our radiators !!!

here to help if I can
Don

70GS455
May 19th, 06, 2:31 PM
Pic of the AC Delco 20778 at Advance Auto:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=ACD&mfrpartnumber=20778

HTH

Slick71ss
May 19th, 06, 5:07 PM
Pic of the AC Delco 20778 at Advance Auto:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=ACD&mfrpartnumber=20778

HTH

Thanks, but that is a single row rad. I think the GM #52479539 is a 2 row.

no1dc
May 19th, 06, 5:23 PM
Can someone please post or email a picture of the van radiator??? I've read many posts about it but no one has a picture posted.

Also, will this radiator affect how close my shroud is to the fan? I can't afford to have the shroud any further from the fan if this rad is thinner.

No that is determined by your top plate.

I'm debating between these 3 radiators...

P30 van radiator GM #52479539

We've put this in my son's 70 SB and it was a nice economical, drop in solution. When we bought ours, 5 years ago, we didn't know about Alumitech. When and if we need to change sometime in the future we'll probably go the Alumitech route.

A reproduction 4 core brass/copper radiator

I like aluminum better due to better heat dissipation.

Ebay Aluminum... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-77-CHEVELLE-GTO-CUTLASS-GM-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR_W0QQitemZ8065480749QQcategoryZ33602QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Any other suggestions? Looking to stay around or below $300. Stock appearance isn't an issue but I don't want something too ugly. If I get aluminum I will at least paint the tanks black. Don't need any coolers but I can just use plugs if it has one. If the 4 core would keep my 502 cool, I would go with that, but I'm worried it will run hot.

You will need to change cushions or trim what you have and need a new upper hose as the upper outlet on the P30 radiator id smaller than stock. Look under my post in heating and cooling I listed what parts I needed. Whatever you decide good luck.

Pete and NIcholas

Slick71ss
May 19th, 06, 5:38 PM
Is your radiator a 2 row?

You didn't list the van cushions part number? Do you know it?

My current set-up isn't stock and the rad support where my radiator sits has been modified. I'll have to order the cushions and do some fabrication of my own. :( Here's what my radiator sits on now...

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6831/dscf00100cs.jpg

I also just use the generic flex dress up hoses, so I'll just have to buy the right size ends for that.

no1dc
May 19th, 06, 6:11 PM
Is your radiator a 2 row?

2 Row

You didn't list the van cushions part number? Do you know it?

Don't know the part number I just had the GM parts man order cushions for a 93 P30 step van.

My current set-up isn't stock and the rad support where my radiator sits has been modified. I'll have to order the cushions and do some fabrication of my own. :( Here's what my radiator sits on now...

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6831/dscf00100cs.jpg

I also just use the generic flex dress up hoses, so I'll just have to buy the right size ends for that.

The reason I said you'll need a new upper hose id the water neck is 1 1/2" and the upper radiator outlet is 1 1/4, if I remember right. The hose I used was for an 80's monte I believe.

You might just try installing the radiator with the cushions you have as they might work due to your "custom" lower support. Pete

Slick71ss
May 19th, 06, 6:19 PM
Thanks Pete.

Did your shroud fit nice and snug against the rad as it did with th original?

70GS455
May 20th, 06, 12:17 AM
>>....Thanks, but that is a single row rad. I think the GM #52479539 is a 2 row....>>

I don't believe that's the case, isn't it a 1.5" 1-row?

The only production aluminum/plastic 2-row of 1" tubes I'm aware of is the Visteon 9641.

Slick71ss
May 20th, 06, 12:23 AM
You may be right. I haven't found a definite answer yet. Some have said it's 1 row while others say 2. :clonk:

ALUMITECH REPRODUCTIONS
May 20th, 06, 8:36 AM
Chuck Hanson did a artical on this radiator in Chevelle world
part number #PN52479539
THIS IS A ONE ROW 1.25 TUBE configuration and requires a 1.25 inlet hose
thus finding the correct hose .

no1dc
May 20th, 06, 12:12 PM
Chuck Hanson did a artical on this radiator in Chevelle world
part number #PN52479539
THIS IS A ONE ROW 1.25 TUBE configuration and requires a 1.25 inlet hose
thus finding the correct hose .

The upper hose needed is NAPA 7915. Pete

Slick71ss
May 20th, 06, 12:18 PM
If someone could take a picture or 2 of this radiator installed, I would greatly appreciate it! I'm just worried about the shroud fitment and location of fan in shroud.

Slick71ss
May 30th, 06, 7:32 PM
As it turns out, I ended up getting a Griffen rad on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4642991561

I saved a few bucks compared to retail store pricing or buying the Alumitec. I know it doesn't look stock, but that wasn't a concern. The 1.25 cooling tubes should keep my 502 nice and cool!

bbcvelle
May 31st, 06, 12:52 AM
If you cant find lower radiator hose. I have a part number for the lower flex hose with 1 3/4 on both ends perfect length. I used it on my 70.

Slick71ss
May 31st, 06, 4:21 PM
What's the part # ?

bbcvelle
May 31st, 06, 9:04 PM
I got lower hose at Auto Zone P/N# 1316

HOSE (LOWER) Normal Stock
Special Order
Not Available



Item Part
No.
Warranty Core
Value Unit
Price Availability
Store Web
KELLY_SPRINGFIELD 1316 $9.99

Advance and pep boys also carry it Its the same wether goodyear gates dayco. Like I stated the length is perfect on this flex hose. Good luck.

Slick71ss
Jun 1st, 06, 11:27 PM
My water pump inlet is 1 7/8. Figures. :o

Slick71ss
Jun 3rd, 06, 5:51 PM
Griffen rad is in! Haven't been able to test her out yet though.

http://img431.imageshack.us/img431/5892/dscf00113cx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

bbjhill
Jun 9th, 06, 1:42 PM
Info on the P30 Rad.....

'91-'95 P30 Step Van.
GM Part# 52479539.

Hoses (84-86 Malibu/El Camino)
Gates # 21204 upper and 21324 lower

I am running this radiator and it works great!