Best radiator for LT1 swap in G-body with oil cooler

[Russ Jerome]

There are several threads with no *good* answer for LT1 oil cooler equiped radiator in G-body.

Donor is a 1994 Roadmaster with oil and trans cooler lines, G-body is a 1987 Camino. Both vehicles have leaking radiators.

What factory F or B body car radiator fits best? They are both available with oil/trans coolers obviously. Just like to know if one fits better than the other in a G-body as far as height and width. I would like to re-use my roadmaster expansion tank if it matters in radiator swap. If one is narrower than the other it would allow for a wicked fresh air intake box for BHAF.

*answers lead off to opti spark or motor mount debates,with good replies this could make a good sticky if kept on point?*
Im gonna try and find dimensions of both, if there is no clear answer or anybody else needs this info.

Russ Jerome (yes that Russ, turbo guy from Milwaukee)

 

[liquidh8]

Which direction do the upper and lower hoses point? Are they same as a GEN I SBC? I forget.

 

[Russ Jerome]

Standard orientation radiator but has comp fitting engine oil cooler on drivers side, engine side is reverse flow from traditional:
http://image.carcraft.com/f/howto/89139 ... _large.jpg
Gen 1 radiators if oil cooler equiped are metric push lock with wire retainers, different.

 

[Russ Jerome]

Any input welcome now, picked up donor car and someone swiped resevoir from B body car so Im gonna but a new rad/expansion tank from a B or F body if anybody says any preference?

Anybody have dimensions?

 

[liquidh8]

Russ, I have used an F-body before, a 3rd gen vette, an possibly a b-body. Sorry I can't help, I have always just "made" them fit, with custom brackets and the like.

As a side not, a turbo buick (t-type/GN) came with engine and trans coolers. But they are pricey new, and you won't find one in a JY.

 

[Russ Jerome]

Well that helps, if they all work equaly I will grab an aluminum F body one (cheaper than Vet tax) from e-bay.
If I have notes on install I will update thread.