Will a '75 rad. core support work in a '72?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville California
Will a '75 rad. core support work in a '72?
Will a '75 radiator core support fit in a '72? I hear a '75 is as big a support GM ever made (hence will allow the largest radiator).
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
The main difference is in where the weld-nuts are for cowl mounting.
All the holes are there, but the weld nuts may be missing ...
need to use bolt/nut combo.
There is no size difference that I know of.
Actually, SB 75 radiators are a thinner core than SB 70 ...
BB rads (I don't know) might be different.
Now - if you have a core support for a stock aluminum radiator ... all bets may be off.
But, yes - the 75 support will fit in the space.
If your support is OK - I would spend the $ on a new AL radiator.
All the holes are there, but the weld nuts may be missing ...
need to use bolt/nut combo.
There is no size difference that I know of.
Actually, SB 75 radiators are a thinner core than SB 70 ...
BB rads (I don't know) might be different.
Now - if you have a core support for a stock aluminum radiator ... all bets may be off.
But, yes - the 75 support will fit in the space.
If your support is OK - I would spend the $ on a new AL radiator.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 109
I just installed a ( Be Cool ) aluminum radaitor ( part # 60029 I think ) behind a 1971 core support I will say this, Nothing bigger will fit in its place.I bought this off e-bay,I was told it came out of a vette race car. 
after spending 2 days making changes to the support, fabing brackets it still lacks just a little clearance on the neck so the hood will close all the way .I have 2 choices,have the neck of radaitor cut off and tig a small plate over where it should be,or notch the hood just a little more then it is from the factory.Looks like i will be doing a little fiberglass work this weekend.
as far as i see as to what makes a difference in what radaitor will work is the pieces of sheet metal on either side of the core support,the small block radaitor uses 2 block off pieces to close the size of the opening,the larger opening is used with A C,or big blocks is my guess.
Hope this helps
after spending 2 days making changes to the support, fabing brackets it still lacks just a little clearance on the neck so the hood will close all the way .I have 2 choices,have the neck of radaitor cut off and tig a small plate over where it should be,or notch the hood just a little more then it is from the factory.Looks like i will be doing a little fiberglass work this weekend.as far as i see as to what makes a difference in what radaitor will work is the pieces of sheet metal on either side of the core support,the small block radaitor uses 2 block off pieces to close the size of the opening,the larger opening is used with A C,or big blocks is my guess.
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville California
Thanks, everyone. Sounds like it'll physically fit, but I may need to use a bolt and nut combo where a weld nut may be missing.
So how/where do I get the skinny on just which support for which year/engine app was the largest?! I've heard the supports used for '75 were as large as they got. I'd like to be able to use the largest possible radiator.
Yes, I'll be buying a new alum. radiator for sure. I'm considering Be Cool and DeWitts. I've heard good about both but really don't know how to fairly compare radiators.
NHvette: Do you have a whole new rear skin on your car, or have you just stripped the back end? I'm considering a new rear skin for my car, and I'm curious to talk to someone who's done it.
So how/where do I get the skinny on just which support for which year/engine app was the largest?! I've heard the supports used for '75 were as large as they got. I'd like to be able to use the largest possible radiator.
Yes, I'll be buying a new alum. radiator for sure. I'm considering Be Cool and DeWitts. I've heard good about both but really don't know how to fairly compare radiators.
NHvette: Do you have a whole new rear skin on your car, or have you just stripped the back end? I'm considering a new rear skin for my car, and I'm curious to talk to someone who's done it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Des Allemands LA
While you're shopping look at Griffin as well, thats what I have in mine. Two 1 1/8" rows keep mine at 172F at idle with only one elec. fan running not sure of the CFM. That is also with the trans cooler mounted in fron of the radiator.
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