Radiator core support interchange?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
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From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Radiator core support interchange?
Will the radiator core supports across the various year C3s interchange? I’d like to swap in the big block support from an early (68-74) C3 in place of the small block core in my 79 (so I can run a bb size radiator). It seems like they should, bet always better to ask.
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All I did in my 77 was buy the wider rubber mounts for top and bottom. Everything else is the same.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
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From: Lafayette Louisiana
Couple of thoughts:
1. 68 is very different and supports off the frame not the first Vee crossmember.
2. Check the Corvette vendor catalogs which should be a fairly reliable source on which radiator supports fit what.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
2. I've checked, but they list the core supports by intended year and don't seem to show what would fit other years.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
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From: Fairfax Virginia
I have a 1968 Convertible Corvette with a 427. When I rebuilt the engine I had a Corvette shop involved and they informed me that I had a lot of 1967 BB parts under the hood. I guess they used up the 1967 parts and moved on to the 1968 bins. My serial number is 2595 and it was built in October of 1967.
The mechanics at this particular shop do a lot of restorations and they know their parts, we all had a fun time as this car came with clearly 1967 parts on it.
There is a big difference in the engine bays of your 1979 and my 1968. I can reach all eight plugs from the top and change them in minutes. I have room everywhere around the engine. The 427 looks okay in my engine compartment but it is not "stuffed full" like the later C3's appear to be.
I have a 1968 "ODDBALL Year" C3 Corvette with a lot of known one year parts. It makes it more collectible to me. I like having a more unique Corvette. I LOVE my BB's power and sound. I love my 1968 Corvette 3200lbs with 500+ horsepower and I can even work on it. It has Chrome Bumpers, Big *** motor and a four speed,what more could you ask for? The best part is it came this way from the factory thanks to Zora.
The mechanics at this particular shop do a lot of restorations and they know their parts, we all had a fun time as this car came with clearly 1967 parts on it.
There is a big difference in the engine bays of your 1979 and my 1968. I can reach all eight plugs from the top and change them in minutes. I have room everywhere around the engine. The 427 looks okay in my engine compartment but it is not "stuffed full" like the later C3's appear to be.
I have a 1968 "ODDBALL Year" C3 Corvette with a lot of known one year parts. It makes it more collectible to me. I like having a more unique Corvette. I LOVE my BB's power and sound. I love my 1968 Corvette 3200lbs with 500+ horsepower and I can even work on it. It has Chrome Bumpers, Big *** motor and a four speed,what more could you ask for? The best part is it came this way from the factory thanks to Zora.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
I have a 1968 Convertible Corvette with a 427. When I rebuilt the engine I had a Corvette shop involved and they informed me that I had a lot of 1967 BB parts under the hood. I guess they used up the 1967 parts and moved on to the 1968 bins. My serial number is 2595 and it was built in October of 1967.
The mechanics at this particular shop do a lot of restorations and they know their parts, we all had a fun time as this car came with clearly 1967 parts on it.
There is a big difference in the engine bays of your 1979 and my 1968. I can reach all eight plugs from the top and change them in minutes. I have room everywhere around the engine. The 427 looks okay in my engine compartment but it is not "stuffed full" like the later C3's appear to be.
I have a 1968 "ODDBALL Year" C3 Corvette with a lot of known one year parts. It makes it more collectible to me. I like having a more unique Corvette. I LOVE my BB's power and sound. I love my 1968 Corvette 3200lbs with 500+ horsepower and I can even work on it. It has Chrome Bumpers, Big *** motor and a four speed,what more could you ask for? The best part is it came this way from the factory thanks to Zora.
The mechanics at this particular shop do a lot of restorations and they know their parts, we all had a fun time as this car came with clearly 1967 parts on it.
There is a big difference in the engine bays of your 1979 and my 1968. I can reach all eight plugs from the top and change them in minutes. I have room everywhere around the engine. The 427 looks okay in my engine compartment but it is not "stuffed full" like the later C3's appear to be.
I have a 1968 "ODDBALL Year" C3 Corvette with a lot of known one year parts. It makes it more collectible to me. I like having a more unique Corvette. I LOVE my BB's power and sound. I love my 1968 Corvette 3200lbs with 500+ horsepower and I can even work on it. It has Chrome Bumpers, Big *** motor and a four speed,what more could you ask for? The best part is it came this way from the factory thanks to Zora.
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1967 Pedal Car Champion
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Lawrenceburg, KY
That was my thought, but 4-vettes' response made it sound like he stuck a BB radiator in a SB core by just changing the rubber.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
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From: Lawrenceburg, KY
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Same core support big block and small block!
This is the small block rad cushion. Note how it's real wide on one side? The big block cushions are narrow on both ends for the thicker rad.
I'm telling you all you need are the upper and lower cushions. Many,many guys have done this.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
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From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Same core support big block and small block!
This is the small block rad cushion. Note how it's real wide on one side? The big block cushions are narrow on both ends for the thicker rad.
I'm telling you all you need are the upper and lower cushions. Many,many guys have done this.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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the radiator core supports were changed after 68. They where the same from 66 to 68 and had a separate small block manual transmission core support and seperate small block auto trans/ big block core support. from 69 on the core supports are basically the same and you will be fine
1967 Pedal Car Champion
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I realized I was going off on my own tangent - it doesn't matter if/how the supports differ as long as you are getting the radiator that mates with whichever support you buy. The support widths should be the same across the years as long as the inner fender skirts are the same design (it's been a while since I looked at a '79's engine compartment). However, keep in mind that big block radiators will have different angles on the upper and lower hose connections for mating up with the thermostat housing and water pump on a factory-designed big block vs. a small block. Keep this in mind when looking at hoses - you may need those accordian flex hoses. For proper air-flow and sealing, you may also need to consider the matching factory style shroud too. Your '79 small block shroud will more than likely not work.
Last edited by barkingrats; Oct 26, 2020 at 11:10 PM.
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Mine is a 77. So the same as a 79. I got the rubber cushions for a 74 big block and they fit fine. Aftermarket Radiator is big block aluminum style. But with correct outlets for my 77. However I run the "Corrugated" type hoses anyway. Black one on the bottom that doesn't need a spring and never sucks shut. Chrome one up top. Just cause it looks nice.
oh, and your shroud will fit fine.
oh, and your shroud will fit fine.
Last edited by 4-vettes; Oct 27, 2020 at 03:49 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Va.Beach Va.
I have a BB radiator core support with a SB engine in my C2 I would call Dewitts radiator (the company I used). If memory serves me their SB radiators are as effient as the BB. Spending money for new support and fan shroud then purchasing a radiator may not gain you that much.