Radiator swap for a sbc

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81waggy
Posts: 111
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:30 am

Radiator swap for a sbc

Post by 81waggy »

I installed a 350 vortec from an 2000 Escalade into my 81 Wagoneer. The jeep came with the straight 6 but the radiator was in good shape so I just kept it. Its the 25" wide one but does a decent job keeping everything around 200 deg. Clutch fan but no electric fans.

Because the in & out on the radiator were on the wrong sides, I "made" some radiator hoses by cutting and joining using hose connectors. Well, now the lower hose joints are starting to leak as well as the water pump. I already need to replace the timing chain cover because its leaking oil so replacing the water pump is no big deal.

Since I am going to have half of the front of the engine torn off, Should I go ahead and just replace the radiator and either use the right hoses. or universal hoses? Anyone do this swap to know what radiator fits? Should I keep the setup I got and just get the hoses worked out?

Thanks.
81 Wagoneer with a TBI 350 Vortec.
83 Wagoneer - 360 Quadratrac
69 Wagoneer - 350 Diesel trail rig
70 Wagoneer - 1414x

csuengr
Posts: 1290
Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2013 10:24 am
Location: Sterling, CO

Re: Radiator swap for a sbc

Post by csuengr »

Do you have a radiator shop you can go to? If so, take your radiator in and have them switch the sides on the ports.
1977 Cherokee S, Ford 5.0, 5 speed, BW 1356, 33 x 10.50 BFG's. No longer my DD.
2007 Mercury Milan, 2.3L, 5-speed, now my DD. 29 mpg average.
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44bz
Posts: 1081
Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:17 pm
Location: Oregon City, OR

Radiator swap for a sbc

Post by 44bz »

csuengr wrote:Do you have a radiator shop you can go to? If so, take your radiator in and have them switch the sides on the ports.
I did this with the radiator in my dad’s 350 powered willys pickup. I had a welding shop in town move the lower outlet over because of clearance issues. It cost about $75 and was done in a day.


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1968 J2000 - AMC 327/T18/D20 (twin stick), stock D44s, 3" body lift, 35x12.50 Goodyear MTRs w/ Kevlar
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