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2500 Radiator In A 1500?

B

bench_racer

Full Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2002
Messages
12
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA
Has anyone ever tried or thought about using a 2500 radiator in a 1500 Avy?

I ocassionally tow a 5000+ travel trailer. According to the manual and discussed on one of the threads, it's "normal" for the Av's temperature to fluctuate and get on the warm side. On my last trip, the temperature hovered around 230 for about a 30 mile stretch through the California desert. Needless to say, this is a bit unnerving. :eek:

OK all you 2500 Av owners - I know, I know, I should have bought the 2500 :8:

The specs say that the 1500 Av has a 16.5 quart radiator where the 2500 has a 24 quart radiator. My bright idea :0: is to find a 2500 radiator for my 1500. I'm curious to know how it will fit and if I'd need to custom make hoses?

Thanks in advance for any response.
 
I think 230 isn't too bad. Sure its over the normal operating temperature, because you are putting A LOT more strain on the engine, its bound to happen. but Chevy tested it like that and if at over X degress it would cause damage, Chevy would say- don't operate vehicle if temp exceedes X degrees.
 
The Dude said:
I think 230 isn't too bad. Sure its over the normal operating temperature, because you are putting A LOT more strain on the engine, its bound to happen. but Chevy tested it like that and if at over X degress it would cause damage, Chevy would say- don't operate vehicle if temp exceedes X degrees.
Click to expand...
That, of course, would require us to know what the temp of the tranny is. On a 1500, you gotta swap clusters or add an aftermarket gauge in order to do that. So I think it is more likely that Chevy just set up an "Idiot Light"TM to light up if the tranny gets too hot.
 
230o might be OK for the engine but not for your trans.  The trans fluid is running through the radiator and picking up heat from the extra hot engine. It would be a good idea to install an aux. trans oil cooler.  I don't think anyone here has tried the swap yet. If it works, let us know.
 
One thing you might look into is the core supports between the two vehicles.  See if there is actually that much difference.... From my experience in the past. With older vehicles. You can swap to a larger radiator for a particular vehicle if a higher weight class already has that larger radiator in it.

All you would really need would be the new brackets upper and lower to hold the radiator in place. You can get all these parts from a junkyard for cheap or buy them brand new at the parts department. Any suburban or truck in 2500 or larger with the large 8.1 in it will work. You will more than likely have to buy new hoses. I think flex hoses will more than likely work.

But i fabicated my own hoses together with nothing but rubber hose, hose clamps (right size), and muffler piping. The muffler piping... I am talking about you can find in any auto parts store to mate together muffler pipes of varying sizes. Just use the piping inside the hose and clamp together. All the sizes of most hoses will be listed on the hose. and the same for the piping.

Just remember this:
I.D. = Inside Diameter
O.D. = Outside Diameter

That is for buying hose of varying size and connecting them together to fit the right connection at the radiator, water pump, and manifold.

Hope this helps.

James
 
Bench_Racer, if you need a aux tranny cooler, I have the factory one sitting in my garage, brand new in the box. Part #12497071, I'l let it go for $55 bucks and I'll pay for the shipping!



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Wont' fit because the supports and frame are different between the 1500 and 2500.

Get the Aux. tranny cooler and an electric fan for the radiator.  Also switch to a 180 thermostat.

Avalon

 
Hello Guys , I am new here.? I found this sight while looking for a remedy to my cooling problem.? Well as some of you may have found they list a Heavy Duty radiator but no one to my knowledge has them.? Every where I call refers to a HeatBuster radiator for the 1500 AV but no one has it in stock or can order it as they say it is not available.? Well my local radiator man...........BEST RADIATOR in Statesboro GA, ordered the heatbuster core and mounted it to my existing tanks, well instead of the 1 inch radiator that came stock in my AV I now have a 4 inch Heavy Duty for far less than the stock radiator cost.? I also installed a Napa Tranny cooler and I am looking forward to pulling my 28' Jayco this weekend.?
? The only time I got over 180' was when it was over 95' outside and I was pulling my camper.? I have been told this will take care of the problems.? I will post later with a follow up.? Thanks
 
115* and she stayed cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A/c is even cooler, I wish I had check the temp at the vent before and after............I took short trip today but I will do a couple HRS this weekend and then I will be ready for the 12hr trip to Indiana. ;D
 
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