How do I? Radiator Selection

[oldcj7guy]

Looking for recommendation for a radiator for my 1979 CJ7 . I'm putting a 5.3L LS in it with a 4L60E Transmission . I'm going to want the radiator, electric fans, and Transmission cooler. I see a lot of options, but looking for advice if available.

 

[TSB8C]

Many folks will tell you to use a separate tranny cooler for an auto and not the built-in cooler in the radiator. I won't dispute that logic, but will say that my personal experience has seen no issue with doing this. I have a 4-core aluminum radiator will built-in tranny cooler from Be Cool and dual electric fans from a Ford Contour. I have a 420HP SBC 350 engine and 700R4 auto tranny and no issues with cooling it. Of course for an LS swap, you need a different radiator than I used. US Radiator has a great option for old CJ's doing an LS swap. Wizard Cooling is another good one; and Be Cool is another, which is what I used. I then made my own overflow bottle with an aluminum canister. Stay away from the cheap junk all over eBay or Amazon. Get a good qualify aluminum job that has the extra vent connection for LS engines. Most of these options can also be ordered with electric fans and shrouds. I chose not to use a shroud/fan setup from the radiator supplier. I went with a dual electric fan setup from a Ford Contour because of the exact fit, included shroud, and the built-in dual speed control. Rather than the fans just kick on all at once on the highest speed and tax the electrical system, I have mine wired to kick on lower speed at one temp and then go to higher speed if needed at a higher temp. My ECU already supported that functionality built-in and with user programmable temp settings when the different speeds kick in. So two high-amp relays connected to the existing built-in resistor block in the Contour fan shroud is all I had to add. And the stock connectors are widely available. No expensive fan control unit or other add-ons needed.

 

[Turbogus]

I used the Dual Electric Fans on 'Black Betty' that I got from a V8 HO Mercury Mystique (aka Ford Contour) with homegrown wiring, switches and relays with the help of an excellent wiring diagram from John Strenk. It indeed fits like a custom, I was blown away. After a long diagnosis, trial and error this finally got my overheating in the Oregon summer under control.

 

[jzak]

I've got a Champion 4-core radiator, which was a game changer compared to the old copper radiator. Everything else is factory, and I never get above 190, even in the hottest days. If your coming from the Pacific NW, I doubt you'll need electric fans and tranny cooler.

 

[CJ]

I've got a Champion 4-core radiator, which was a game changer compared to the old copper radiator. Everything else is factory, and I never get above 190, even in the hottest days. If your coming from the Pacific NW, I doubt you'll need electric fans and tranny cooler.

View attachment 104786

Cool!
Imagine how good it would work if you had a shroud...

 

[Belizean]

I run a 2 core from Summit and it hangs where it should. 195 degrees. I also like having 2 temp gages. Factory and a VDO gage.