I never thought that my search for the correct alternator would create so much discussion about an Radiator Code (SJ) in 455 4speed cars! There must be sometime we are missing with this code or Buick missed. I just want to be clear as possible with the information we have, is the (SJ) code, heavy duty cooling for 455 4speed cars with No A/C and A/C cars????
Just as an FYI, what was in the HD cooling package? 3 core radiator, thermal fan clutch and AC pulleys right? Wasn't the HD cooling package standard on GS-455's?
"I just want to be clear as possible with the information we have, is the (SJ) code, heavy duty cooling for 455 4speed cars with No A/C and A/C cars????" NO, According to the assembly manuals "SW" would be the radiator code for 70 cars with HD cooling. "SJ" is the regular rad for a 350 car with any trans and AC, or for a 455 car with any trans and AC (less GSX). That is why it is common, because it was used on a bunch of cars. The only discussion here is why many of the 4-speed cars came with the "SJ" rad. The only difference between it and the supposedly "correct SF" rad is the "SJ" rad came with the auto trans cooling line. So all they would have to do is install 2 auto trans bolts/screws into the open ends and you have the same unit you were supposed to have but with the extra "closed off" auto trans cooling line. Both these rads are the smaller 3-core units. The "SW" rad is the BIG 3-core with larger tanks. If you ever picked one up believe me you could tell the difference in weight. Now all this discussion came about because we are trying to figure out if you had HD cooling or not. So far I have figured out that you have a 70 Non-Stage1 455 4-speed without AC. Is that correct? Because if its a Stage car, then it might have been mandatory to have HD cooling, and then you got AC pulleys, and the 55 amp alt. Now I believe the HD requirement was put into place sometime during the 70 model year, but I don't remember when. ................and right now you have a lot of people here trying to help you get exactly what you need for your particular car. Instead of us guessing, if you list exactly what type of car you have it would really help, and you may end up with the right alt for your car. I have spent too much time on this as it is. It shouldn't be this hard. Duane
Ron..Alt is on its way! Should see it tuesday the 9th or so! Lemono when it arrives! :TU: Wheelz, Tampa Bay
I have a 1970 GS 455 4 speed car that is all original and untouched. It is a factory built, manual steering, manual brake ,no AC, optioned with G1 3.64 posi performance rear axle. It is also an early built 10C 3rd week of October 1969 Framingham car. It has it's original radiator with tag. Radiator passenger tank has no cooler lines and radiator tag is still there and is SF. It also has plain single pullys and standard 4 blade fan,ie no HD cooling. Ron your car I agree should have a 1100761 alternator.
Rich, That some good information. My car is set up the same but has power steering and 3.42 posi axle. I found the build sheet and it confirms SF radiator and also 1100761 alternator which is a VA code on the build sheet. I believe the SF radiator is a three core. Can you confirm that with your radiator. The build date on my car is 03A March 1st week 1970 Leeds car Thanks Ron
It looks like they put the SJ in stage 1 cars. non A/C What is your alternator code on your build sheet? Ron
Unfortunately, on that final body sheet there is no box for alternator. I'm wondering if they have more to do with the dates/ revisions. But , would need to do a survey of folks with actual build sheets. sorry to get off topic. DL
Rich, I hope you can help me. Does you 70 GS radiator passenger tank have the C F markings? This radiator thing is quite confusing. I'm trying to decide what to put together for my 4sp car with no AC. Should it be SJ, SF or even SW. I plan on using the four blade fan non HD cooling but I wish I knew for sure what was correct? Thanks, Mike
Depends on the bill date of your car. Could be SF early build with no plugs, or SJ with plugs. I do believe that buick never used a four blade fan blade on any stage one engine. I believe they were all seven blade for 1970 and five blade for 1971 and 1972.
The build is the fourth week of Jan 69. It may or may not be a Stg 1 but I think the four blade might be correct for both, but I am by no means an expert. What tanks would be used on a SF? Is a SJ a 3 row like the SF. Thanks, Mike
Not exactly sure of the tanks on an SF radiator but I do know that they were all three core radiator's.
