Skylark and GS350 Radiator (AT) difference?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by sjanbob, Oct 21, 2021.

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  1. sjanbob

    sjanbob Well-Known Member

    Hi all,
    Does anyone know if there is a difference between the radiator (automatic transmission)
    of a standard 350 engine and a GS350 315hp engine builld 1970?

    I see Rockauto.com supply at the moment only 1 radiator for the standard engine: Ultra-Power 161.
    And for the GS350 are 3 economic radiators: TYC 161, OSC 161 and the same Ultra-Power 161.
    Does anyone experience with one of these?
    I don't want to bent or change any automatic transmission pipelines for to make it fittable.
    I have a 1970 GS350.

    Also I can buy here a used one on Internet which is from a 1970 Chevelle with a 455 engine.
    Would this fitt properly or a radiator from a 350 Chevrolet?

    I am also looking a distribution cover because mine is cracked again after welding it.
    Which ones are recommend for a good price?
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2021
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    No, the only difference between a Skylark radiator and the GS350 radiator might be the number of cores (rows), 2 vs. 3. The hook ups for hoses and transmission cooling lines will be the same.

    The radiators you are looking at are replacement radiators, not direct copies of the OEM radiators. They are aluminum radiators with plastic tanks. They are single row, but they will cool just as well or better than the stock brass/copper radiators. They frequently have slightly smaller or bigger upper and lower hose connections. The automatic cooling lines should be in the same position, but you may need to tweak them a bit. The other radiators you listed are similar. I would google those part numbers and get as much information on them as possible as to exact size. Measure your current radiator and compare. Rock auto gives all the measurements for the radiators if you click the INFO button. The stock upper and lower hoses are 1 1/2". Look at the inlet and outlet diameters. You may need to stretch the hoses, or tighten the clamps tighter to seal them.

    I like this radiator better,

    https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinf...LqHFJzvTWL4BxDiJx3GxKkBsHiU9Vew6gRffKKqf886mN

    Chevrolet radiators frequently had a bigger lower hose connection, as much as 1/8" bigger. I wouldn't chance it especially if it is used.

    What is a distribution cover?
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
  3. Duane

    Duane Member

    And no matter what, do not try to put a 4-core radiator in your Buick.

    They were designed for 2-3 cores, and if you jamb a 4-core in that space the fan shroud will be so tight it might rub thru the radiator. Quite a few Chevelle radiators were 4-cores, so you need to watch out for that.

    The other thing to watch out for with the Chevelle radiators is they often used 4-core tanks with 2 or 3-core radiators. Even though the radiator cores are thinner, the large side tanks make them difficult to install and you often have to cut down the insulator rubbers to make them fit.
    Duane
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
    Brett Slater likes this.
  4. sjanbob

    sjanbob Well-Known Member

    Thank you all for your advices! For sure I will measure if it will fitt properly.
    Maybe I will (let) repair my radiator. He is not in so bad condition but is only leaking on the outerside on a seam / pressed connection. Besides I need to ship the new one to The Netherlands.
    Sorry LARRY70GS, I meant a (distribution chain) timing cover at the front of the engine. Behind the waterpump.
    Chris
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2021
  5. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  6. TORQUED455

    TORQUED455 Well-Known Member

    Larry, the Rock Auto link for Liland Radiators is interesting. Their US base is here in Syracuse, NY and up until recently I bought radiators, heater cores, gas tanks and misc stuff from them. This went on for almost 35 years. Then they stopped delivering to auto repair shops. I thought they were circling the bowl. A couple of years ago, I needed something that no one else had local but them. I picked it up since they wouldn't deliver, and holy moly the shipping dept in the warehouse was floor to ceiling with Rock Auto boxes. They weren’t circling the bowl at all, they just shifted their focused to online sales. The link you posted caught my eye because they now appear to manufacture some of their own radiators and gas tanks. They certainly don’t do that in their Syracuse location because there is no room. No doubt their Chinese connection/supplier does that.
     
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yeah, never knew they existed until I looked on RA.
     
  8. Chuck George

    Chuck George Well-Known Member

    Can you tell me how well the Liland 2 row radiator fit? I'm looking at US Radiator, DeWitts, and Griffin but it seems they all need teaking to fit.
     
  9. sjanbob

    sjanbob Well-Known Member

    Sorry for my late reaction. I didn't order a radiator because I will try to (let) repair my radiator.
    Do any know how I can order parts from TA performance? They dont have a webshop(?)
     
  10. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    You can't order off the website.


    http://taperformance.com/

    All the information you need to order is on this catalog page,

    TASalesPolicy.JPG
     

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