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| | | Forums66 Topics128,085 Posts1,055,969 Members48,430 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 64 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 64 | I am pulling my non original 1968 230 out of my 1963 c-10 and installing a 1963 283 that I havefound and rebuilt.My question is can I use the 6 cylinder radiator for the 283 or will I need to go to a larger one? Thanks for you help. Longhorn | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,782 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,782 | If you use a fan shroud and fit it properly, the 230 radiator might work, but remember you're trying to cool another 50 cubic inches of engine. The fan hub needs to line up with the edge of the shroud, with the blades covered only halfway by the shroud for the best air movement. A fan blade ahead or behind the back of the shroud doesn't flow nearly as much air as one that's properly positioned. Jerry
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| | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | In those years Chevy used the same rad for a small block or 6, so yes, you can use your rad. However, I know for the cars that the 8's had a factory shroud, so you may want to try and find a factory small block shroud for your 283, if they exist for the trucks. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 264 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 264 | I put a 350 in a styline and used the original type radiator with no problems at all. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 | My 65 has a stock radiator and a v8. Get the shroud if you're going to use a mechanical fan. I have no shroud and a single electrical fan, never over heats. 383 ci. 180 degree thermostat. Fan is on a relay off the temp sensor.
Last edited by Hollow65; 01/01/2014 2:35 AM.
I can explain it to you, I can't understand it for you.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,552 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,552 | In those years Chevy used the same rad for a small block or 6, so yes, you can use your rad. However, I know for the cars that the 8's had a factory shroud, so you may want to try and find a factory small block shroud for your 283, if they exist for the trucks. The six cylinder & V8 radiators, were not the same in the '63 Chevy light-duty trucks. The standard six cylinder radiators, sat in the lower cradles on the lower flange of the radiator cross member, between the the frame rails, whereas the wider tanks of the standard radiators, in the V8-equipped trucks, sat on the top flange of the radiator cross member. In my opinion, since you are installing an era-correct 283 in your '63 Chevy truck, a factory-correct V8 Harrison 2-core, 3-core or 4-core radiator & corresponding fan shroud & shroud extensions, are appropriate.
Last edited by 4-5-6 Chevy Trucks; 01/01/2014 2:45 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 211 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 211 | Since your from Texas, I would go with a 3 core or bigger. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 | A stock 283 set up properly won't take much more to cool than the 250 six. If all you have is the six cylinder radiator then make sure you can flow plenty of air by it whether you use an electric fan or find a shroud to help pull the air through.
A 3 core radiator for a stock 283 is overkill even in the Texas heat providing air is moving across the radiator.
Last edited by Roy Rodgers; 01/01/2014 7:19 PM.
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