Top Radiator Hose

[8mywal8]

I am converting a 68 Camaro to an LS3 from a small block. I have a very nice polished Afco radiator. I hate to change it to one with the top hose on the passenger side. Is there a nice looking hose that comes from the driver side? If so please let me know parts # and pictures if possible.

Have a good one,
Ronnie

[Rybar]

I have what you need on my car, just cannot recall the part number.

Bend a wire or coat hanger, measure the outlet sizes and head to your auto parts store.

[kwhizz]

If you want to use your old radiator.......Heres what I did.....you are going to have two different sizes for the hoses.....I made an adaptor to fit the two sizes.....and...I put a fitting for the steam line in the adaptor......Killed two birds with one stone.....a lot easier to find a common size hose with the bends you need.....here are some pic's showing what I did.....works perfect.....

Ken

[camcojb]

That's a great idea Ken, because at some point you have to deal with the hose diameter change. LS is 1.25" id and standard small block Chevy is 1.5" id on the upper hose. Lower hose is even bigger at 1.75" so you'll need to deal with that also if you're going to use a standard non-LS radiator.

[71RS/SS396]

Originally Posted by camcojb

That's a great idea Ken, because at some point you have to deal with the hose diameter change. LS is 1.25" id and standard small block Chevy is 1.5" id on the upper hose. Lower hose is even bigger at 1.75" so you'll need to deal with that also if you're going to use a standard non-LS radiator.

Jody, here's a good way to reduce the hose size. You just slip these inside the hose and clamp those like you normally would. http://www.goodyearep.com/productsdetail.aspx?id=15008

[black67malibu]

Originally Posted by kwhizz

If you want to use your old radiator.......Heres what I did.....you are going to have two different sizes for the hoses.....I made an adaptor to fit the two sizes.....and...I put a fitting for the steam line in the adaptor......Killed two birds with one stone.....a lot easier to find a common size hose with the bends you need.....here are some pic's showing what I did.....works perfect.....

Ken

Could you explain in a little more detail on how you made that adapter/fitting. Im at that same point in my build. Also what kind of black connecters are those on the ends of the adapter piece? Thanks

[kwhizz]

The aluminum fittings have a Rib on either side that bite into the hose.....the black pieces you see are Heat Shrink fittings that take the place of standard hose clamps......they are made by Gates........These LS engines don't get hot enough to seal them up so I had to use a Heat gun.........LS engines "Rock"......

Ken

[black67malibu]

Thanks for the info. I think I might just weld in a fitting in the radiator. we dont have much in the way of fabrication shops where I live. Im excited to drive this car.... If I can ever get it done. LOL