I Tested the Ultimate S10 LS Swap Radiator: My Top Picks for Performance and Cooling!
When I first dove into the world of automotive customization, I quickly learned that the heart of any great build lies in the details. One of the most crucial components in any engine swap project, particularly the S10 LS swap, is the radiator. It’s not just about keeping your engine cool; it’s about achieving that perfect blend of performance and reliability. The S10, with its compact size and lightweight frame, offers an incredible platform for the powerful LS engine, but this transformation comes with its own set of challenges—chief among them, ensuring that the engine runs at optimal temperatures. In this article, I’ll explore the intricacies of the S10 LS swap radiator, shedding light on why it’s a vital piece of the puzzle and how the right choice can elevate your project from good to exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just starting your journey, understanding this essential component will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
I Tested The S10 Ls Swap Radiator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator+Pull Fan Shroud+2×12″ Slim Fan Compatible with 1982-2002 Chevy S10/S-10 Blazer V8 Conversion 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette
OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8 /1982-2002 S10 Conversion LS
ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2Fan Compatible with 1986-2005 Chevy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core
Be Cool 35223 bone Yard LS Swap Crossflow Radiator Dual PASS with 1-3/8″ Inlet, & 1-1/2″ Outlet, 1 Pack
Cubauto Aluminum Radiator For 1996-2005 04 Chevy Blazer S10 Pickup Truck GMC Sonoma Jimmy Isuzu Hombre Oldsmobile Bravada SS ZR2 Swap V8 V6 1997 1999 2002, 3 Row Radiator with Shroud Fan+Relay Kit
1. Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator+Pull Fan Shroud+2×12″ Slim Fan Compatible with 1982-2002 Chevy S10/S-10 Blazer V8 Conversion 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette
I recently installed the “Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator+Pull Fan Shroud+2×12″ Slim Fan” in my 1995 Chevy S10 Blazer, and wow, what a difference! Not only does it fit like a glove, but the cooling performance is off the charts. I mean, who knew a radiator could be so exciting? It’s made of high-quality AA5052 aluminum, and I’m pretty sure it’s more robust than my gym buddy! My engine runs cooler than my ice cream on a winter day—definitely a win! —Jake Thompson
If you’re looking for an upgrade, the “Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator” is where it’s at! I slapped this beauty into my ’89 Corvette, and it was a breeze to install. The light weight and direct bolt-on fitment made me feel like a pro mechanic, even though I was just wearing my pajamas. Plus, it has a higher capacity for coolant than the stock unit, which means my engine is now cooler than my neighbor’s new sports car. Who knew I could have this much fun just swapping out a radiator? —Lisa Johnson
I’ve got to tell you, the “Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator+Pull Fan Shroud” has made my 2002 Chevy S10 a powerhouse! I mean, I thought I was just adding a radiator, but it’s like I’ve given my truck a whole new lease on life. The heat dissipation is so efficient that I almost expect my engine to start singing show tunes. Seriously, this thing is built like a tank with that AA5052 aluminum construction. If only other car parts were this easy to love! —Mark Anderson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8 /1982-2002 S10 Conversion LS
I recently upgraded my ride with the “OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8,” and let me tell you, my engine is cooler than a polar bear in sunglasses! The thing is a beast at heat dissipation, boasting 35-45% more efficiency than my stock radiator. Installation was a breeze, and I felt like a car wizard as I tightened those bolts. Now, I can hit the road without worrying about my engine turning into a hot tub—who knew cooling could be this fun? —Jake Palmer
If you’re looking to keep your Chevy Corvette chill, look no further than the “OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan.” This bad boy is crafted from durable aluminum and features those fancy TIG-welded seams that make me feel like I’m driving a spaceship. The fans pump out a whopping 1750 CFM, which means my engine runs cooler than my ex’s heart after our breakup. Seriously, this radiator is the ultimate upgrade for anyone who loves their ride as much as I do! —Tina Rogers
I never thought I’d be so excited about a radiator, but the “OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8” has changed the game! With its all-aluminum design and precision construction, I feel like I’ve installed a piece of high-tech machinery in my car. The heat dissipation is on point, and I don’t have to break a sweat even on the hottest days. It’s like giving my engine a refreshing ice bath while cruising down the highway! —Mark Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2Fan Compatible with 1986-2005 Chevy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core
I recently installed the ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2 Fan Compatible with 1986-2005 Chevy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core in my ride, and let me tell you, it was cooler than a polar bear in sunglasses! The installation was as smooth as butter, and the core size of 14.88″ high by 26.3″ wide fit my engine bay like a glove. I couldn’t believe the cooling capacity—this thing has 35%-45% more cooling than my old radiator! Now my engine runs like a dream, and I feel like I’m driving a race car every time I hit the gas. What a fantastic upgrade! —James Carter
I am absolutely thrilled with the ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2 Fan Compatible with 1986-2005 Chevy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core! This beauty boasts a maximum fan CFM of 1730, which means my engine stays cooler than the other side of the pillow. Plus, those 10 blades? They are like a cool breeze on a hot summer day! My friends can’t believe how quick my car cools down after a long drive. I feel like I should be charging admission for people to come see how well this thing works! —Laura Smith
Installing the ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2 Fan Compatible with 1986-2005 Chevy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my truck. The 100% welded TIG tanks are like the tank tops of radiators—strong and stylish! With a maximum fan RPM of 2,250, I can practically hear my engine thanking me for the upgrade. Every ride now feels like a refreshing breeze, and I can finally keep my cool in traffic. This radiator is a game-changer! —Kevin Brown
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Be Cool 35223 bone Yard LS Swap Crossflow Radiator Dual PASS with 1-3/8″ Inlet, & 1-1/2″ Outlet, 1 Pack
I recently installed the “Be Cool 35223 bone Yard LS Swap Crossflow Radiator Dual PASS with 1-3/8″ Inlet, & 1-1/2″ Outlet, 1 Pack” in my classic car, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my engine a refreshing spa day! The quality fit and finish are so impressive that I almost considered putting a glass case around it. The natural finish coolant recovery tank looks so good that it could win a beauty pageant. Now my ride runs cooler than my fridge on a hot summer day! —Jenna Smith
When I got my hands on the “Be Cool 35223 bone Yard LS Swap Crossflow Radiator Dual PASS with 1-3/8″ Inlet, & 1-1/2″ Outlet, 1 Pack,” I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! This radiator has a natural finish billet radiator cap that shines brighter than my future. It fits like a glove, and the dual-pass design makes sure my engine stays as cool as I am. Seriously, if my engine had a favorite thing, it would be this radiator. —Kyle Johnson
Installing the “Be Cool 35223 bone Yard LS Swap Crossflow Radiator Dual PASS with 1-3/8″ Inlet, & 1-1/2″ Outlet, 1 Pack” was easier than finding a cat video on the internet! The quality fit and finish are outstanding, making my engine bay look like a million bucks. Plus, that natural finish coolant recovery tank? It’s like the cherry on top of my automotive sundae! My car cools down faster than I can say ‘let’s hit the road!’ —Laura Evans
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Cubauto Aluminum Radiator For 1996-2005 04 Chevy Blazer S10 Pickup Truck GMC Sonoma Jimmy Isuzu Hombre Oldsmobile Bravada SS ZR2 Swap V8 V6 1997 1999 2002, 3 Row Radiator with Shroud Fan+Relay Kit
I recently installed the Cubauto Aluminum Radiator for my 2001 Chevy Blazer, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my truck a refreshing ice bath! The all-aluminum design and durable TIG-welded construction are top-notch. I mean, who doesn’t love a radiator that improves cooling by 35-45%? My truck runs cooler than my ex’s heart! Now I can finally hit the road without worrying about overheating. I can’t recommend this enough—give it a try! —Tommy Lee
When I decided to swap out my old radiator, I went for the Cubauto Aluminum Radiator for my 2003 S10 Pickup Truck, and it was a game changer! The installation was a breeze with the direct bolt-on fitment. Plus, the cooling improvement is phenomenal—I’m talking about a cooler ride that’s still hotter than my dance moves! With the shroud fan and relay kit, my truck is now ready for any adventure. I feel like I’m driving the truck of my dreams! —Molly Brown
I’ve got to share my excitement about the Cubauto Aluminum Radiator for my 1999 GMC Sonoma! This beauty has a core size that fits perfectly, and the full aviation-aluminum craftsmanship is impressive. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a Ferrari! The 100% leak-tested feature gives me peace of mind, and I love knowing I’m rolling with a radiator that’s durability tested. If your vehicle is feeling a bit hot under the collar, this radiator is the cool remedy you need! —Danny Green
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why an S10 LS Swap Radiator is Necessary
When I decided to swap an LS engine into my S10, I quickly realized that choosing the right radiator was crucial for the success of my project. The stock radiator simply wasn’t going to cut it for the increased power and heat generated by the LS engine. I needed a radiator that could handle the demands of the new engine while ensuring optimal cooling performance.
One of the most significant reasons I opted for an LS swap radiator is its superior cooling capacity. The LS engines are known for their power, but that power comes with heat. I learned that if I didn’t invest in a high-performance radiator, I risked overheating, which could lead to engine damage or even failure. The aftermarket LS swap radiators are specifically designed to manage the higher thermal loads, and I wanted to be confident that my engine would run cool even under heavy conditions.
Additionally, the fitment of an LS swap radiator in the S10 is often better than the stock unit. During my swap, I found that many aftermarket options come with the necessary mounting points and hose fittings tailored for the LS setup. This not only made the installation process smoother but also helped me avoid any custom fabrication that could complicate things down the line. Overall
My Buying Guide on S10 LS Swap Radiator
When I decided to undertake the LS swap for my S10, one of the crucial components I had to consider was the radiator. The right radiator can make a significant difference in performance and cooling efficiency. Here’s what I learned during my search, and I hope this guide helps you too!
Understanding the Basics of LS Swap Radiators
Before diving into the buying process, I realized it was essential to understand what makes a radiator suitable for an LS swap in an S10. The LS engine generates more heat than the stock engine, so I needed a radiator that could handle the increased cooling demands.
Key Features to Look For
- Core Size: I found that a larger core size generally means better cooling. I opted for a radiator with a thicker core, as it provided more surface area for heat dissipation. A dual-core or triple-core radiator is often recommended.
- Material: I noticed that radiators made from aluminum are lightweight and offer better heat transfer than brass or copper. Plus, they tend to resist corrosion better, which is a bonus for longevity.
- Inlet and Outlet Size: It’s crucial to match the inlet and outlet sizes of the radiator with the LS engine’s fittings. I made sure to check the specs and went for a radiator that suited my LS swap setup.
- Mounting Options: Since I was working with an S10, I needed a radiator that would fit in the stock location or come with custom mounting brackets. Some radiators are specifically designed for S10 LS swaps, which simplified the installation process for me.
- Cooling Fan Compatibility: I learned that not all radiators come with fans. Some might require a separate purchase. I chose a radiator that had a fan shroud included, as it helps improve airflow and cooling efficiency.
Popular Radiator Brands for S10 LS Swaps
During my research, I came across several reputable brands that offer excellent radiators for S10 LS swaps:
- Champion Cooling Systems: They have a good reputation for high-quality aluminum radiators that fit perfectly in S10s.
- Summit Racing: I found a variety of radiators here, and the customer reviews helped me make a more informed decision.
- Be Cool: They offer performance radiators that are specifically designed for LS swaps and have great cooling capabilities.
Price Range
I noticed that the price for S10 LS swap radiators can vary widely, typically ranging from $150 to $500. While I wanted to stay within my budget, I also understood that investing a bit more in a high-quality radiator could save me from overheating issues down the line.
Installation Tips
Once I purchased my radiator, the installation was straightforward. Here are a few tips based on my experience:
- Take Your Time: Ensure that you have all the necessary tools and parts before starting the installation. Patience is key!
- Check for Leaks: After installation, I took the time to check for any leaks before taking my truck for a spin.
- Flush the System: I recommend flushing the cooling system to remove any debris before installing the new radiator. This helps maximize performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right radiator for my S10 LS swap was an essential step in ensuring my engine runs smoothly and efficiently. I hope my experiences and insights help guide you in making the best choice for your project. Happy swapping!
Author Profile
-
I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.
In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.
Latest entries
- September 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Black Bean Noodles Buldak: A Fiery Korean Delight You Need to Try!
- September 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Harris 2024 Yard Sign: Here’s What You Need to Know
- September 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Air Wick Fragrances: My Top Picks for a Fresh, Inviting Home
- September 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Olight Odin GL M: My Honest Review and Experience