Core Support

[Jim Damasiewicz]

In 1966, was there any difference between a core supoort for a small block vs a big block?

[Dick W.]

Re: Core Support

Totally different support. Big block had copper/brass radiator, small block had aluminum radiator

[Jim Damasiewicz]

Re: Core Support

Dick,

I didn't mean the radiator, I meant the support for the radiator.

[Joe L.]

Re: Core Support

Jim----

I think that Dick was referring to the fact that since the type of radiator was different, the type of support was also different. That's exactly how it is.

The primary reason for the differences in supports relates to the fact that the small block aluminum and big block copper/brass radiators use completely different means of attachment to the support. All 1963-72 small block with aluminum radiator applications, 1965 L-78, 1967-69 L-88/ZL-1 use 2 "cup" type lower mounts with a single, bolted on upper mount. Two locating posts on the bottom of the aluminum radiators mount (with cushions) into the "cup type" lower mounts. The upper bolt-on bracket fastens, via special rubber cushion, the single, top mounted "hump" on the radiators.

1966-67 big block radiators mount with "stirrup" type mounts, upper and lower. The lower mounts are welded to the radiator support frame. The upper mounts attach with bolts and nuts. All 4 stirrup mounts include a rubber cushion.

Basically, the FRAME of the 1966-67 small block and big block supports are the same. The major difference lies in the radiator mounting bracket arrangement.

I have been told that there were some radiator supports that had "dual brackets" to accomodate both the aluminum radiators and the copper brass. I've yet to see one, though.

[Jack H.]

Re: Core Support

Jim, the brass and aluminum radiators were different in size/geometry which dictated different supports. See the reply I gave to your off-board email to me.

I guess I'm missing the reason(s) you're asking the question about the core support(s). Do you want general 'history' information or are you asking so you can visually identify a correct core support? If the latter, it's probably better to narrow the question to the specific configuration you're interested in (SB vs. BB, A/C and or A/T of base)....

[John H.]

Re: Core Support

Jim -

Different radiators, completely different supports. The big-block used a copper/brass radiator that was saddle-mounted top and bottom on the edges of the side tanks, and the small-block used the stacked-plate aluminum radiator that was pin-mounted on the bottom and center-mounted at the top.