69-70 L46 Radiators C3

[Thomas D.]

I want to check my facts on something, please let me know if anyone has information to contradict this. Most major parts catalogs over simplify the radiators used during the 68-72 era. Many say any manual trans & no air cars got the aluminum (3155316) radiator which used the separate surge tank (3155416). If the car had either air or auto trans, then it got a copper radiator. There are two cases that are exception to this simple rule. LT-1 and L46 cars. I believe that the 350/350 L-46 used in 69-70 used the copper (26" core) radiator with the filler neck, just like the LT-1's did. I'm looking for actual original examples that can confirm or contradict my findings. Don't quote judging manuals on this subject, I've found too many errors there to make them usefull. Just real documented examples please. td

[George D.]

Re: 69-70 L46 Radiators C3

I have a 69 L46 with AC and it has the copper radiator. I also have friend that has a 69 L46 (no AC) and it has a copper radiator. I believe both are original and neither has the expansion tank. Hope this helps.

[Robert C.]

Re: 69-70 L46 Radiators C3

Tom, My friend has a 71 base engine, manual trans., no air. Has the alum radiator and overflow tank.

[Bill W.]

Re: 69-70 L46 Radiators C3

Tom my 70 L46 4 spd W/AC vin2650 has a 26" copper W/no auto trans line holes. the tag AK9 ..3018803. Im 2nd owner bought in 1974. My fins are rotting .Im ready for a new one.Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: 69-70 L46 Radiators C3

Tom------

69-70 300 hp manual trans no A/C= 3155316 aluminum

69-70 300 hp manual trans A/C = 3016603 copper brass

69-70 300 hp auto tran A/C or no A/C= 3016602 copper brass

69-70 L-46 manual trans, no A/C= 3155316 OR 3016603

69-70 L-46 manual trans, with A/C= 3016603

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Tom----

One more thing: the GM #3016602 ( auto trans cooler fittings on right side tank) and GM #3016603 (no auto trans cooler fittings) DID NOT USE an external supply tank. The GM #3155316 aluminum radiator, of course, did use an aluminum supply tank.

By the way, I'm on vacation on the east coast until October 14 so I may not be able to promptly respond to any questions

[Thomas D.]

Re: Addendum

Joe, I think the numbers are 3018802 & 3018803 right?

[Bill W.]

Re: 69-70 L46 Radiators C3

Tom Im sure Joe is correct with his PT#s but I double checked my tag & it is 3018803 .I even sanded the rust off to make sure .it also has an overflow hose clamp with an AF stamped on it below the pt# tag...Bill.

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Tom-----

Yes, I believe you are correct. I'm operating entirely from memory 3000 miles from home, so I think that I got my "6"s and "8"s mixed up.

[Shannon Burgess]

Re: 69-70 L46 Radiators C3

Tom, my '69 L-46 has the 26" radiator as well. In the 1969 Stingray Guidebook there is an extensive section devoted to the numerous running changes in the '69 cooling system configuration through the production run. It supports Joe's data that both radiators were used in L-46 cars.

Shannon