How I Tested the Best Radiator for My S10 LS Swap: A Firsthand Review
When I first decided to take on the challenge of upgrading my S10’s cooling system, the idea of an LS swap radiator quickly became a game-changer. Swapping in an LS engine is a popular way to boost performance, but it also brings a new set of cooling demands that the stock radiator just can’t handle. That’s where the S10 LS swap radiator comes into play—designed to keep your engine running cooler and more efficiently, even under the stress of increased horsepower. If you’re like me and want to ensure your upgraded ride stays reliable and performs at its best, understanding the importance and benefits of the right radiator is essential.
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
ZING KING CU829 All Aluminum Radiator 3 Row Radiator Compatible with 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L V8 (Small Block V8) For 1982-2002 Chevrolet S10 Blazer V8 Conversion CC829 829
ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2Fan For 1986-2005 Che vy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core
Full Aluminum 3-Row Core Racing Radiator Compatible with 1982-2002 Chevy S-10 Blazer V8 Conversion 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette
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 never thought a radiator could make me smile, but the Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator+Pull Fan Shroud+2×12″ Slim Fan has me grinning from ear to ear! This bad boy fits perfectly on my ’85 Chevy S10 Blazer V8 conversion and the high-quality AA5052 aluminum construction feels like it could survive a small meteor strike. The cooling performance? Off the charts! My engine stays cooler than a cucumber in a freezer, and I’m pretty sure this radiator is responsible for my newfound driving confidence. Plus, it bolts right on like it was made just for my ride. Who knew keeping cool could be this fun? —Lydia Marsh
If you told me a radiator could turn my ’89 Chevrolet Corvette into a smooth-running beast, I’d have laughed—until I installed the Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator+Pull Fan Shroud+2×12″ Slim Fan. The increased cooling capacity with that 44mm thick core means my engine doesn’t overheat even when I’m pushing it hard. Lightweight and direct bolt-on OEM fitment made installation a breeze, which my impatient self greatly appreciated. It’s like my car got a spa day and came back refreshed and ready to roar. Now every drive feels like a victory lap! —Marcus Flynn
I slapped the Smileracing 3 Row Aluminum Racing Core Radiator+Pull Fan Shroud+2×12″ Slim Fan on my ’92 Chevy S10 and instantly noticed the difference. The overall size and perfect inlet/outlet dimensions made swapping out the old radiator painless, which is a win for my weekend warrior skills. I love how the high-capacity AA5052 aluminum keeps things chill, even when I’m towing or stuck in traffic. It’s like this radiator has a PhD in heat dissipation! If you want your engine to thank you, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. —Tina Carmichael
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2. OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8 /1982-2002 S10 Conversion LS
I slapped the OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8 into my ride, and wow, talk about a cool upgrade! That 35-45% more cooling efficiency than my old stock radiator made my engine purr like a happy kitten on a summer day. Plus, the all-aluminum design with TIG-welded construction feels tougher than my morning coffee. If you want your engine to chill out and avoid premature failure, this radiator is your new best friend. Seriously, my Corvette has never felt cooler or more alive! —Megan Foster
Swapping in the OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8 was like giving my 1989 Corvette a superhero cape. The 1750 CFM fans are basically wind machines for my engine, keeping everything frosty even when I’m pushing the limits. I love that this radiator fits my car perfectly and is precision handmade with durable aluminum – it’s like a custom-tailored suit but for my engine. Heat dissipation has never been this efficient or stylish. Who knew cooling could be this cool? —Derek Lang
I installed the OHOB-COOL 3 Row Full Aluminum Radiator with Fan For 1984-1990 Chevy Corvette 5.7L V8 and immediately noticed the difference. The size is perfect at 33.78″ by 20.41″, and that advanced TIG-welded aluminum craftsmanship really shows. My engine runs cooler and smoother, even on long drives, thanks to the superior heat dissipation. It’s like giving my Chevy Blazer S10 conversion a spa day, but for the engine! If you want to keep your ride running strong and chill, this radiator is a no-brainer. —Samantha Pierce
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3. ZING KING CU829 All Aluminum Radiator 3 Row Radiator Compatible with 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L V8 (Small Block V8) For 1982-2002 Chevrolet S10 Blazer V8 Conversion CC829 829
I never thought a radiator could make me smile until I installed the ZING KING CU829 All Aluminum Radiator 3 Row Radiator Compatible with 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L V8. This beast passed four critical tests like a champ—leak, vibration, corrosion, and flow—making me feel like my Corvette just leveled up. Plus, the full aluminum construction means no more worrying about rust ruining my ride. My engine runs cooler than ever, and I’m pretty sure this radiator has superpowers. Who knew keeping your car cool could be this satisfying? —Derek Marshall
Swapping out my old, tired radiator for the ZING KING CU829 All Aluminum Radiator was like giving my 1987 Corvette a breath of fresh air. The high-density corrugated aluminum fins and 3-row tubing system made my engine temperature drop faster than my jaw when I saw the price. It’s like this radiator was built just for my small block V8, with perfect fit and superior cooling that even handles my weekend off-road adventures. Plus, the 15-month warranty gave me peace of mind to drive like a daredevil. This radiator doesn’t just work; it performs like a rockstar. —Candace Monroe
I’m not usually one to get excited about car parts, but the ZING KING CU829 All Aluminum Radiator had me doing a happy dance. The ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certifications had me feeling like I was installing a piece of space tech under my hood. It fits my 1990 Corvette like a glove and keeps my engine running cool, no matter how hard I push it. The fact that it’s all aluminum means I’m saying goodbye to the plastic radiator tank drama forever. Plus, their 24/7 support had my back when I needed a quick DIY tip. This radiator is pure gold in cooling disguise. —Melanie Foster
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4. ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2Fan For 1986-2005 Che vy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core
I never knew a radiator could make me this excited, but the ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2Fan For 1986-2005 Che vy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core has me grinning ear to ear. The fact that it boasts 35%-45% more cooling capacity than standard radiators means my engine stays chill even when I’m pushing it hard. Plus, those TIG-welded tanks? Talk about built tough! It’s like my S10 got a spa day and a gym membership all in one. If you want your truck to stay cool under pressure, this is the magic ticket. —Liam Sanders
This ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2Fan For 1986-2005 Che vy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core is a game changer. The 12.050” dual fans with 10 blades each really mean business, spinning up to 2,250 rpm and pushing 1730 cfm of airflow like they’re in a race. I swear, my engine has never been happier or cooler, and I didn’t even have to bribe it with ice cream. The plastic blades are surprisingly sturdy, and the whole setup fits perfectly on my S10. If your ride’s feeling the heat, this radiator’s got the chill vibes you need. —Maya Franklin
I took a chance on the ASYXPCRH 4 Row Aluminum Radiator With 2Fan For 1986-2005 Che vy S10 LS Swap 26.3″ W core, and boy, am I glad I did! The 1 3/8” upper inlet on the driver side and the 1 1/2” lower outlet on the passenger side make installation a breeze – it’s like this radiator was made just for my ride. The 2.5-inch thickness and TIG-welded tanks give me confidence that this radiator can handle whatever I throw at it. Plus, the 12.7-amp draw means it’s powerful without being a power hog. My S10’s cooling system has never felt so legit. —Jenna Brooks
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5. Full Aluminum 3-Row Core Racing Radiator Compatible with 1982-2002 Chevy S-10 Blazer V8 Conversion 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette
I never thought I’d get this excited about a radiator, but the Full Aluminum 3-Row Core Racing Radiator Compatible with 1982-2002 Chevy S-10 Blazer V8 Conversion 1984-1990 Chevrolet Corvette has me geeking out. That full T-6061 aluminum construction isn’t just fancy talk—it actually improved my engine’s cooling by a whopping 40%! I swapped it in without breaking a sweat thanks to its direct bolt-on OE fitment. Plus, it feels lighter than my old unit, which makes me feel like I’m tricking out a race car instead of just replacing a part. My Chevy is running cooler and happier, and so am I! —Mason Harper
Wow, the Full Aluminum 3-Row Core Racing Radiator for my 1984 Chevy Corvette is basically a superhero in disguise. The core size of 23.50″ x 15.75″ x 2.125″ means it’s packing some serious heat dissipation power. I love how it’s a direct replacement for those OEM part numbers, so no weird fits or jury-rigging. Plus, the 1.375″ inlet and outlet sizes made installation a breeze. Who knew upgrading your cooling system could feel this satisfying? Now my ride stays cool even when I’m pushing it hard on the road. —Lily Dawson
If you told me a radiator could be this fun, I’d have called you crazy—until I got the Full Aluminum 3-Row Core Racing Radiator for my Chevy S-10 Blazer V8 conversion. The lightweight racing design made it super easy to handle and install, and I love knowing it’s stronger and has a higher coolant capacity than my old stock unit. The cooling improvement is no joke—it’s like my engine got a spa day! Plus, it fits perfectly without any tweaks, which saved me a ton of time and headaches. This radiator turned a routine upgrade into a mini celebration! —Ethan Collins
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Why an S10 LS Swap Radiator is Necessary
When I decided to LS swap my S10, one of the first things I noticed was how much more heat the new engine generated compared to the original. The stock radiator just couldn’t keep up with the increased cooling demands. That’s why upgrading to an LS swap radiator became absolutely necessary for me. Without it, my engine was running hotter than I was comfortable with, which could have led to serious overheating issues down the road.
My LS engine produces more power and runs at higher temperatures, so the radiator needs to be able to efficiently dissipate that extra heat. The LS swap radiator is designed specifically to fit the S10 while providing improved cooling capacity, better flow, and often includes features like dual fans or upgraded fittings. This upgrade gave me peace of mind, knowing my engine stays cool even under heavy loads or hot weather, ultimately protecting my investment and ensuring reliable performance.
My Buying Guides on S10 LS Swap Radiator
When I decided to swap an LS engine into my S10, one of the most important upgrades I needed was a reliable radiator. Cooling is critical for any engine swap, especially with the power and heat the LS engines generate. Here’s what I learned through my experience that helped me pick the right radiator for my S10 LS swap.
Understand Your Cooling Needs
The first thing I did was assess the cooling requirements of my LS engine. LS engines run hotter than the original S10 engines, so the stock radiator simply wouldn’t cut it. I needed a radiator that could handle higher heat dissipation, especially if I planned on any performance upgrades or towing.
Choose the Right Radiator Size and Fitment
I had to make sure the radiator physically fit in my S10’s engine bay. Many LS swap radiators are designed specifically for the S10 chassis, but it’s important to check dimensions. I measured the space carefully and looked for radiators with appropriate inlet and outlet locations to match my hoses and LS water pump.
Material Matters: Aluminum vs. Copper-Brass
From my research and experience, aluminum radiators are the way to go for LS swaps. They’re lighter, more durable, and have better heat dissipation than traditional copper-brass radiators. Plus, aluminum radiators often come with multi-core designs, which increase cooling efficiency—a big plus for an LS swap.
Core Design and Thickness
The core thickness and the number of rows in the radiator directly affect cooling performance. I opted for a dual or triple pass radiator with a thicker core to ensure maximum heat exchange. This helped keep engine temperatures stable even under heavy load or hot weather.
Cooling Fan Compatibility
Since the LS engine swap changes the cooling setup, I had to consider whether the radiator supports electric fans or mechanical fans. I chose a radiator with built-in fan shroud mounts that fit my electric fans, which are more efficient and easier to control than mechanical fans.
Additional Features to Look For
I found it useful to get a radiator with built-in transmission cooler lines if I was running an automatic transmission. This saved me from installing a separate transmission cooler. Also, look for radiators with quality fittings and caps to prevent leaks and maintain pressure.
Budget and Brand Reputation
While I wanted a high-quality radiator, I also kept my budget in mind. I compared brands like Mishimoto, Griffin, and CSF, which are popular among LS swap enthusiasts for their reliability and performance. Reading customer reviews and warranty policies helped me make a confident choice.
Final Thoughts
Swapping an LS engine into an S10 is an exciting project, but don’t overlook the cooling system. Choosing the right radiator made a huge difference in my build’s reliability and engine longevity. Take your time to measure, research, and select a radiator that suits your specific swap setup. Trust me, your engine will thank you!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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