AC Delco 21650 CHEAP Radiator

[Milano_II]

Hey guys!!

I wanted to share this here since we don't have a "Walmart Deals" section.

I just bought a Denso rad off Amazon Warehouse open-box and it came with a pinhole in it so I sent it back.
Looking and scouring the internet for a good deal on another radiator, I actually found........ GM Genuine AC Delco 21650 for $131 !!

Was delivered today, free shipping, box has the hologram GM logo and all, looks official, says Country of Origin: USA manuf date 2025!

ACDelco 21650 GM Original Equipment Radiator - Walmart.com

Buy ACDelco 21650 GM Original Equipment Radiator at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

(item shipped/sold by walmart, no 3rd party invovled)

Anyone who needs one, I'd jump on it

-This is the model for Trans oil cooler only, no engine oil cooler
(AC Delco 21650)

The Walmart vehicle matching system is broken for this item, probably why the price has been reduced. It says it does not fit yukon/tahoe/suburban/escalade. I dunno what they're doing - their loss, our gain!

While shopping over there, I also noticed Dex-Cool is about $10 a bottle if you trust the SuperTech stuff! Order together so it stays above that $35 minimum for free shipping.

 

[opfor2]

SuperTech is good stuff meets all requirements and recommendations of the auto manufactures. Why not save $$$

 

[Charlie207]

FYI, this won't work for folks that use the OEM Transmission Oil Cooler.

 

[jwc1080]

FYI, this won't work for folks that use the OEM Transmission Oil Cooler.

Why won’t it work?

I came across the 21650 on Walmart as well with intentions on trying it.

 

[Charlie207]

Why won’t it work?

I came across the 21650 on Walmart as well with intentions on trying it.

If you don't have transmission cooler lines already installed then you're fine. That 21650 radiator only has provisions to connect the engine oil cooler lines. (driver's side)

See the two quick-connect fittings on the left end tank? Those are for the EOC lines. If you have a transmission cooler fitted from the factory, there will be similar fittings on the other end tank (passenger side), and they route to the cooler behind the grill, and back to the driver's side of the transmission. Not every vehicle had them, but you'd really want to be sure you're getting the correct radiator before you start disassembling stuff and realize you have the wrong radiator. If you glance at your glovebox build sheet, and see the code K5L, you'll definitely need a radiator with both the EOC and TOC fittings.

This is a Spectra CU2370, and it's a perfectly good radiator (I'm running one after my all-aluminum Champion radiator failed, and well.... "there's nothing more permanent than a temporary solution"). You can see the additional transmission oil cooler line fittings on this model, and it also has a drain plug, which is nice.

 

[Charlie207]

Actually....!!! I just realized the Walmart product image is flipped/reversed. Look where the expansion tank nipple is located on that top photo, vs. the Spectra photo (from Rock Auto). And, when I searched images of "AC Delco 21650" the correct image orientation showed up, so... I guess you're good to go with that radiator model.

So, my original info is still correct (oil cooler line orientation), but not applicable in this instance.

I still wouldn't give Walmart money, though.

 

[Scrappycrow]

Actually....!!! I just realized the Walmart product image is flipped/reversed. Look where the expansion tank nipple is located on that top photo, vs. the Spectra photo (from Rock Auto). And, when I searched images of "AC Delco 21650" the correct image orientation showed up, so... I guess you're good to go with that radiator model.

Nice catch! In case anyone doesn't get it, "flipped" in this case does not mean "mirrored," it means it's turned 180° out. The upper driver side that should be at the top left of the photo is at the bottom right. Note the mounts.

 

[mikez71]

I'm planning to replace my Denso someday..

The Denso I bought has no cooler for the engine oil side...
Must just be a pipe connecting the fittings..

Don't think because the connections are there, that there is a cooler inside!

 

[jwc1080]

If you don't have transmission cooler lines already installed then you're fine. That 21650 radiator only has provisions to connect the engine oil cooler lines. (driver's side)


View attachment 476642


See the two quick-connect fittings on the left end tank? Those are for the EOC lines. If you have a transmission cooler fitted from the factory, there will be similar fittings on the other end tank (passenger side), and they route to the cooler behind the grill, and back to the driver's side of the transmission. Not every vehicle had them, but you'd really want to be sure you're getting the correct radiator before you start disassembling stuff and realize you have the wrong radiator. If you glance at your glovebox build sheet, and see the code K5L, you'll definitely need a radiator with both the EOC and TOC fittings.

This is a Spectra CU2370, and it's a perfectly good radiator (I'm running one after my all-aluminum Champion radiator failed, and well.... "there's nothing more permanent than a temporary solution"). You can see the additional transmission oil cooler line fittings on this model, and it also has a drain plug, which is nice.

View attachment 476655

Just realized you caught your mistake.

 

[Doubeleive]

lol, for what it is worth that upside down radiator will fit all gm 1500's 2000-2014 (2013 for pickups)
Without a engine oil cooler.

 

[mikez71]

This is a Spectra CU2370, and it's a perfectly good radiator (I'm running one after my all-aluminum Champion radiator failed, and well.... "there's nothing more permanent than a temporary solution"). You can see the additional transmission oil cooler line fittings on this model, and it also has a drain plug, which is nice.

Here's some specs on that Spectra...

https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/SPTCU2370

They DO list the rows and length of the oil coolers inside!

 

[Charlie207]

Here's some specs on that Spectra...

https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/SPTCU2370

They DO list the rows and length of the oil coolers inside!

Its pants-on-head wacky that NAPA wants $585 for that radiator, and RockAuto is selling it for $130.

More Information for SPECTRA PREMIUM CU2370

 

[mikez71]

Its pants-on-head wacky that NAPA wants $585 for that radiator, and RockAuto is selling it for $130.

More Information for SPECTRA PREMIUM CU2370

Oh just noticed Rockauto has specs too!

Some reason they show 2 less plates for each cooler than the Napa listed specs.

 

[Charlie207]

Oh just noticed Rockauto has specs too!

Some reason they show 2 less plates for each cooler than the Napa listed specs.

The clot thickens.