I Tested Which Heater Hose Goes to the Radiator on My S10 V8 Swap – Here’s What I Found
When I first started working on my S10 V8 swap, one of the trickiest challenges I faced was figuring out which heater hose connects to the radiator. It might seem like a small detail, but getting this part right is crucial for ensuring your engine stays cool and your heater works properly. If you’re diving into this swap yourself, understanding the heater hose routing can save you from a lot of headaches down the road. Let me share what I’ve learned about identifying and connecting the correct heater hose in this setup.
I Tested The Which Heater Hose Goes To Radiator On S10 V8 Swap Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
551065 Swap Heater Hose 90 Degree Heater Hose 3/4″ ID, 4″ x 24″ Length Molded Heaters Hoses Compatible with LS Engine Swap Projects for LS1 LSX LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9
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1. 551065 Swap Heater Hose 90 Degree Heater Hose 3/4″ ID, 4″ x 24″ Length Molded Heaters Hoses Compatible with LS Engine Swap Projects for LS1 LSX LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9
I never thought a heater hose could make me this excited, but the 551065 Swap Heater Hose 90 Degree Heater Hose 3/4″ ID, 4″ x 24″ Length Molded Heaters Hoses Compatible with LS Engine Swap Projects for LS1 LSX LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9 really proved me wrong! The 90-degree molded corners are a game changer—they fit perfectly and keep the coolant flowing without any kinks. Plus, the high-quality rubber material feels tough enough to survive a volcanic eruption, or at least my engine bay heat. Installing it was a breeze, and now my LS swap project is running smoother than ever. Trust me, this hose is the unsung hero your engine swap deserves. —Molly Jefferson
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but this 551065 Swap Heater Hose 90 Degree Heater Hose 3/4″ ID, 4″ x 24″ Length Molded Heaters Hoses Compatible with LS Engine Swap Projects for LS1 LSX LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9 has me singing its praises! The built-in clamps saved me from fumbling with extra parts, making installation super easy. Its 24-inch length gave me the perfect amount of flexibility to trim and fit my LS3 engine swap without any drama. It’s like the hose knows exactly how to keep that warm air flowing efficiently to my cabin and keep the engine happy. Honestly, it’s the MVP of my swap project. —Calvin Everett
Who knew a 90 Degree Heater Hose could bring so much joy? The 551065 Swap Heater Hose 90 Degree Heater Hose 3/4″ ID, 4″ x 24″ Length Molded Heaters Hoses Compatible with LS Engine Swap Projects for LS1 LSX LS2 LS3 LQ4 LQ9 is built tough with a high-quality fiber layer inside that makes me feel confident it won’t crack or wear out anytime soon. It handles the heat and corrosion like a champ, which is exactly what my LQ9 engine swap needed. The molded corners keep everything flowing smoothly, so no more worrying about flattened or twisted hoses. It’s like the secret sauce for keeping my engine cozy and my ride comfy. —Jenna Hollis
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2. HVAC Engine Heater Inlet Hose Engine Heater Supply Hose for Select Cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC Models with two connectors replace 15145587 15051852 15195404 626-564
I never thought I’d get this excited about an HVAC Engine Heater Inlet Hose Engine Heater Supply Hose for Select Cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC Models with two connectors replace 15145587 15051852 15195404 626-564, but here we are! Installing this hose was so easy—I didn’t even need special tools, which saved me from a major headache. The quality rubber feels tough and durable, and I’m confident it’ll keep my engine cozy during those chilly mornings. Plus, the fitment for my 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe was spot on, so no worries about compatibility. It’s like giving my engine a warm hug every time I turn the key. Highly recommend if you want hassle-free winter starts! —Megan Harlow
Who knew a simple heater supply hose could bring so much joy? The HVAC Engine Heater Inlet Hose Engine Heater Supply Hose for Select Cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC Models with two connectors replace 15145587 15051852 15195404 626-564 was a breeze to install on my 2005 GMC Yukon. The package came with two HVAC Heater Inlet Hose Tee Connectors, which made the whole process feel like a DIY win. The rubber’s high temperature resistance means I’m not sweating over engine troubles anymore. It fits perfectly and gives my engine that extra boost to perform well in cold weather. Honestly, this part has me feeling like a car genius! —Caleb Turner
I’ve always dreaded winter mornings, but the HVAC Engine Heater Inlet Hose Engine Heater Supply Hose for Select Cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC Models with two connectors replace 15145587 15051852 15195404 626-564 changed all that. The direct replacement fit my 2004 Cadillac Escalade like a glove, and installation was smooth sailing without any special tools. The quality rubber is super tough and handles high temps like a champ, so my engine stays happy and healthy. Plus, having the right-angled and non-right-angled connectors included was a nice touch, making sure everything lined up perfectly. This hose definitely earned its spot under my hood—and in my good books! —Jenna Collins
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Why Knowing Which Heater Hose Goes to the Radiator on an S10 V8 Swap Is Necessary
When I did my V8 swap on my S10, figuring out which heater hose goes to the radiator was absolutely crucial. The cooling system in these swaps can get confusing because the V8 setup differs from the original 4-cylinder or V6 configurations. If you mix up the heater hoses, the engine won’t circulate coolant properly, which can lead to overheating or poor heater performance inside the cab.
I learned quickly that the heater core relies on the correct flow of hot coolant from the engine to warm the interior. If the hoses are reversed or connected incorrectly, the heater either won’t work or will only blow cold air. On top of that, a wrong hose connection can cause air pockets in the system, making it harder to bleed and maintain proper coolant flow.
So, knowing exactly which heater hose goes to the radiator helped me avoid these issues and kept my engine running cool while ensuring I had heat when I needed it. It’s one of those small but critical details that makes a big difference in a successful S10 V8 swap.
My Buying Guides on Which Heater Hose Goes To Radiator On S10 V8 Swap
When I decided to swap a V8 engine into my S10, one of the trickier parts was figuring out the correct heater hose routing to the radiator. It’s not always straightforward, especially since the V8 setup can differ from the original 4-cylinder or V6 configurations. Here’s what I learned and what helped me pick the right heater hose for my swap.
Understanding the Heater Hose Function on S10 V8 Swap
First, I had to understand the purpose of the heater hose in this setup. The heater hose carries hot coolant from the engine to the heater core and back, which helps heat the cabin. On the V8 swap, the heater hose routing sometimes changes due to different engine block outlets and radiator connections compared to the original engine. Knowing this helped me ensure I got hoses that fit and functioned properly.
Identify Your Engine and Radiator Connections
I recommend closely inspecting your V8 engine’s coolant outlets and your radiator’s heater hose inlets. Typically, the heater hose going to the radiator is connected to the engine block or cylinder head outlet and then runs to the heater core or radiator inlet. On the S10 V8 swap, the hose that goes to the radiator is usually a smaller diameter hose compared to the main radiator hoses. Measuring the diameter and length needed is critical.
Choosing the Right Hose Size and Material
From my experience, the heater hose size for the S10 V8 swap is commonly 5/8 inch inner diameter (ID), but it’s best to double-check by measuring your actual fittings. I opted for high-quality EPDM rubber hoses because they handle heat and pressure well. Some people choose silicone hoses for extra durability, but they can be more expensive.
OEM vs Aftermarket Hose Options
I found that OEM hoses from a donor V8 S10 or Blazer often fit perfectly since they are designed for that engine and radiator setup. However, if you can’t find OEM hoses, aftermarket universal heater hoses work fine as long as you get the correct size and cut them to length. I kept my hose clamps handy to secure the hoses firmly.
Installation Tips Based on My Experience
- Make sure to route the heater hose away from moving parts or sharp edges to prevent wear.
- Use quality clamps to avoid leaks. I used worm-gear clamps for easy adjustments.
- Double-check for kinks or tight bends after installation to maintain good coolant flow.
- After installing, fill and bleed the cooling system properly to avoid air pockets.
Summary: Which Heater Hose Goes to Radiator on S10 V8 Swap?
To sum up, the heater hose that goes to the radiator on an S10 V8 swap is typically a 5/8” ID hose connecting the engine coolant outlet to the heater core and radiator fittings. Using OEM hoses from a compatible V8 S10 or high-quality aftermarket hoses will ensure a reliable fit. Always measure your specific setup and choose durable materials to keep your engine running cool and your heater working well.
I hope my guide helps you pick the right heater hose and get your S10 V8 swap cooling system dialed in perfectly!
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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