aluminum 2 core radiator VS others

biggyfan1

Member

Mar 10, 2006

186

1

18

High Desert CA

Apr 14, 2008

#1

• Apr 14, 2008

• #1

i bought a aluminum 2 core radiator but haven't got to get the car hot yet due to some oil pressure issues on my first start up/ break in.

but i would like to know if the aluminum 2 core radiators are really that much better then the other 3 and 4 core copper radiators?

when i bought mine it said it cools 30-40% better then a 3 or 4 core. do you guys agree?

 

bdepedro

Member

Nov 6, 2006

362

2

19

Outer Banks, NC

Apr 14, 2008

#2

• Apr 14, 2008

• #2

I'd be interested to know the same thing. I put a 3 core BB radiator in my car w/ a modified 289 and it never gets even close to hot. The radiator has a small leak at the top and has sprayed coolant onto some alum pieces in my engine bay so I need to get it fixed but I was thinking that if a 2 core alum radiator works at least as well as a 3 core then this would be a good time to switch.

 

bacfire

Member

Aug 1, 2007

65

0

6

Hattiesburg, MS

Apr 14, 2008

#3

• Apr 14, 2008

• #3

I've had a couple of aluminum radiators over the years and I'd say they're better, but not 30-40% better, than copper units in the same condition. If your current unit is in good shape, you might run10-15 degrees cooler.

2-row vs 3/4-row is not a valid comparison between alum and copper radiators. The rows, or cores, in a good aluminum model are much wider; usually 1"+.

 

coolblue65

Founding Member

Jul 26, 1999

1,224

2

39

Algonquin, IL

Apr 14, 2008

#4

• Apr 14, 2008

• #4

I was unable to keep my motor cool until I got the aluminum, now i have no problems.

 

rbohm

Founding Member

Apr 12, 2002

6,698

550

204

tucson,az

Apr 14, 2008

#5

• Apr 14, 2008

• #5

if you compare a two row aluminum radiator with 1" - 1.25" thick cores to a 3/4 core copper brass radiator, then you will have a proper comparison. the thicker aluminum cores wont block airflow as readily as a 3/4 core copper bras radiator. bacfire is right though regarding the efficiency difference.

 

biggyfan1

Member

Mar 10, 2006

186

1

18

High Desert CA

Apr 14, 2008

#6

• Apr 14, 2008

• #6

well i guess i didnt go wrong either way with the aluminum radiator. well let me ask a question in a question wile we are on the cooling topic...

i have the stock 4 blade steel fan right now and really want to change it, should i go with a 5 blade flex fan? will it help better then the stocker.

 

rbohm

Founding Member

Apr 12, 2002

6,698

550

204

tucson,az

Apr 15, 2008

#7

• Apr 15, 2008

• #7

i recommend going with an electric fan, preferably one from a late model taurus since they pull about 3500cfm of air. that way you can eliminate the engine driven fan.

 

biggyfan1

Member

Mar 10, 2006

186

1

18

High Desert CA

Apr 15, 2008

#8

• Apr 15, 2008

• #8

what power source are you guys hooking up to when you put an electric fan? i would like mine to turn on with ON & OFF switch controlled by me. my battery is located in the rear of the car so could i just hook up right off the solenoid on the fire wall?

 

LMan

Founding Member

Aug 10, 2002

1,246

0

0

Mom's basement

Apr 15, 2008

#9

• Apr 15, 2008

• #9

hot, ground, relay, on a toggle switch (for manual control).