Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

Where can I buy a radiator my 85' pickup, Id like an aluminum but if it too pricey I want a lest the standard metal. The local zone, and oreily's only carry plastic worthless stuff.

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

I put a Ready Rad in my 83 C20 454. It was a two row copper/brass but seemed thick enough to fill up the space. It cools well all stock in 100 degree desert heat.
I did have a very small leak after about two years, but a local radiator shop repaired it and repainted it for about $35. I think I paid about $120 for it probably 4 years ago.

Aluminum is way too expensive and plastic I think has repairability issues.

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

aluminum is good at conducting heat but copper still does a better job at that. copper rads get corrosion around the joint from the metals reacting with eachother. aluminum is lighter too. i just dont like the idea of plastic

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

I bought a griffin direct fit radiator yesterday. All aluminum 2 rows of 1.25" tubes. Its supposed to be here Thursday. I can post up about fit and function Saturday afternoon with any luck.

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

What was the price of that?
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Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

I'm interested in seeing it along with what you paid for it.
I'm seriously thinking of trying a plastic/aluminum radiator. Figure with a 'lifetime' warranty that will take care of the non-repairability. I've also got it in my head that an aluminum core radiator cools better than brass - but it's just my opinion so far. Price is right too.

Have a 4-core brass made by I think Vista Pro right now but I think it's either restrictive already or just doesn't work well. Temps creep up going uphill when towing at freeway speeds. Peering into the inlet and outlet side there a LOT of excess solder coming off the tubes - like they dipped the whole thing.

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

radiators4less on ebay.

Mine was $180 w/ free shipping. 2 row all aluminum with transcooler.

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

Mine doesn't have a trans cooler. It is coming from summit and cost $246 I think. it is scheduled to be delivered Thursday. It'll be a hectic next few days but should be installed by Sunday.

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

Go to autozone and ask for the heavy duty version. That is what I have and it's huge!! It's a brass setup with 3 rows. With a small 12 inch fan I am yet to have cooling issues in Texas heat!
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Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

My guess is that most cooling (overheating) problems that are not caused by a leaking or clogged radiator are due to some engine related issues and not due to construction materials or size of the radiator.
By engine issues I mean things like too lean mixture, wrong spark plugs, vacuum leaks, engine misfire or timing advance. There are other things of course. This is just a few examples. Now this does not apply to a highly modified engine which may need a larger radiator. I live (and have lived) in one of the hottest places on the planet. Lake havasu Az state record 128 degrees. Stock 2 row with a good electric fan on a properly tuned motor has never overheated.

Just my 2cents. .....
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Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

What is the motor and style of truck you have? if you can post the picture and send dimensions of the radiator also.. I think I can get one but the dimensions are a little off, which I can make work but if its closer then the ones Im looking at.

Re: Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?
 

I already have a trans cooler, so that should be no issue. and I went to auto zone and they have the same as oreilys they didn't have metal or brass.. I'll probably order from Jegs or Summit. Might take a look on Ebay too.