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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: nor cal
Posts: 218
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Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
Need to get a new radiator. I'm going to retain the clutch fan and the stock shroud. Any thoughts on why I would not go for an aluminum radiator over the standard 4 core? Saw some posts about Entropy units and the cost looks comparable to local shops for standard copper ones.
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#2 |
Registered Cruiser
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Las Vegas NV
Posts: 2,230
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
The standard four core will have a lifetime warranty if you buy it at the right place. Checker, now O'Rieleys replaced mine for FREE ten years later. No questions asked.
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I intend to live forever. So far, so good. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alden NY
Posts: 2,705
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
Most aluminum radiators I have seen have square shouldered tanks that do not fit the radiator retaining clamps properly. If a hot rod/non stock restoration, aluminum is okay. If a stock look and fitment is desired, go with the stock 4 core.
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1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7 |
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#4 |
needs more $$$
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,936
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
Yup...just put in an aluminum one in my blazer last week...didn't fit exactly right and the top retainers are a little crooked. There's no chance of it coming out at least, but I'd rather have a stock one since my engine bay isn't anything pretty. From what I've read, a stock 4 core will cool just fine...I just got this rad for free so I used it.
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1970 2wd Blazer |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,970
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
Got a factory 4 core in my 72 with a 383 and a small supercharger......never any overheating probs... even sitting in traffic in 100+ deg temps.
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72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - ![]() My Build Thread |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ark City, Kansas
Posts: 3,339
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
The way the alum radiators are constructed makes installation a challenge, I had problems mentioned above, BUT an aluminum can cool much better. A new brass/copper unit will do the job, but alum. is a better heat conductor...
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: nor cal
Posts: 218
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
Thanks all, think I will go with the standard 4 core after all.
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Napa cal.
Posts: 30
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
I installed an aluminum radiator just yesterday, I needed a new one and the price was half that of O.E.copper. As said in previous posts the tanks are square and I just re-shaped the top bracket lip to fit the tank.
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 281
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
Quote:
They are also lighter, which helps improve MPG ratings and reduces emissions. (Because there's less work to do!) Of course, changing the radiator alone doesn't do all that, it's all the little things done to make cars lighter over the last 2 decades that has helped.
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#10 |
Collector of Projects
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 3,106
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Weatherford Tx.
Posts: 106
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
i bought an aluminum radiator and everything is good side to side but it seems to be about an inch and a half too short on height. anyone ever run into this. byw it is a champion 3 core aluminum
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: islamorada fl.
Posts: 466
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
I don't have any input on the orginal question but I just ordered a Ready Rad{all metal}4 core from Advance online,depending on the promo code you get 15-20% off plus a 50.00 voucher mailed to you.I am a NAPA fan but ended up being 150.00 less at Advance with the discount and coupon.
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#13 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
I gave under $200 at the local Advance.Picked it up at their local warehouse so I didn't have to wait.
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The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Clovis Ca.
Posts: 632
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Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core?
Got mine at O'Reillys Lifetime Warranty all mettle for $194.34
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