Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**JJorgensen52** · 12-12-2009, 01:19 PM

I've been going back and forth about which to use when I replace my stock radiator (one too many rows broken).

Which is better? Pros/cons? I know modern vehicles use aluminum/plastic because it's cheaper to make and the aluminum cores are more impact resistant.

Thoughts?

big_al_71 · 12-12-2009, 01:26 PM

Griffin aluminum radiator. With a fully built 406, a/c and in the miami heat my truck does not go past 160 degrees ever....

ap2002 · 12-12-2009, 01:48 PM

im also interested.... since i dont want to spend big bucks on a aluminum...

bbadfred · 12-12-2009, 02:37 PM

I got a brand new 4 core BB radiator from ORileys for 140 dollars. You just need the BB radiator mounts and rubbers about $60 new from LMC. My project is a somewhat budget project.

ap2002 · 12-12-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbadfred

I got a brand new 4 core BB radiator from ORileys for 140 dollars. You just need the BB radiator mounts and rubbers about $60 new from LMC. My project is a somewhat budget project.

do you happen to have a part# from Orileys?

bbadfred · 12-12-2009, 03:31 PM

Sorry box is gone. I cannot fine the reciept

bbadfred · 12-12-2009, 03:32 PM

It was listed as 67-72 big block 4 core. Has trans cooler and heater hose fitting.

panhandler62 · 12-12-2009, 03:57 PM

With no other factors other than the metals considered: copper is a much better conducter than aluminum.

There are way more factors to consider in selecting a radiator than just the metals it is made of though.

Jacfourteen · 12-12-2009, 04:11 PM

I have an all aluminum 2 core radiator that I bought from entropy on Egay. It is a USA hand built quality unit and cost me $260 shipped. The cores are 1" thick each so it is thicker than a stock 4 core brass/copper (cores are 3/8" each). Here is a link to one of his auctions http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/67-72...Q5fAccessories This auction is for a radiator/fan combo, but I'm sure if you sent him a message he would sell the radiator separate. Many others on here have bought this rad and they all seem to like it. I haven't driven mine too much since install of the rad but, I did drive it in 105 degree temps with the fan about 10" away and no shroud on my 300 HP 355 small block(not exactly optimal conditions, I'm in process of upgrading to E fan)and it stayed cool.

*vegaschevy* · 12-12-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ap2002

im also interested.... since i dont want to spend big bucks on a aluminum...

My aluminum radiator cost me less then $230 shipped for it and fit like a glove and works PERFECT!!

Sub-versive · 12-12-2009, 04:37 PM

Ah hell, not this again.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...minum+radiator

**JJorgensen52** · 12-12-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sub-versive

Ah hell, not this again.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...minum+radiator

I'm still getting used to the search feature on this site

... thanks. Not 100% sure that's useful, though

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 12-12-2009, 06:05 PM

Im with big al on this one. I just bought a aluminum radiator from 1800-radiators for a great price to drop in for my 406 i am building. My brother bought the same radiator and it made a huge difference in cooling his 71 c-10.

67ChevyRedneck · 12-12-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbadfred

I got a brand new 4 core BB radiator from ORileys for 140 dollars. You just need the BB radiator mounts and rubbers about $60 new from LMC. My project is a somewhat budget project.

Wow, that's a heck of a deal. I paid a little over $200 with tax for the exact same thing from Advance. I also bought a used set of 4 row rubbers and mounts from a board member for about $20. One of the best things I've done for my truck. My only complaint is that in the winter it takes her a long time to get warm. I think I'm running a 190 thermostat. With an automatic and the A/C cranked on high it never got above 195 in traffic, even when it was over 100 degrees out.

Sammy · 12-12-2009, 07:41 PM

I personally think the aluminum radiator is more efficent than copper. Most rad shops will tell you that. Which could be just to get your money.

clinebarger · 12-12-2009, 07:42 PM

I voted copper. not because one metals better than the other, its because i can fix a leaking copper radiator at home, and because the plastic tanks on modern radiators tend to crack after a 100k, alot of aftermarket aluminum radiators are glued together

rsavage · 12-12-2009, 07:59 PM

I restored my 70 4X4 to stock so replaced the original radiator with a new 4 core copper/brass so it would look correct. If I was going for the resto rod look, I'd have no problem utilizing an aluminum, but I do think they don't look right in a stock vehicle. Have good copper/brass radiators in the 66 and the burb.

hayhauler71 · 12-12-2009, 08:38 PM

All aluminum radiator with aluminum tanks. See to many plastic tanks crack or gaskets on the tanks leak. Just my 2 cents

**JJorgensen52** · 12-12-2009, 08:44 PM

Keep the replies coming.

I am looking at about $210 either way aluminum or copper/brass (stock replacement), so no real motivation monetarily.

Also, for those who recommend the BB radiator: My truck came with "HD Cooling" on the SPID sheet, which my research indicates it already has the BB radiator. Can anyone confirm that? **CONFIRMED** Truck measures a touch over ~ 2 3/8" core thickness (not exact, but as close as possible assembled)

Jacfourteen · 12-12-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJorgensen52

Keep the replies coming.

I am looking at about $210 either way aluminum or copper/brass (stock replacement), so no real motivation monetarily.

Is this for aluminum/plastic? If you lean toward aluminum I would say pay a little more and get all aluminum. otherwise get the copper/brass.

63chevyll · 12-12-2009, 09:22 PM

try 1-800-RADIATOR

They have plastic/Aluminum factory replacments. they work real nice

ETsC10 · 12-13-2009, 12:14 AM

Here's my take on it...
First off JJ, aluminum radiators are dirt cheap so if you plan on getting one and it's coming in anywhere near the price of a copper radiator, keep looking.
BTW-copper is going up again so if you plan to buy, do it now.

I voted brass/copper but that is because I've got a fresh engine with cast iron heads and so I think
it is a better choice for the longevity of my engine. Besides, I already had my radiator.
I had mine custom built about a decade ago and had the core direction changed.
It has always been kept clean and has had the coolant swapped every couple of years.

Last summer during our rare 100+ summer heat my engine temps remained stable (fairly low)
regardless of driving/idling patterns.
However, I think if I had been running an aluminum radiator, it probably
would have performed well too because my block is
very clean inside and the peripheral systems have been set up right.

Regardless of what you choose, success is in the details:
A block with clean cooling passages, correct fit of your fan in the shroud, correct timing,
an appropriate fan, fresh correctly mixed coolant, the right thermostat ...

So...there's my 2 non-cents worth...

.

**special-K** · 12-13-2009, 08:34 AM

Evidently all radiators work fine in proper condition and application.I`ve only replaced my radiators with what was there and so far that`s still only been brass/copper and always HD.It seems the aluminum radiators do a great job.All I`d care is I`d only want all aluminum and I`d go for quality,as I always do with the old-type radiators.
I couldn`t vote.

Beuford · 12-13-2009, 10:37 AM

I put a copper/brass 4 row desert cooler from ( Complete Radiators.Com $213.00) in my `70 400 cu in 5 spd and I tow a 24ft camper with it no over heating in summer even with the A/C on.

View Poll Results: Radiator
Copper/Brass	23	63.89%
Aluminum/Plastic	13	36.11%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll

12-12-2009, 01:19 PM	#1
JJorgensen52 Simple? What's simple? Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southeast CT Posts: 1,472	Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? I've been going back and forth about which to use when I replace my stock radiator (one too many rows broken). Which is better? Pros/cons? I know modern vehicles use aluminum/plastic because it's cheaper to make and the aluminum cores are more impact resistant. Thoughts? __________________ CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder)

12-12-2009, 01:26 PM	#2
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? Griffin aluminum radiator. With a fully built 406, a/c and in the miami heat my truck does not go past 160 degrees ever.... Attached Images __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

12-12-2009, 01:48 PM	#3
ap2002 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 247	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? im also interested.... since i dont want to spend big bucks on a aluminum... __________________ 1971 C-10 SWB - LS swap w/4L60e, 20x8.5front 20x12rear, 1968 C-10 SWB - 454 BB TH350 -Gone!

12-12-2009, 02:37 PM	#4
bbadfred bbadfred Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: rantoul Il Posts: 461	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? I got a brand new 4 core BB radiator from ORileys for 140 dollars. You just need the BB radiator mounts and rubbers about $60 new from LMC. My project is a somewhat budget project.

12-12-2009, 03:31 PM	#6
bbadfred bbadfred Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: rantoul Il Posts: 461	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? Sorry box is gone. I cannot fine the reciept

12-12-2009, 03:32 PM	#7
bbadfred bbadfred Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: rantoul Il Posts: 461	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? It was listed as 67-72 big block 4 core. Has trans cooler and heater hose fitting. Last edited by bbadfred; 12-12-2009 at 03:37 PM.

12-12-2009, 03:57 PM	#8
panhandler62 Java Mechanic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Martinsburg, WV Posts: 6,763	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? With no other factors other than the metals considered: copper is a much better conducter than aluminum. There are way more factors to consider in selecting a radiator than just the metals it is made of though. __________________ Keith 11 Lincoln MKT -- Momma's wagon 13 G37xS -- middle age crazy car 68 C20 Fleetside -- RIP Decorating the whole town up at a cost of $27 ....

12-12-2009, 04:11 PM	#9
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? I have an all aluminum 2 core radiator that I bought from entropy on Egay. It is a USA hand built quality unit and cost me $260 shipped. The cores are 1" thick each so it is thicker than a stock 4 core brass/copper (cores are 3/8" each). Here is a link to one of his auctions http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/67-72...Q5fAccessories This auction is for a radiator/fan combo, but I'm sure if you sent him a message he would sell the radiator separate. Many others on here have bought this rad and they all seem to like it. I haven't driven mine too much since install of the rad but, I did drive it in 105 degree temps with the fan about 10" away and no shroud on my 300 HP 355 small block(not exactly optimal conditions, I'm in process of upgrading to E fan)and it stayed cool. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's Last edited by Jacfourteen; 12-12-2009 at 04:11 PM.

12-12-2009, 04:37 PM	#11
Sub-versive Boss Hogg Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The Beaver State Posts: 2,361	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? Ah hell, not this again. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...minum+radiator

12-12-2009, 06:05 PM	#13
BADPURPLE70CHEVY 406 Powered Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: waynesville,n.c. Posts: 877	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? Im with big al on this one. I just bought a aluminum radiator from 1800-radiators for a great price to drop in for my 406 i am building. My brother bought the same radiator and it made a huge difference in cooling his 71 c-10. __________________ 70 GMC 68 c10 2002 silverado 72 4x4

12-12-2009, 07:41 PM	#15
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? I personally think the aluminum radiator is more efficent than copper. Most rad shops will tell you that. Which could be just to get your money. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

12-12-2009, 07:42 PM	#16
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? I voted copper. not because one metals better than the other, its because i can fix a leaking copper radiator at home, and because the plastic tanks on modern radiators tend to crack after a 100k, alot of aftermarket aluminum radiators are glued together

12-12-2009, 07:59 PM	#17
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? I restored my 70 4X4 to stock so replaced the original radiator with a new 4 core copper/brass so it would look correct. If I was going for the resto rod look, I'd have no problem utilizing an aluminum, but I do think they don't look right in a stock vehicle. Have good copper/brass radiators in the 66 and the burb. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

12-12-2009, 08:38 PM	#18
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? All aluminum radiator with aluminum tanks. See to many plastic tanks crack or gaskets on the tanks leak. Just my 2 cents



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12-12-2009, 08:44 PM	#19
JJorgensen52 Simple? What's simple? Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southeast CT Posts: 1,472	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? Keep the replies coming. I am looking at about $210 either way aluminum or copper/brass (stock replacement), so no real motivation monetarily. Also, for those who recommend the BB radiator: My truck came with "HD Cooling" on the SPID sheet, which my research indicates it already has the BB radiator. Can anyone confirm that? CONFIRMED Truck measures a touch over ~ 2 3/8" core thickness (not exact, but as close as possible assembled) __________________ CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) Last edited by JJorgensen52; 12-13-2009 at 01:34 AM.

12-12-2009, 09:22 PM	#21
63chevyll gets board easy....... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 717	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? try 1-800-RADIATOR They have plastic/Aluminum factory replacments. they work real nice

12-13-2009, 12:14 AM	#22
ETsC10 Hand Crafted C-10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Burien, WA Posts: 5,180	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? Here's my take on it... First off JJ, aluminum radiators are dirt cheap so if you plan on getting one and it's coming in anywhere near the price of a copper radiator, keep looking. BTW-copper is going up again so if you plan to buy, do it now. I voted brass/copper but that is because I've got a fresh engine with cast iron heads and so I think it is a better choice for the longevity of my engine. Besides, I already had my radiator. I had mine custom built about a decade ago and had the core direction changed. It has always been kept clean and has had the coolant swapped every couple of years. Last summer during our rare 100+ summer heat my engine temps remained stable (fairly low) regardless of driving/idling patterns. However, I think if I had been running an aluminum radiator, it probably would have performed well too because my block is very clean inside and the peripheral systems have been set up right. Regardless of what you choose, success is in the details: A block with clean cooling passages, correct fit of your fan in the shroud, correct timing, an appropriate fan, fresh correctly mixed coolant, the right thermostat ... So...there's my 2 non-cents worth... . Last edited by ETsC10; 12-13-2009 at 12:21 AM. Reason: goobed :(

12-13-2009, 08:34 AM	#23
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? Evidently all radiators work fine in proper condition and application.I`ve only replaced my radiators with what was there and so far that`s still only been brass/copper and always HD.It seems the aluminum radiators do a great job.All I`d care is I`d only want all aluminum and I`d go for quality,as I always do with the old-type radiators. I couldn`t vote. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 12-13-2009 at 08:36 AM.

12-13-2009, 10:37 AM	#24
Beuford Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Townville,Pa Posts: 284	Re: Radiators: Brass/copper or aluminum/plastic? I put a copper/brass 4 row desert cooler from ( Complete Radiators.Com $213.00) in my `70 400 cu in 5 spd and I tow a 24ft camper with it no over heating in summer even with the A/C on.

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