Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.

[1972RedNeck]

I am going to be purchasing a radiator to replace the one core radiator in my '72 K20. I am looking at an aluminum and a copper radiator. Which is better? Weight doesn't matter. Stronger is better.

From my research, copper conducts heat better, but aluminum transfers heat better. Is this true?

If 2 radiators had identical cores with one made from aluminum and one made from copper, (they wouldn't be identical then, would they? ) which would cool better?

[1972RedNeck]

Nobody?

[kray59]

i would like to know that answer also .

[DT1]

If the only difference was between copper and aluminum, the copper would cool better.
Aluminum radiators typically have larger oval tubes and copper radiators usually have round tubes. That said... an aluminum, two row radiator has as much cooling capacity as a four row copper radiator. The only draw back with aluminum is electrolysis that will shorten the life of an aluminum radiator. This can be combated by making sure all of the engine grounds are good. You can also install a zinc anode inside the radiator.
I had a hot running (Not over heating) problem with one of my cars that lasted for thirty years. In the summer I couldn't drive it with the A/C or it would over heat. The car had a good three row copper radiator in it and I tried everything I could to remedy the problem. Last summer I finally broke down and installed a two row aluminum radiator. I drove the car hard in 100 deg plus conditions with the A/C going and the temperature never got over 5/8 scale.

[chevy72blu]

I dont think you will notice much of a difference between the two. I have ran both and now prefer the standard old copper 4 cores... Cheap and easy to find. The switch to aluminum is kind of a "fad" in my eyes. There are weight savings and what not, but I dont see it as justifying the price difference.

Here is a write up:
http://www.caparadiator.com/aluminumvscopper.html

[1972RedNeck]

Which is physically stronger?

[67c10rustbuket]

In my experience working in commercial HVAC R&D engineering, as well as personal experience in trucks I say copper all the way. Copper is more durable and easier to repair. I have fried multiple aluminum radiators and there is no good way to fix them. I asked my boss but he couldn't give me a definite answer on which is more efficient. Our information would be like comparing apples to oranges due to greatly different air flow and fluid pressures. I tried to contact one of our engineers about this who has an automotive background but apparently he went home early today. I can ask him on Monday if you want an engineers opinion. Copper is the way to go in my opinion!

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by 67c10rustbuket

I can ask him on Monday if you want an engineers opinion.

More info is better!

[GASoline71]

Since the radiator doesn't support any weight of the vehicle or have any structural benefit to the frame or chassis... why is stonger needed?

I've used both, and they both have performed just fine.

Gary

[chevy72blu]

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

Which is physically stronger?

My stock 1972 copper 4 core has some marks, but doesnt look bad at all.

My Griffin 2 core sat for a few years in my garage and a gentle push will smash the fins. It looks like crap.

Not sure if that tells you anything, but the copper fins are a hell of a lot stronger.

[67c10rustbuket]

Well this is the reply I got from one of our engineers.... Keep in mind we are in Oklahoma and he is a good ol boy first and an engineer second. I was hoping for more technical data though.

"Either is good for most applications. We used copper in our hunting truck which carried an overhead camper. It has a 350 enigne with a 4 speed auto tranny. We used copper for more heat transfer but mostly for durability. Copper can also be fixed much easier than aluminum if your out in the woods."

[cleszkie]

I ran a 4-core copper unit with dual electric fans and was always a little on the warm side pulling grades in the summertime. Switched to a Be Cool 2-core aluminum unit and have never had a cooling issue since.

[PanelDeland]

I doubt the efficiency makes much difference.The standard radiator cools these trucks just fine.I would only use an aluminum rad in a truck for the strip,but if were building a strip vehicle,I think I would use something lighter.The copper rads in a 4 row cool even BB engines w/AC.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Since the radiator doesn't support any weight of the vehicle or have any structural benefit to the frame or chassis... why is stonger needed?

Our gravel roads around here are really rough. And I sometimes take it up through the sticks. I have seen many newer radiators break out.


My neighbor has a good copper 4 core. I will go this way I think.