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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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? ![]() |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
Nobody?
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#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: mauriceville texas
Posts: 164
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i would like to know that answer also .
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!!
Posts: 869
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,188
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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 |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
Which is physically stronger?
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mustang, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,806
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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!
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Dan <---(my name) 67 SWB C10 project "GEORGIA"-59 Brookwood 2dr wag...Next project-03 Tahoe 4x4 5.3 family ride-07 Hondur Accord, commuter car |
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
Quote:
More info is better! |
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#9 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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
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'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,188
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mustang, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,806
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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."
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Dan <---(my name) 67 SWB C10 project "GEORGIA"-59 Brookwood 2dr wag...Next project-03 Tahoe 4x4 5.3 family ride-07 Hondur Accord, commuter car |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Posts: 2,191
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Re: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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.
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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: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
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.
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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: Radiators: Aluminum Vs. Copper.
Quote:
My neighbor has a good copper 4 core. I will go this way I think. |
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