Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cst350 · 01-04-2012, 06:45 PM

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.

jhwkns · 01-04-2012, 07:00 PM

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.

rsavage · 01-04-2012, 07:10 PM

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.

tubbedII · 01-04-2012, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsavage

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.

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.

**SactoJim** · 01-05-2012, 01:19 AM

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.

68Gold/white · 01-05-2012, 12:18 PM

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...

cst350 · 01-06-2012, 01:33 AM

Thanks all, think I will go with the standard 4 core after all.

KRUSTY 51 · 01-06-2012, 01:45 AM

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.

MagmaJct · 01-06-2012, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

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...

Actually copper has higher thermal conductivity than aluminum. Aluminum radiators have become popular over the last couple of decades because they are cheaper than copper which improves factories' bottom line.

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.

mcmlxix · 01-06-2012, 07:34 AM

All aluminum WITH factory style round edge side tanks....

http://www.chevellecooling.com/64.html

68MoneyPit · 07-17-2012, 08:06 PM

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

gotchamel · 07-17-2012, 08:14 PM

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.

PanelDeland · 07-17-2012, 08:21 PM

I gave under $200 at the local Advance.Picked it up at their local warehouse so I didn't have to wait.

1972RedNeck · 07-17-2012, 08:45 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528324

I went with copper.

**Daddy Brim** · 07-17-2012, 08:47 PM

Got mine at O'Reillys Lifetime Warranty all mettle for $194.34

01-04-2012, 06:45 PM	#1
cst350 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: nor cal Posts: 219	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.

01-04-2012, 07:00 PM	#2
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	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. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

01-04-2012, 07:10 PM	#3
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	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. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

01-05-2012, 01:19 AM	#5
SactoJim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,970	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. __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - My Build Thread

01-05-2012, 12:18 PM	#6
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,405	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...

01-06-2012, 01:33 AM	#7
cst350 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: nor cal Posts: 219	Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core? Thanks all, think I will go with the standard 4 core after all.

01-06-2012, 01:45 AM	#8
KRUSTY 51 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Napa cal. Posts: 30	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.

01-06-2012, 07:34 AM	#10
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core? All aluminum WITH factory style round edge side tanks.... http://www.chevellecooling.com/64.html __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

07-17-2012, 08:06 PM	#11
68MoneyPit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Weatherford Tx. Posts: 106	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

07-17-2012, 08:14 PM	#12
gotchamel Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: islamorada fl. Posts: 466	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.

07-17-2012, 08:21 PM	#13
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	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. __________________ 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"

07-17-2012, 08:47 PM	#15
Daddy Brim Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 632	Re: Aluminum Radiator better than standard 4 core? Got mine at O'Reillys Lifetime Warranty all mettle for $194.34 __________________ I'm sorry I called you stupid. I thought you knew already. 67 C-20 Custom Camper 68 Nova 396 it does wheelies 2005 Buick Century the one the wife drives 1989 Toyota Tercel to drive when I can't put gas in the first 2.



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