2 rows or 3?

[j3162978]

Looking to buy an aluminum radiator but don't know if 2 rows is enough or if 3 rows is that much more beneficial. What do you guys think?

[capev86]

no such thing as too much cooling capacity....go bigger if you can.

my 72 Burb C20 has a small/mild v8 (307), 3 spd manual (so no trans cooling) and no a/c. one of the first mods i did was to ditch the original 2 row radiator and 4 blade fan and upgrade to a factory style 4 core and 7 blade fan like came on the bigger engines with a/c.

[Stocker]

^^ I agree. As long as you're upgrading, more is better. Mine has a 4-row and I kept my OEM 7-blade clutch fan.

[PanelDeland]

Have you ever heard of any vehicle having too much cooling?

[capev86]

we all know the thermostat regulates coolant temp, so just be sure you have the right temp t-stat and your engine will run as i always has.

i didn't bother with a clutch setup...just bolted the fan straight to the engine for simplicity. the 7 blade fan i am running originally came off my dad's 72 (highlander) burb c10 (350/t350 w/ a/c) 25 years ago...he decided to run something else and he still had it in the attic all these years later. it looks like a semi-flex fan so that should be enough.

[Mike C]

Very seldomly see a 3 row aluminum radiator. Most are 2 core 1" wide cores (vs. 1/2" for copper/brass radiators). I have a 2 core 1" in my Datsun Z car and I have a 2 core 1 1/2" wide tube in my Camaro. But with that said, a 4 core copper and brass, or even a 3 core for that matter, is WAY cheaper. Which is why I have a 4 core copper and brass in my Jimmy and the '69 short bed will get same if the original 3 core craps out.

The wide cores offer WAY more surface area than the narrow cores which improves cooling.

[j3162978]

I didn't know that they made 1 1/2 inch tubes in radiators. Could you tell what brand and where you bought it. thanks

[j3162978]

Of course I want as much cooling as I can get, but I found conflicting info on the net. For example I read on one website that 2 rows is better because it makes for a thinner radiator which allows for better air flow and therefore faster cooling. On the flip side, I read on a different that more rows means more coolant which allows for more heat to be pulled from the engine. On a third website I read that the most important thing was tube size and that aluminum allows for bigger tube size due to it's strength and light weight. So it's not so much that I don't know that more cooling is better, it's more not knowing what will give me the most cooling. But I do appreciate the replies. Thanks

[capev86]

more rows = more fins = more surface area = superior cooling. only reason to go for a thinner radiator would be fitment issues. our trucks have plenty of room for a big cooler, so no need to worry about being too big....unless you are trying to shoehorn a v10 in there....LOL

[weaintscared]

I want a 4 row myself


My Build thread 1969 Short wheel base

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=468622

My 1969 Short wheel base Pantina truck

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=561603
Posted via Mobile Device

[j3162978]

Looking at a Champions 3 row for $206 plus $24 shipping, what do you guys think?

[big d's red67]

Originally Posted by j3162978

Looking at a Champions 3 row for $206 plus $24 shipping, what do you guys think?

Thats what i'm using on my 500hp big block with A/C ,two 14" electric fans, no problems works great.

[burnin oil]

I have a truck with to much cooling, but it is a diesel and I watch it cycle 40* every couple of minutes as the thermostat cycles. Either one of those radiators would be fine but the smaller radiator is all you need unless you intend to tow alot with the AC on. The smaller radiator will also have better heat in the winter months. Even wih a good working thermostat when it pops open it will have an inrush of cool water. My old blazer had a 4 core radiator that maintaned the set temp well but never went above the thermostat temp. No heat sucks in the winter.

[Mike C]

Both of my radiators are Griffins. I welded my own brackets to them as that is how they are done in both those cars unlike the rubber pads in the trucks. You should be able to get a Summit or Jegs branded radiaotr that almost drops in for somewhere around $200.

[j3162978]

I want to thank you guys for your replies, I think I'll go with the 3 row. Everyone take care.