Aluminum radiator? or standard metal 2 cooler?

[Want2Run]

Where can I buy a radiator my 85' pickup, Id like an aluminum but if it too pricey I want a lest the standard metal. The local zone, and oreily's only carry plastic worthless stuff.

[tucsonjwt]

I put a Ready Rad in my 83 C20 454. It was a two row copper/brass but seemed thick enough to fill up the space. It cools well all stock in 100 degree desert heat.
I did have a very small leak after about two years, but a local radiator shop repaired it and repainted it for about $35. I think I paid about $120 for it probably 4 years ago.

Aluminum is way too expensive and plastic I think has repairability issues.

[cory d]

aluminum is good at conducting heat but copper still does a better job at that. copper rads get corrosion around the joint from the metals reacting with eachother. aluminum is lighter too. i just dont like the idea of plastic

[bdiamond]

I bought a griffin direct fit radiator yesterday. All aluminum 2 rows of 1.25" tubes. Its supposed to be here Thursday. I can post up about fit and function Saturday afternoon with any luck.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by bdiamond

I bought a griffin direct fit radiator yesterday. All aluminum 2 rows of 1.25" tubes. Its supposed to be here Thursday. I can post up about fit and function Saturday afternoon with any luck.

What was the price of that?
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[JellyBeanDriver]

Originally Posted by bdiamond

I bought a griffin direct fit radiator yesterday. All aluminum 2 rows of 1.25" tubes. Its supposed to be here Thursday. I can post up about fit and function Saturday afternoon with any luck.

I'm interested in seeing it along with what you paid for it.
I'm seriously thinking of trying a plastic/aluminum radiator. Figure with a 'lifetime' warranty that will take care of the non-repairability. I've also got it in my head that an aluminum core radiator cools better than brass - but it's just my opinion so far. Price is right too.

Have a 4-core brass made by I think Vista Pro right now but I think it's either restrictive already or just doesn't work well. Temps creep up going uphill when towing at freeway speeds. Peering into the inlet and outlet side there a LOT of excess solder coming off the tubes - like they dipped the whole thing.

[nerphin]

radiators4less on ebay.

Mine was $180 w/ free shipping. 2 row all aluminum with transcooler.

[bdiamond]

Mine doesn't have a trans cooler. It is coming from summit and cost $246 I think. it is scheduled to be delivered Thursday. It'll be a hectic next few days but should be installed by Sunday.

[Blackpony]

Go to autozone and ask for the heavy duty version. That is what I have and it's huge!! It's a brass setup with 3 rows. With a small 12 inch fan I am yet to have cooling issues in Texas heat!
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[wraprail]

My guess is that most cooling (overheating) problems that are not caused by a leaking or clogged radiator are due to some engine related issues and not due to construction materials or size of the radiator.
By engine issues I mean things like too lean mixture, wrong spark plugs, vacuum leaks, engine misfire or timing advance. There are other things of course. This is just a few examples. Now this does not apply to a highly modified engine which may need a larger radiator. I live (and have lived) in one of the hottest places on the planet. Lake havasu Az state record 128 degrees. Stock 2 row with a good electric fan on a properly tuned motor has never overheated.

Just my 2cents. .....
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[Want2Run]

Originally Posted by bdiamond

I bought a griffin direct fit radiator yesterday. All aluminum 2 rows of 1.25" tubes. Its supposed to be here Thursday. I can post up about fit and function Saturday afternoon with any luck.

What is the motor and style of truck you have? if you can post the picture and send dimensions of the radiator also.. I think I can get one but the dimensions are a little off, which I can make work but if its closer then the ones Im looking at.

[Want2Run]

I already have a trans cooler, so that should be no issue. and I went to auto zone and they have the same as oreilys they didn't have metal or brass.. I'll probably order from Jegs or Summit. Might take a look on Ebay too.