Aluminum radiators: pros/cons
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Race Director
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From: San Francisco CA
St. Jude Donor '07
Aluminum radiators: pros/cons
Well, my old radiator is leaking in about 6 different places and I'd like to replace it. I see Dewitt's is having a group purchase, so I want to know the pros and cons of going to an aluminum radiator as opposed to the old brass/copper one.
Thanks in advance,
Greg
PS: I also need opinions on elec fan combos
Thanks in advance,
Greg
PS: I also need opinions on elec fan combos
Instructor
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From: Kaysville Utah
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (Buffalo Dude)
Pros: Much better cooling, aluminum gives up heat much better than copper/brass; lighter;better looking;peace of mind knowing that you can run your A/C in traffic jams.
Cons: $$$$$$$$$$$ expensive
Cons: $$$$$$$$$$$ expensive
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Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (Buffalo Dude)
Aluminum radiators....
Pros : better cooling since aluminum dissipates more heat than brass
also is lighter in total weight than a brass rad.
Cons : you must change your coolant more often.....and/or use a higher grade of coolant like DexCool.....
The older brass radiators can withstand a lot more abuse than the alum. ones. I've seen old radiators neglected of coolant changes and still functioning properly after 10+ years !!!
BUT....if you're aim is for top performance then Aluminum is a better choice. :thumbs:
Pros : better cooling since aluminum dissipates more heat than brass
also is lighter in total weight than a brass rad.
Cons : you must change your coolant more often.....and/or use a higher grade of coolant like DexCool.....
The older brass radiators can withstand a lot more abuse than the alum. ones. I've seen old radiators neglected of coolant changes and still functioning properly after 10+ years !!!
BUT....if you're aim is for top performance then Aluminum is a better choice. :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: San Francisco CA
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (verskel)
Are Al radiators susceptible to corrosion?
Also, you mention DexCool, can my engine handle that? I'm not sure what the difference is between dexcool and the regular prestone i use.
[Modified by Buffalo Dude, 1:18 AM 3/2/2004]
Also, you mention DexCool, can my engine handle that? I'm not sure what the difference is between dexcool and the regular prestone i use.
[Modified by Buffalo Dude, 1:18 AM 3/2/2004]
Le Mans Master
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From: B'Ville NY
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St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (Buffalo Dude)
Most new cars come with aluminum radiators I'd guess because of the better cooling characteristics with the engines in cramp spaces. My own 74 C3 keeps the fans off until I'm in stopped traffic, then the fans will turn on occassionally. Highway driving keeps the fans off usually and temps are usually around the 165* thermostat ;)
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Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (Buffalo Dude)
Are Al radiators susceptible to corrosion?
Also, you mention DexCool, can my engine handle that? I'm not sure what the difference is between dexcool and the regular prestone i use.
Also, you mention DexCool, can my engine handle that? I'm not sure what the difference is between dexcool and the regular prestone i use.
New C5's use DexCool (5 yrs. between recommended changes) due to alum. radiators and the alum. block.
You don't hafta use DexCool......I just suggested you might look into switching over unless you can religiously change your antifreeze every 1-2 years before it turns to ACID. :eek:
Since you have a steel block, I'm probably being a little over-cautious.....but these are vettes, not trucks. :p: :jester
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Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (Buffalo Dude)
Oops....I didn't answer the 2nd half to your question....
YES ! ....your engine can handle DexCool. It's more enviromentally friendly and all that jazz but you have to be sure of a thorough flush (2-3 flushes, actually) because the green stuff doesn't mix well with the orange (or pink-orange) dex-cool.
**Note that you cannot go the other way around.......extended use of regular Anti-Freeze could damage the engine in a C5 over time ! :eek:
YES ! ....your engine can handle DexCool. It's more enviromentally friendly and all that jazz but you have to be sure of a thorough flush (2-3 flushes, actually) because the green stuff doesn't mix well with the orange (or pink-orange) dex-cool.
**Note that you cannot go the other way around.......extended use of regular Anti-Freeze could damage the engine in a C5 over time ! :eek:
Le Mans Master
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From: Chattanooga TN
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (verskel)
Aluminum cools better and looks better. Do an internet search on "big block from hell" and you will find an interesting article on swapping to an aluminum radiator and C4 electric fans.
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From: wishing I was in boulder co
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (verskel)
Dex cool are you joking ? there is currently a class action lawsuit involving this in GM cars because it wont even last 2 years ! I know my blazer with only 40k on it started to show clogging and clotting of the dex so it was flushed and replaced with the good old green. sure you have to change it ever 2 years but you have to do that with dex anyway and green is cheaper !if you use dex remember you were warned. Most c5 guys are flushing that poopie out anyway ...........
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From: Chattanooga TN
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Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (markdtn)
mixing the DEX and the green is a very bad mistake :smash: :smash: the
chemical reaction attacts the metal.. don't know if it's acidic or caustic BUT
it ain't good, :U
chemical reaction attacts the metal.. don't know if it's acidic or caustic BUT
it ain't good, :U
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: NE USA
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (comp)
:iagree:
If you started with a crate or rebuilt that was tanked and clean of the green stuff then dexcool may be an option.
Alum is the only way to go. If not using ele. fan you must have a good shroud seal to force the air through the rad. My car never gets hotter than 180. It's a bad azz deal :cool:
If you started with a crate or rebuilt that was tanked and clean of the green stuff then dexcool may be an option.
Alum is the only way to go. If not using ele. fan you must have a good shroud seal to force the air through the rad. My car never gets hotter than 180. It's a bad azz deal :cool:
Racer
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From: Anchorage Alaska
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (Buffalo Dude)
DeWitt's with dual electric fans is the ONLY way to go, and, you can't beat the price. I just installed one in my car; top quality workmanship and parts, I wish I could have taken advantage of his current offer.
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (C3w4sp)
I had the L-82 monster 4 core brass and went to the $580 Becool aluminum and didn't notice a drop in temp.
I did have to bucher up the stock shroud with it's built in electric fan (79) and cut of the end of a nice preformed upper radiator hose to fit the phoney new aluminum hose fitting. Both of which I Bitched about to the owner of BeCool. I even offered to send them a reall Vette radiator so the morons could make a correct jig. :(
The weight difference is maybe 5-10 pounds.
I did have to bucher up the stock shroud with it's built in electric fan (79) and cut of the end of a nice preformed upper radiator hose to fit the phoney new aluminum hose fitting. Both of which I Bitched about to the owner of BeCool. I even offered to send them a reall Vette radiator so the morons could make a correct jig. :(
The weight difference is maybe 5-10 pounds.
Pro
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From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (gkull)
I would keep away from dexacool I have heard some problems with that stuff - just use the prestone antifreeze, there premium brand and change it every 2 years and you will be fine - as long as the coolant is changed on a regualr basis it will work fine for you. :)
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Re: Aluminum radiators: pros/cons (MaxxSmoke)
[QUOTE]Dex cool are you joking ? there is currently a class action lawsuit involving this in GM cars because it wont even last 2 years ! I know my blazer with only 40k on it started to show clogging and clotting of the dex so it was flushed and replaced with the good old green.....QUOTE]
I ran Dex-Cool in my '98 vette for 5 years and then changed it without a hitch or any problems whatsoever. ;)
I also didn't let the dealer service my C5 during that period except for 1 warranty repair. :thumbs:
Dex-Cool just like any "newly" found product gets targeted with lawsuits like Slick50 did when it came out. Sure, there may have been a bad batch or something.......but there are other factors like 'overheating' which could cause the 'clotting' that your describing.
Heck, I'm running Dex-Cool in an all aluminum engine Jaguar 'cause it's cheaper than the English recommendation !!! :eek:
No problemo senior ! :crazy: :yesnod:
I ran Dex-Cool in my '98 vette for 5 years and then changed it without a hitch or any problems whatsoever. ;)
I also didn't let the dealer service my C5 during that period except for 1 warranty repair. :thumbs:
Dex-Cool just like any "newly" found product gets targeted with lawsuits like Slick50 did when it came out. Sure, there may have been a bad batch or something.......but there are other factors like 'overheating' which could cause the 'clotting' that your describing.
Heck, I'm running Dex-Cool in an all aluminum engine Jaguar 'cause it's cheaper than the English recommendation !!! :eek:
No problemo senior ! :crazy: :yesnod:
