Thread: Radiator questions

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I really don't know that much about radiators, but have just been under the impression (since I've seen so many) that aluminum must be better, maybe more expensive, but better performing. Yet I look at the price of a Walker, and they're very close in price to the cost of an aluminum one, so now I'm confused, I figured traditional might be cheaper, pay a few hundred more for the aluminum and get better performance, but if they're close to the same price, why buy one over the other?

Aluminum disipates heat faster, but you must have a good shroud on any radiator. I bought a AFCO through Summit for the 39, they had one on closeout with the water necks I needed, $450. I can't run a traditional fan/clutch set up, so got a 16" electric Flex cool, draws 3300cfm, it has curved blades, built on shroud and is 4.5" deep, so it sits back off the radiator core, giving it better air draw. That was $300, after adding a recovery can for another $50, I'm at $800 and built my own brackets. It's a toss up on what you can do in your situation, don't skimp. My Vette has never been over 215, even in traffic on 95 degree days. A lot of hot rodders with punched motors can't do cruises very well, they get hot. It cost a little more for piece of mind....

Go here and check out the PRC aluminum radiators: http://streetrodstuff.com/Products/99/. People have nothing but good things to say about them, and epoxy is not used in their construction. Their customer service is very good.

Ditto on Lynn's observation above. I know several people who have used PRC radiators and are very pleased with the product. You can provide dimensions and locations for inlets and outlets, etc., so that it is a custom fit. They have their own website in addition to selling through numerous vendors. And they are located in Indiana, not far from you. http://www.prchotrod.com/

Good thread - I suppose the $179 replacement unit from Jegs is epoxied???
I'll have to look closer at the description.

OK, I'm learning as we go...I watch ebay regularly to see if I can sneak something out cheap once and awhile, and have been watching this particular seller...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...163551954&rd=1

they sell one, and immediately list another, I'm assuming that it is in fact the manufacturer (Superior Radiator), lately they've been closing for right around $300...then add $50 for the Trans. Cooler... I've always figured I'd be spending somewhere around $600 - $700 for a radiator, but if this is a good one from a reputable manufacturer, seems like a deal to save $200 - $300 (pays for the fan and shroud).

Is this in fact a good radiator for my app.? Like I said, it's a 327/350 Turbo combination that'll be putting out around 300 HP. Seems like I saw that they also offer a fan and shroud combo as well.