Cool/Heat: I NEED A Alumimum Radiator

[thumper787]

I HAVE A 63 DAYTONA WAGONAIR AND IM TRYING TO FIND A Alumimum Radiator FOR IT

[PackardV8]

Just asking, why does it have to be aluminum?

FWIW, yes, an aluminum radiator is lighter and less weight on the front of a Stude is always good.

No, from the experts with which I have spoken an aluminum radiator doesn't cool any better than does copper/brass. Copper is a better conductor of heat than aluminum. (Gold would actually make the best radiator, then silver. Copper is what we can afford.)

http://www.caparadiator.com/aluminumvscopper.html

http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/14_...utomobiles.htm

Maybe, discuss your goals and your thoughts on why you NEED an aluminum.

jack vines

[studegary]

Thanks, Jack. My first thought at the heading was, why does he "NEED a (sic) Aluminum radiator".

[1962larksedan]

I'll say in all fairness; an aluminum radiator that is about 98% plug 'n' play into a Lark type can be had for less than $200 vs. having the original unit rebuilt for $500+.

As per many others on this Forum; I went ahead and ordered up a 1972-86 Jeep CJ to SB Chevy V8 conversion radiator; drilled two holes into the front support and everything clears well. The petcock is covered up but that's no biggie since I can undo the lower hose if needed. Tranny cooler lines; that's a toughie since the Jeep AT line ports are also facing down from the bottom tank. I simply have my two lines connected together.

[PackardV8]

I really don't have a dog in this fight. I only asked in the interest of understanding the need. Your car, your decision, your money. However, a radiator on which the transmission cooler lines cannot be used is not my definition of "plug and play." Your results obviously vary.

BTW, US Radiator will make a brand new copper radiator which does everything correctly for a lot less than $500.

jack vines

[MARCHOBBS]

Last May I ordered an aluminum CJ-7 style radiator thru Brice Thomas Radiator, out of Kentucky ( Radman 2776 on Ebay. Contacted them via e-mail, they e-mailed me specs on the radiator, and then modified it to my specs ( moved the petcock, changed the size of one of the hose outlets all for a $25 upcharge). If I remember it was at my door within a week, undamaged it fit perfect, just had to drill the holes in the side flanges ( which they also adjusted to the length & height that I spec'd) I would at least contact them, they may be able to add the trans cooler too. I also added a flexilite electric fan in front of the rad that I manually control as needed, running a 350 SBC w/A/C.....it's working well.

[thumper787]

im running a small block chevy and the stock radiator just not cooling it off i also run a electrica water pump for the last 2 years ran great 180 not it gets up to 230

[Dan White]

Just a side note, Silver is a better thermal conductor than Gold (429 vs. 318 W/mK), and Copper (401 W/mK) is also better than Gold.