Thread: Aluminum vs Brass Radiator
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07-25-2022 10:02 AM #16
Thanks for the replies! I'll try to address each comment:
210-215 is normal for a sbc in traffic. 200 down the highway is perfect with todays fuel......the first step it to verify the temperature gauge is reading accurately. The easiest way is to use a temperature gun.....
I haven't verified it yet with a temperature gun, I just assumed that since it ran a steady 180 degrees when running in cooler weather it was probably correct, but you know what they say about assuming, so I'll shop for a temp gun.
Oil cooler---- Add an oil cooler.
I swapped it for the largest aluminum Griffin Rat Rod series radiator I could get in. Has two 1 1/4" tubes. I also fitted a Cooling Components electric fan and shroud. This combo just barely fits. Fan has a super powerful motor that requires a 60+ amp relay if ran in single speed mode. The car finally runs decent temps. 180-185 on the highway with AC and 200 in traffic on a hot day. Still can't run the AC in traffic though........ Also, aluminum allows for larger tubes so there is effectively more water in contact with the tube wall.
years ago my radiator guy told me that the reason my walker radiator ran hot was it was too thick. he recored my stock 47 ford radiator with a thin 3 row zcore. worked like a champ........it's about air flow , not number of tubes.
one more thing. you must have 1/2 in or more between your ac condenser and radiator. that's what was wrong with walkers
The fan blade rotation speed on the electric fans can be a problem-----If the fan is not powered it will rotate at a rpm that effectively is sorta like an airplane propeller....---so it really becomes an solid disc? BLOCKING the flow of air---.....If your fan is in front of the rad, this is happening all the time----
OK, so I can verify temps with a gun and space out my condenser at least 1/2" with minimal cost.
While the condenser spacing might help, I'm doubtful it will help in too much in city traffic, so let me pick your brains about three possible aluminum radiators I'll consider as a winter project if the condenser spacing isn't a good enough cure.
1. A Griffin 6-70100. A two tube aluminum radiator with 1.25" tubes, but it runs $1040 at Summit:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/g...4aAoOoEALw_wcB
2. A "Be Cool" 60045. A two tube aluminum radiator with 1" tubes that runs $599 at Summit:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/b.../1940#overview
3. A Champion Radiator that someone on this forum recommend to someone else. It is the cheapest but is a three row with a .63" row thickness. It is by far the cheapest of the three at $250:
https://www.championradiators.com/Ch...r_1940-1941_V8
While the price of #3 is attractive, I think choice # 1 & 2 would offer better cooling with their two tube design, plus they're made in the USA. Thanks again!John
And then a newer model....
Montana Mail Runner