View Full Version : Aluminum Radiator Comparison


69Nova
May 30th, 06, 05:49 PM
Looking for information comparing 4 different aluminum radiators for cooling of a street/strip car, 355 in., 4 speed trans., 10.63:1, non-filled iron block, iron Sportsman II heads, solid flat-tappet cam with 0.533”/0.544”, 280ish dur., crank trigger with locked out timing, 4.88 gear, stock-capacity iron mechanical water pump. The car is only driven around town and never on the highway.



I need a radiator for this car and have been considering the following:



Jegs Universal (2) 1” tubes

Summit Universal, (2) 1” tubes

Griffin Universal, (2) 1” tubes

Griffin Universal, (2) 1.25” tubes



I’ll use either a 160* or 170* thermostat, and have the option of using an electric water pump. I used to use a stock radiator with a 180* thermostat, and a single puller fan from a Cavalier with its own integral shroud, which did a decent job and keeping the motor cool. It would be approximately 185* when staging and climb to 205-210* through the traps. Around town, it would stay between 180*-185* all the time. I am considering adding another small pusher fan, or ditching the Cavalier fan and trying to find two smaller pullers, hopefully with their own shrouds.



Questions:



Is one brand of radiator better than the others?

Is the extra $100 expense of the 1.25” tubes worth it?

Has anyone compared the 1.00” tubes and 1.25” tubes back to back?

What difference in capacity or temperature did you see?

Would one puller and one pusher, or two pullers be better?

Would switching to an electric water pump be effective from a cooling standpoint rather than a horsepower standpoint?

I'm looking to go overkill with the cooling system

40Coupe
May 30th, 06, 06:33 PM
I used the Griffin universal with 1" tubes. It's cooling my mid 10-second LS7 454 with no issues.

I TIG welded on side brackets, top cap, fan brackets, bung for a drain cock. Basically I made my own $600 model out of a $189 piece! I'm running a CVR electric water pump and 2002 Camaro dual electric fans THAT PLAIN MOVE SOME CFM!!

Here a picture from last winter while I was finishing it up. http://home.centurytel.net/40Coupe/images/misc/radiator.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/40Coupe/images/misc/radiator2.jpg

40Coupe
May 30th, 06, 06:36 PM
P.S. The 2002 Camaro puller fans are a way better option than aftermarket and fit the 27.5" radiator like a glove with some minor trimming. For $40 I couldn't ask for more.

GM Parts1
May 31st, 06, 10:49 AM
www.randysracemart.com
radiator comes with side mount tabs already on it. #80101N