Has anyone ever used an aluminum radiator with plastic tanks? The owner at the radiator shop I brought my old stock unit to said he could fix mine, but for about $140.00 he could sell me this unit which he claims will cool better than mine since it dissipates the heat better. When I asked him about the plastic tanks he said they last longer than the old copper and brass. Is he on the level?
Thanks,
Rich

http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/14_rules_for_improving_engine_cooling_system_capab ility_in_high-performance_automobiles.htm

Good general info there.

Answer to your specific question is "maybe" in my opinion; I doubt that he is trying to deceive you though.

Conventional radiators with brass tanks and copper cores work good. The cores eventually get corroded or otherwise plugged-up; if they don't, sooner or later metal fatigue causes leaks. Same with the tanks re leaks. New copper cores are available and expensive. The factories use plastic tanks and aluminum cores in many applications, so they certainly work fine. Durability is another issue.

To me, in my opinion, bottom line is: a new radiator will probably give you longer service than any repair/recondition. A custom all-aluminum radiator will give you excellent performance and bragging rights at considerable expense. Whether they will give you 150,000 - 200,000 miles of service probably remains to be seen.

Lots of people are using radiators with plastic tanks and aluminum cores. Millions and Millions, worldwide.

My $0.02

I believe Bob West uses a aluminum and plastic radiator in his wheel stander, they have to be strong

I have several Chevelles with radiators that might be original. I also have a 1996 Caprice with the plastic tank type radiator. It blew out a piece of the plastic tank and dumped all the cooland in seconds. I replaced it with another used 1996 radiator that merely leaks a bit. I vote for all metal.

One of the first mods G-body guys do is pop in the alum/plastic rad.

An F-body rad is a drop-in for the TR/GN, etcetera.
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An article in CHEVELLE magazine a few years back put one
in a "68 Chevelle. Rad they used was for a C-30 Van.
The article even included part # info on rad hose needed.
Was planning on doing this mod to the '68 we had then,
but swapped the '68 (w/the C-30 rad in the trunk:(),
for my son's '65.

Which is to say: "Yes, I'd do it w/o worries." :yes:

Similar info may be in the "SEARCH" archives here.

HTH --- :beers:

Thanks for the responses, I learned something!
When the radiator arrived, it turned out to be 1" thick and my 2 row old radiator is 1-1/4" thick. The radiator guy didn't think there was any improvement there, so he recommended ordering a 3 row copper and brass unit which should be in this coming week. That should be better than what I've had.
Thanks,
Rich