I've hit the archives here but found nothing on this..

What are the pluses and minuses of Aluminum vs. Brass radiators?

I am working on a 70 ss Convertible with GM crate 454, 5 speed Richmond Manual Tranny with A/C. I need to buy a radiator. I will drive it in three seasons, parked in winter. Car is stored in unheated garage. Extreme outside temperatures in CT range from 100 to -10 degrees farenheit.

I would like to uses antifreeze/water at 50-50% so I won't have to drain the car in winter, as I like to start my stored cars once a month to keep everything lubricated and running.

Your comments and opinions please, I sincerely appreciate all the help to date.

--Andy--

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1970 Chevelle SS Convertible
1937 Master Business Coupe
1996 S-10 Blazer

Yup, I'm Chevy Prejudiced!!!!

Aluminum radiators are lighter, usually more efficient due to larger cooling tubes, and they look cool! The only drawback I can think of is that they are usually pretty pricey.

I originally got an aluminum radiator for my '66 when I did the engine transplant last year, started driving it in October. Around XMas the radiator developed cracks where the core tubes mate with the tanks, at both ends of the top three or four rows. Sent it back and got a replacement. The replacement did the same thing after about three weeks. Sent it back and got my money back. Bought a US Rad. brass-copper and haven't had any more problems since. Water temp is somewhere a little less than 10 degrees warmer than with the aluminum radiator, car has never overheated with either radiator.

This car is driven in all weather about 350 miles per week. Engine is a '98 ZZ4 350.

p.s. The first time the rad let loose was before it got very cold weather-wise (in MD).

[This message has been edited by Dave66 (edited 12-03-99).]

Check out this web site, it has good info and will answer your questions.

http://www.griffinrad.com/whyaluminum.htm

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Wally
Gold #67
67 Malibu "Small Block"
90 SS454
71 Malibu "Small Block"
93 torch red vette

Hey guys and gals. Before you procede, go to 70 SS 454 and see the posts on a radiator from HOTRODAFCO. If it turns out to be "true", no doubt we all will be buying radiators from them.

70 SS 454, please keep us updated.

Richard and Judy White, MAXX2
Member #341


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afco rads have furnaced brazed cores to tanks...others i have seen are epoxy resin...which was yours that kept develoing leaks...do you know?? or what brand was it...
i have sent afco a request for a club discount as was suggested to me and will post their response as soon as i get it ...please read my thread on this topic including my "disclaimer"....LOL

http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/005428.html


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Rich
Cocoa Beach, Fla
Team Chevelle #380
wa3men@aol.com
www.chevelles.com/showroom/70_SS_454.jpg (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70_SS_454.jpg)




[This message has been edited by 70 SS 454 (edited 12-04-99).]