I am going to replace the radiator in my '68, the single core original one is not enough in traffic here in Houston! I am running a stock clutch fan and stock shroud, and am looking at the G30 van alum radiator vs a factory 4 core big block radiator. Appearance aside, is one better than the other? Will hoses interchange? Thanks!

Dave,

I just put the Delco (aluminum) radiator in my 68 and didn't notice any temp difference in normal driving from the 3- core it replaced. At the track it seemed to stay a couple of degrees cooler after being run hard. The difference was about 15 degrees. I did get it cheaper than buying the new 4 core for my pro-street project. Good Luck with your choice. BTW the delco was from GMpartsdirect.com and the 4-core was from www.radiator.com. (http://www.radiator.com.) The delco has a heater line barb on it but a plug in the intake and I was able to just move the hose with no mods otherwise.
Good Luck smile.gif

The alum ones will beat the four core hands down!

Can you say PRC RADIATORS at www.streetrodstuff.com/Products/157 (http://www.streetrodstuff.com/Products/157) ?

Originally posted by HOTRODSRJ:

Can you say PRC RADIATORS at www.streetrodstuff.com/Products/157 (http://www.streetrodstuff.com/Products/157) ? PRC radiators- there I said it :D . At 2x what I paid for my 4-core the couple of degrees of extra cooling isn't worth the cost IMO. Now if it was priced as well as the Delco($157)....Maybe. graemlins/beers.gif

Jeff, what part # did you use?

Hey ACE, I agree with your analogy in pricing of the Delco vs the PRC, however the question that was asked was about...."is one better than the other. The answer is absolutely! Of course the four core is cheaper but loses about 40% (not just a "couple of degrees") of the efficiency to the big-tubed and high finnal area aluminum models.

And, moreover knowing the SE Texas weather (Houston is sweltering in the summer....and winter for that matter) and not knowing the engine package, I would want all the help that I could get. Especially with airconditioning additions? I designed over 100 cooling systems for Texans over the last year thru my "JackStands" articles and contacts. I have always recommended aluminum radiators due to the hot weather and need for air. Not one complaint yet?

So my recommendation still says aluminum! You will never be sorry with the best!

Well articulated Steve graemlins/thumbsup.gif .

Dave, I'll run out to the shop and check the box. (pack rat here :D )

Edit: The part number on the box is
GM 52470841
Delco 20778

I looked at www.gmpartsdirect.com (http://www.gmpartsdirect.com) and they show it for $154.90 but when I added it to the cart to check shipping it was $187.18 and the part# was
GM PART # 52479539 ? I would send an email before ordering to make sure. Someone else had gotten the wrong one from them before I ordered mine. They did send the right one after it was found incorrect. graemlins/angry.gif
I also looked on www.partsvoice (http://www.partsvoice) and according to the Houston Zip code I put in there isn't any at any texas dealer(Seattle warehouse had 7). Hope this helps and good luck.

Jeff, thanks again!

What would be the comparison betwen the PRC and the Delco Aliminum radiator?
Joe

if you want a rad that will cool anything check out ron davis radiators,rondavisradiators.com/.cooled my blown 509 15 deg cruising and 25 in traffic.jeff

I just received my Ron Davis radiator last week. Very good workmanship and quality. It was delivered on time. The price was better than PRC. I would highly recommend them. Ask for Tim. He owns a ElCamino himself. Check them out!

Dave