search not working, server too busy... so...

I'm looking at Autozones 2 avaible radiators -with maximum cooling...
GDI 3 core($249), and GDI optional heat buster 4 core($229)...

Am I missing something? The 4 core is less money? Is the 4 core not as goo of a unit for some reason?

Then there are 2 listed without maximum cooling...
GDI 3 core($149), and GDI optional heat buster 4 core($229)...

Does anything look fishy to you folks?

Anyone want to recommend a good radiator for 115* Phoenix summer conditions?

 

Personally I like Modine rads, NAPA carries those. If you want the absolute most cooling then go with a alum. Griffin.

Barry

 

Look at both units. Core thickness. Are the cores as thick as the tanks or smaller causing less flow. A 3 core as thick as tanks would have larger tubes for more flow. A 4 core as thick may have smaller tubes. ETc. Etc. Also is it copper, brass or aluminum, or alot of plastic.

 

I checked out the NAPA rad's, looks like they come with a tranny cooler as well... or am I mis-understanding something?

Also, called RonDavis Racing Radiators, I can get a 19"x26"x2" 2 core all aluminium construction radiator with angle flanges welded to it for less than $300. I would have to drill my own mounting holes... not sure how I'd mount my fan shroud...
I have one of thier radiators in my Mustang, and it runs like it's on the polar ice cap.

I wonder if it's worth the extra $50 over the NAPA, or, $75 over the AutoZone?
I assume the Griffin's are up around $500?

 

For your type of heat, I would recommend the 4 core radiator. Those aluminum radiators are meant for weight savings on race cars like drag cars. You do one run down the 1/4 mile then line up again. Plenty of time to cool down between runs. But if you're driving around town, you risk overheating with a 2 core aluminum.

 

cleanLX, I know Sierra Vista doesn't get as hot as Phoenix, but I put the 4 core in from Autozone. I had no problems at all. I think the hottest it was last summer in this area was in Douglas at about 110 degrees.

 

Faithful Old Road Dog I respectfully disagree, they make alum. radiators for all kinds of applications both street and race. A two row alum. will outperform a four row brass due to the material and the geometry, they ain’t cheap though.

Barry

 

I was just aware of the racing applications. Personally, I wouldn't spend that much on an aluminum radiator for street application. But that's just me.

 

I can't remember the source, but we got an aluminum radiator for our 85 MonteCarlo dirt track car for around $160 and that included freight to Alaska. Even in the 100 lap races it never got above 190 and by the way was track champion. Running in 85-90 degree weather. Also there are plenty of places to get a way better deal than NAPA. Get your yelow pages out for the nearest city and call them all. I used to get most of mine right from radiator shops and from Performane Radiator Inc. I don't know if they were franchised or not.

 

the autozone 4 core is $230.
for $30~50 more I could have an alum. one, but, if it's not need'd, then, I'd like to hang on to that extra money.
I have an alum. one in the Mustang because with our club discount, it was actually cheaper than a 4 core unit from autozone
The thing I like about the autozone or napa ones is I know they will bolt directly in, and the fan shroud will bolt directly to it.
What I like about the RonDavis one is, I know I will never have a cooling issue with it...

For what it's worth, a 2 core alum. from Ron Davis cools more efficiently than 4 cores from autozone... well, at least on street driven mustangs...

While we are on this...
what does everyone run for a thermostat?
I have a 160(put in by shop) but always figured a 180 would work better... any experience?

 

I have a book that says my old 352 came with 195. That's what I put it now. With my 390 the needle runs in the middle of the gauge.

 

Wow! That's a great info on the aluminum radiators. I guess designs have improved over the years making them more affordable too!

 

There is some controversy about T-stats. For the most power a cooler one is probably better. But too cool isn't good either. I have found that I like the hotter ones better for winter. I picked up about 1 1/2 mpg in city driving just going from a 180 to a 205 on my 300-6 in winter. I just left it in year around. It will still open before over heating anyway.

 

like to make a correction.
The Ron Davis Aluminium radiators in 26"x26" configuration are priced no where near competitive with the AutoZone ones. Litterally triple the price.
Sorry for the bad info.

Looks like I'm heading to Autozone for a 4 core jobbie.

 

What's wrong with the radiator you have? You might save some bucks getting it re-cored at a radiator shop.