2 or 3 row radiator
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 989
Likes: 113
From: australia
With a stock motor a 2 row would be sufficient but 3 row wouldn't hurt .
And if possible use a stock mechanical fan on the water pump as per factory .
They are more reliable than electric fans .
And if possible use a stock mechanical fan on the water pump as per factory .
They are more reliable than electric fans .
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,304
Likes: 1,062
From: NM
TV, I see you're in Arizona... I would look at only 3 and 4 row radiators, especially if you intend to add A/C.
You can put your location in your User Profile in the UserCP, it is useful in situations like this.
You can put your location in your User Profile in the UserCP, it is useful in situations like this.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I'm running an aluminum 3-row with A/C in my 53 Chevy. Works great. Never goes over 180 but I live in a cool climate. I would stay away from 4-row radiators. My experience with them is that air does not get through them very well. The 3-row is a great compromise. 
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 615
Likes: 6
From: Tucson, AZ
Before you decide go read this web page about aluminum vs. copper/brass radiators because it has a lot of good information about radiators.
Aluminum VS. Copper-Brass Radiator: Final Thoughts
Don't forget to read the other parts as this is the final summary.
If you go with aluminum do NOT get one with welded seam tanks as they are prone to cracking in the heat-effected zone next to the weld. With the cost of copper up, the aluminum radiator will be a whole lot less.
Remember, that the wider tubes will have more surface area to transfer heat so a two row radiator with wider tubes can actually transfer more heat than a three or four row with narrower tubes.
Philip
Aluminum VS. Copper-Brass Radiator: Final Thoughts
Don't forget to read the other parts as this is the final summary.
If you go with aluminum do NOT get one with welded seam tanks as they are prone to cracking in the heat-effected zone next to the weld. With the cost of copper up, the aluminum radiator will be a whole lot less.
Remember, that the wider tubes will have more surface area to transfer heat so a two row radiator with wider tubes can actually transfer more heat than a three or four row with narrower tubes.
Philip
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 11
From: paradise, northern calif.
I bought a 4 row copper and brass radiator and have not ever had any trouble. That was 12 or 13 years ago. Boy have the prices gone up since then. If you will be in any stop and go traffic, I would recommend getting the very best you can afford. Heat kills motors and automatic transmissions so I have the radiator I described already with a 5 blade manual fan, and two trans coolers.(one built into the radiator, and one in front of the radiator) and gauges for oil, coolant, and transmission, so I know just how hot all my fluids are. Well I wish you all the enjoyment that we all get out of this bobby, keep asking questions, there is no such thing as a silly one. And welcome to the FTE family.
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