Crossflow Radiator
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Near Fresno, California
Crossflow Radiator
I have a 72 F250 camper special with a huge copper radiator - (extra cooling as part of the towing package). I am upgrading the engine with a EFI engine from a 87 F100.
The 87 has a very small one tube aluminum crossflow radiator. To my eyes it looks too small to do the job, but it was. My question is if the aluminum crossflow dissipates heat better than the copper upright radiator? Is it an improvement to the original?
Which would be better to use? (both are in good condition)
The 87 has a very small one tube aluminum crossflow radiator. To my eyes it looks too small to do the job, but it was. My question is if the aluminum crossflow dissipates heat better than the copper upright radiator? Is it an improvement to the original?
Which would be better to use? (both are in good condition)
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
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From: at my house
I would say an aluminum would work for you if it was at least a 2 core beeing a single is questionable. The aluminum does dissipate heat quicker than the copper and a crossflow is also a step up on the older radiators in efficiency. If anything try it in there if you can get it in without a hack job and report back after you go through a summer with a thumbs up or down.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Willie, The newer vehicles can use less radiator because of better controled air flow. Our old trucks required the vehicle to be moving to get the best air movement. I sat out in my 97 Taurus for an hour and a half a few years ago with the outside temp in the high 90s idleing and the AC blowing. The temp needle never moved. My old truck with everything fresh won't idle 15 min. in the same heat without the needle gong way over. Just a slite movement and the temps comes down quickly. I have a shroud but haven't installed it yet.
I'd suggest using what is in there now if you can.
John
I'd suggest using what is in there now if you can.
John
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: at my house
So add a shroud on the aluminim and an auxillary like 8in pusher fan to the front of the radiator or steal a dual electric setup with the incorperated shroud and you'd be set for the aluminum radiator no prob. My 460 in the middle of the summer in Vegas stays below where it needs to be with a shroud ,4 core copper radiator, stock fan with a thermal clutch at idle for long periods of time. Jowilker that shroud will make a big difference for you when you get it on there. 
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