Copper/Brass vs Aluminum rad

[EricB]

Hey all...

So I was researching online the cooling differences between Copper/Brass and Aluminum radiators and it seemed that every other website contradicted the previous one... So I thought I'd ask you all to see if someone had done some conclusive research...

I'm thinking about replacing what I believe to be my original 240 radiator with a 280 3core copper/brass unit. For starters is the stock 240 radiator a 2 core or not? And will a larger ZX rad not fit the S30, right?

With that said I see huge price differences between Al and CuBr.

on eBay a 75-8 3core will set you back $140+$15shipping from OK.

MSA wants $199 for 1970-1974.5, $195 for 1975-1983 for OE replacement

Radiator.com wants $220 delivered for a 3core

MSA wants $275 for 1970-1983 4core radiators

The closest universal fit Al rad from Summit is 26" wide and 19" tall so I don't think it will fit the S30. Still though it costs only $330

The closest factory fit is for the Acura Integra (24.430" wide & I think ours are 24.5" wide) and made by Fluidyne and costs $370

MSA wants $460 for a 1970-1978 Aluminum radiator - ouch!

So what do you all think, any suggestions? I'd love to hear 'em...

Thanks,

-e

[Alfadog]

I looked into this a bit when I was replacing my radiator. I ended up having it reconditioned to standard spec, mainly because it was the cheapest alternative and as my engine is relatively stock it doesn't need anything else. I toyed with the Al radiator idea but in the end the realist in me prevailed and I had to ask - could the extra money be better spent elsewhere? Surprisingly (well for me it was) now that the car is manual it runs a lot cooler.

Anyway, thats completely beside the point. The aluminium radiators are superior - that's why almost all new quality cars use them. That said, does your car need better cooling? If so, I feel getting an extra core or two is fine - no need for the Al. If I were you, I'd go the MSA 4-core and it will probably be fine.

Take note that this is just my own subjective opinion on the matter - I welcome anybody else who disagrees with what I've said.

[dhoneycutt]

There is a company called JTR "Jags That Run" that supply radiators for V8 swaps in our Z's. I found that what they said made alot of sense to me. I am thinking of going their route when I upgrade my cooling system. here is a link to their web page:

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/

you will need to scroll down about halfway down the page on the right hand side to where is says " http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_DATZ_Radiator_Kit.html " I found it very interesting. Hope this helps!

[EricB]

Thanks for the quick reply guys...

Given the choice I'd rather stay with a stock looking CuBr rad... The "bling-bling" look of an Al rad in the Z's otherwise period correct engine bay would I think over time kind of irk me... Then again if every website I visited said Al was hands-down better than CuBr I wouldn't think about it...

Check out this one for example:

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2001/10/radiator/index.shtml

Thanks for your $0.02 Alfadog... I don't THINK my Z needs special cooling needs however if going 4core over 3core is going to make a noticeable difference I'd rather get the larger radiator and never have to worry about it again... know what i mean?

-e

[Curtis240Z]

Another aluminum alternative is http://www.arizonazcar.com/radiator.html I have their radiator and it is a definite improvement over even the 4 core copper units.

[sblake01]

............ The aluminium radiators are superior - that's why almost all new quality cars use them........

Don't know if I agree fully with that. From what I've read, they are cheaper to manufacture and I think that would play a large role in the auto makers decision to use them. The have plastic tanks. When they separate from the core, they're basically trash. At least with the Br/Cu radiator they can be put back together. My car has a/c and I live in So Cal. I use a stock radiator and have never had a cooling problem.

[240ZX]

With an almost absolute use of aluminum radiators in just about every form of motorsports, I think its safe to say there is certainly an advantage! I suspect one reason is, that they provide the best heat dissipation vs weight ratio. Regarding their use in production cars, I'd have to agree with Blake....as they are certainly more cost effective to manufacture.

[jmortensen]

One thing you really don't want to do is bolt an aluminum radiator to the core support, especially if you drive hard or autox or anything like that. I've already torn up 2 brass radiators with chassis flex. Next is going to be an aluminum radiator, but I'm going to have it soft mounted and hopefully it will hold up to the abuse a little better. Plus I'm stitch welding the chassis and the rad support, so maybe that will keep the flexing down.

I can say that with a brass 3 core, then a ZX 3 core I had no overheating problems running on the track in 110+ degree heat, aluminum will be my choice for weight savings, not because the brass wasn't up to the task...

[sblake01]

I didn't mean there wasn't a weight or heat dissipation advantage with aluminum. I just meant that the auto manufacurers would lean more towards the cost efficiency aspect.

[240ZX]

Geeez Blake....I was just agreeing with your reply regarding production aluminum radiators and adding a bit of info regarding aftermarket aluminum radiators! No need to clarify or rationalize your reply. Hope you didn't think I was trying to rain on your parade? I for one, most always respect your posts.

[sakijo]

I agree with Stephen. Aluminum radiators are cheaper to manufacture and cut down on weight. The weight savings helps auto manufacturers achieve higher mpg ratings. As for copper/brass radiators, any good radiator shop can re-core yours for a reasonable price

[Alfadog]

Yes, cost is also a factor of course. I should have said their better efficiency was one of the reasons Automobile Manufacturers tend to use aluminium radiators these days.