i used to build street rods and I know that Aluminum does not transfer heat as well as braqss or copper. I would go with the 3 core instead of Aluminum
HUH??? Where have you been aluminum is one of the best heat transfer metals out there. :brickwall Brass and copper absorb heat but does not release it has fast as aluminum does in the heat source to air transfer.
I would go back in with the stock type replacement radiator. The radiator in my 92 finally wore out last year and I replaced it with a stock radiator. I have had no problems. You have a stock jeep the radiator was designed to work for it, why go experimenting when the figuring and experimenting has already been done by the factory.
If you had swapped a v8 or something like that then look for other options but since it is stock just go back with stock.
Novak nudges toward aluminum, I'm not sure why this works. Aluminum as a metal has less thermal conductivity than brass, but perhaps it can be manufactured with more efficient structure.
Aluminum is cheaper and lighter, not better,that's the reason you see it more now than in the past.
Blame it on the bean counters and CAFE requirements.
But, the choice of aluminum media will outperform their copper counterparts quite easily even though copper is a better conductor of heat. What is a lesser conductor of heat (aluminum) makes up with more surface area available for heat exchange.
But this site (I think they make brass radiators) claims only a small advantage for aluminum:
I would think that aluminum is more easily damaged by hard water than brass/copper radiators. Also battery acid, engine cleaners, radiator flush and other caustic chemicals.
I have a 4 row b/c radiator and never even considered the aluminum type just because of our water.
If you had no problems with the stock rad cooling your rig I would just stick with a stock replacement rad.
I am using one of those cheap chinese alloy radiators from Ebay with no problems in the heat of the desert.
The 50/50 mix prevents corrosion of the alloy so that is not an issue.
Just got an aluminum from here: http://www.fastradiator.com/ $141 shipped to my door in 5 days over the 4th of July weekend. Direct fit bolt in, easier than the stock replacement I got from A-Zone years ago.
Just got an aluminum from here: Fast Radiator - The Radiator Store $141 shipped to my door in 5 days over the 4th of July weekend. Direct fit bolt in, easier than the stock replacement I got from A-Zone years ago.
I ordered one yesterday and got it today! It looked great and fit just as good! :cheers2:
I put some protective aluminum paint on it and promptly installed it without too much hassle.
A few frozen bolts that had to be ground off - but nothing that couldn't be handled. :2thumbsup:
I went with a three core brass. As was mentioned above, they can leak, but I believe that is due to the solid mount to the Grill panel of a Jeep. Many other vehicles I am familiar with use a rubber isolated mount, so the rad floats. With all the twisting Jeeps get off-road (yes, the grill twists too), a 4 corner solid mounted rad is asking for leaks for sure.
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