Radiator vs Radiator

[azattila]

My current radiator is going bad so I need to replace my radiator with a new one. I been looking at radiators and I found a few different options. AutoZone’s Spectra Premium Radiator with copper core, O’Reilly’s Murray Heat Transfer Radiator with plastic tank/aluminum core and Silla’s All Aluminum Radiator. Whats the difference between these radiators, did anyone had any experience with any off these radiators and what would you recommend for me (I live in Phx, AZ where the summers are 100+)?
Thank you!

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...Z9pdak?itemIdentifier=321349_266534_4648_5281

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...Search_radiator_1122613_3640&keyword=radiator

http://sillaauto.com/product/lookup.aspx?CatID=50737

 

[BuzzGun79]

My suggestion would be to go all aluminum...along with a 4 core unit....stay away from the plastic tank radiators in these types of trucks...they were not designed for a plastic tank radiator and it may crack in time.

 

[SuperCab]

Hard to go wrong with all aluminum. Better heat transfer than copper/brass.

Avoid the plastic tanks if you can. More likely to fail than metallic ones.

 

[Dirky]

I got my three core aluminum rad from Champion Radiators. Fully welded, including the filler neck. Brass drain valve and large transmission cooler. I have around 2000 miles on it so far. Very good quality, and bolted right it. It only cost me around $220 if memory serves me correct... Not a "show quality" rad, but it's well made. I'd try Champion if I were you.

Derek.

 

[azattila]

Thank you guys for the info, I will be getting an aluminum radiator. It may sound dumb, but the more “rows” you have in a radiator the better cooling it provides?
Thanks Derek for letting me know about Champion radiators!

 

[SuperCab]

Yes, the "rows", "tubes" or "cores" refer to the little coolant carrying tubes with the fins on them that make up the core of the rad.

a 3 row radiator has 3 rows of tubes from from to back, where a 4 row has, of course, 4. Which gives you more surface area for heat exchange.

 

[azattila]

Thanks for the info Matt!

 

[azattila]

Just wanted to do an up date on the radiator. I got the Champion aluminum radiator as Derek recommended it and what a difference. I got me the 3 core radiator, all the mounting holes line up with the original, so it was an easy swap. So far I'm happy with it, operating temperatures went from 180-200 down to 150-160 with out fan shroud.