Metal Radiator VS. Aluminum
02-01-11, 10:49 AM
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Metal Radiator VS. Aluminum
I'm looking to upgrade my factory radiator to one that is more durable and good for overall performance when I decide tune my SC and get turbo and all that other good stuff in the future. I just want to know between metal & aluminum radiators are they both equally good or is one better than the other? Which do you guys recommend??
02-01-11, 11:02 AM
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02-01-11, 11:04 AM
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Koyo, Megan, Mishimoto, Fluidine all have good reviews, but check the warranties too...I went with a Mishimoto simply due to the no questions warranty.
But to stay on topic, aluminum will dissipate heat faster than steel, thus providing more efficient cooling.
But to stay on topic, aluminum will dissipate heat faster than steel, thus providing more efficient cooling.
02-01-11, 11:28 AM
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02-01-11, 01:42 PM
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The hot coolant from the engine flows into the inlet tank of the radiator and flows through the tubes to the outlet tank. the heat of the coolant is absorbed by the fins which are colder than the coolant. In turn, the colder air passing through the fins absorbs the heat from the fins. The fluid, now cooled flows back into the engine and absorbs the heat from the engine and goes back through the radiator to be cooled
typically radiators are made from either copper&brass or aluminum
aluminum is the better material because it dissipates heat more efficiently, aluminum also has more strength, which means they can put larger tubes and fewer rows
lets say you have two radiators... radiator-A is 2in thick with 2 rows, radiator-B is 2in thick and has 3 rows
Radiator A will cool better because theres more surface area contacting the fins. With 3 rows you have more wasted space between the rows.
in conclusion get the thickest aluminum radiator with the least amount of rows
typically radiators are made from either copper&brass or aluminum
aluminum is the better material because it dissipates heat more efficiently, aluminum also has more strength, which means they can put larger tubes and fewer rows
lets say you have two radiators... radiator-A is 2in thick with 2 rows, radiator-B is 2in thick and has 3 rows
Radiator A will cool better because theres more surface area contacting the fins. With 3 rows you have more wasted space between the rows.
in conclusion get the thickest aluminum radiator with the least amount of rows
02-01-11, 02:00 PM
#10
The hot coolant from the engine flows into the inlet tank of the radiator and flows through the tubes to the outlet tank. the heat of the coolant is absorbed by the fins which are colder than the coolant. In turn, the colder air passing through the fins absorbs the heat from the fins. The fluid, now cooled flows back into the engine and absorbs the heat from the engine and goes back through the radiator to be cooled
typically radiators are made from either copper&brass or aluminum
aluminum is the better material because it dissipates heat more efficiently, aluminum also has more strength, which means they can put larger tubes and fewer rows
lets say you have two radiators... radiator-A is 2in thick with 2 rows, radiator-B is 2in thick and has 3 rows
Radiator A will cool better because theres more surface area contacting the fins. With 3 rows you have more wasted space between the rows.
in conclusion get the thickest aluminum radiator with the least amount of rows
typically radiators are made from either copper&brass or aluminum
aluminum is the better material because it dissipates heat more efficiently, aluminum also has more strength, which means they can put larger tubes and fewer rows
lets say you have two radiators... radiator-A is 2in thick with 2 rows, radiator-B is 2in thick and has 3 rows
Radiator A will cool better because theres more surface area contacting the fins. With 3 rows you have more wasted space between the rows.
in conclusion get the thickest aluminum radiator with the least amount of rows
02-01-11, 08:58 PM
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The hot coolant from the engine flows into the inlet tank of the radiator and flows through the tubes to the outlet tank. the heat of the coolant is absorbed by the fins which are colder than the coolant. In turn, the colder air passing through the fins absorbs the heat from the fins. The fluid, now cooled flows back into the engine and absorbs the heat from the engine and goes back through the radiator to be cooled
typically radiators are made from either copper&brass or aluminum
aluminum is the better material because it dissipates heat more efficiently, aluminum also has more strength, which means they can put larger tubes and fewer rows
lets say you have two radiators... radiator-A is 2in thick with 2 rows, radiator-B is 2in thick and has 3 rows
Radiator A will cool better because theres more surface area contacting the fins. With 3 rows you have more wasted space between the rows.
in conclusion get the thickest aluminum radiator with the least amount of rows
typically radiators are made from either copper&brass or aluminum
aluminum is the better material because it dissipates heat more efficiently, aluminum also has more strength, which means they can put larger tubes and fewer rows
lets say you have two radiators... radiator-A is 2in thick with 2 rows, radiator-B is 2in thick and has 3 rows
Radiator A will cool better because theres more surface area contacting the fins. With 3 rows you have more wasted space between the rows.
in conclusion get the thickest aluminum radiator with the least amount of rows
