Temp difference w/Aluminum Rads

[TundraSkyline]

Anyone have temp drop/difference results from aluminum radiators like PWR, etc?

[Burger Steak & Eggs]

I believe aluminum is actually not as good a thermal conductor as copper. In any case, cooling will be functions of radiator size and fins per inch as well as air flow through the radiator. Increasing any of the above will remove more heat. Sometimes simple things like louvers located towards the rear of the hood and/or fenders will reduce air pressure buildup under the hood and thus allow more air to flow through the radiator when the vehicle is moving.

[L R H]

Unless the present system has capacity problems maintaining the correct temp, an aluminum radiator will not make a difference. If the system has a 190º stat and the current radiator just cannot keep up on a very hot day, and there are no internal problems such as clogged passages, nasty high viscosity coolant, etc, then an aluminum radiator of comparable size will have more capacity to cool. I have never understood some people on some sites posting the have a 180º stat, and the vehicle will not cool on a mildly warm day below 210º, so they buy a new high capacity aluminum radiator and now it runs 160º all day no matter how hot. No radiator, regardless how big it is will cause a vehicle to run cooler than the thermostat temp that is installed unless it has some magical power to override a mechanical thermostat. So I don't understand some ads I have seen in the past stating something like this radiator wiill lower your operating temps by 40º.

[L R H]

Originally Posted by Burger Steak & Eggs

I believe aluminum is actually not as good a thermal conductor as copper. In any case, cooling will be functions of radiator size and fins per inch as well as air flow through the radiator. Increasing any of the above will remove more heat. Sometimes simple things like louvers located towards the rear of the hood and/or fenders will reduce air pressure buildup under the hood and thus allow more air to flow through the radiator when the vehicle is moving.

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I always thought aluminum was a better conductor of heat, but not as good a conductor of electrical current flow. The key word is thought, I may be wrong on both counts.

[mostsleek]

Copper is better then aluminum. On computer heat sinks, the metal that sits on the chip to "pull" the heat away, copper is better the aluminum.

[subl1minal]

good place to ask this question- what's the norm on an extremely hot summer day for the coolant temp to be at while sitting stationary? mine tapped 216 F today sitting in a parking lot w/ the AC on (it was 109 here today)

[Boosted27606]

Copper versus Aluminum is the eternal rivalry !

Generally, copper conducts better and faster ( electricity as well as heat ) because it weighs more, thus is a better heat sink.

However, aluminum dissipates faster ( its thermal conductivity is higher )

Which one is best for a radiator with a liquid medium ?

Tough question indeed !

Let's remember that the thermostat will dictate at what temp. the radiator will start doing its job. Also, how many layers of coils does it have ? and what is the size and concentration of the fins ?

At the end of the day, the copper radiator will weigh more, cost more and will be able to store more heat, but the aluminum one will dissipate that heat faster.

[Fissile]

Originally Posted by L R H

I always thought aluminum was a better conductor of heat, but not as good a conductor of electrical current flow. The key word is thought, I may be wrong on both counts.

In most cases materials that are strong electrical conductors will also be strong temperature conductors. Copper is a superior conductor of both over aluminum, but is denser so there can be a net gain in vehicle performance by scrubbing weight over cooling performance.

[Burger Steak & Eggs]

Originally Posted by Fissile

there can be a net gain in vehicle performance by scrubbing weight

Especially on the front end.