FYI DMLer's,
Turns out my leak was not from my stock plastic radiator, but
the waterpump (go figure). I replaced the waterpump, upper and
lower radiator hoses and installed the new custom aluminum radiator
anyway. (What the h#ll only $400).
For those thinking of changing from plastic to aluminum I found
out it really is not necessary ( for medium performance stock hp).
The 1 inch aluminum core on the stock radiator is efficient and the
key word here is porous. This means that an electric fan of around
2800 CFM will work better with the stock radiator as compared to
a 2" cored all aluminum radiator. The high density of the 2 inch
core cuts down on the electric fans ability to pull air through the
radiator and air conditioning condenser at idle. One big plus from
a larger all aluminum radiator has been its ability to slow down the
process of heating up (at idle) and give a quicker cool down. Long
story short I found big radiator means big electric fan, I would not
use a small single fan on a large high density cored radiator,
(allot of heat and more obstruction to air flow).
BTW, the radiator was custom built to use the Flex-a-lite dual 12 inch
fans or any larger single fan. There is also enough clearance to convert
back to the stock clutch driven fan. At extended idle (15 min+) with A/C
on my engine temps runs around the 200 (199-208) degree mark. Needless
to say my aluminum rad would not work well with the condenser coil if
it weren't for the dual fans.
George
-----------------------
Wisotzkey, Rich" <Rich.Wisotzkey@gd-ns.com> wrote
Stefan,
Someone on the list just had their radiator rebuilt in the last couple
weeks. Maybe someone will remember and reply to you. If not, check the
archives, and search the web for sites.
I'm personally not familiar with having any of this type work done (at least
not yet). Here is a post from George Wilhite on his radiator experience.
Maybe it will help.
- -----
Well folks my cheap plastic radiator is leaking
and I think I've found a place that will build me an
ALL aluminum radiator:
Howe Racing Radiators in Michigan.
http://www.alumrad.com/
I've just talked with a guy named Terry and he
says he can build me one for $360-400. I don't
want to stick another OEM plastic leaker in, so I'm
pulling my radiator off and sending it to him to
get a perfect fit and super cooling design. I'll
let you guys know how it works out. Also if
your interested in one, I should find out in a
week or so about the quality of work they
do. I know you can get another OEM or Valeo
for $241 shipped with lifetime warranty, but I'm
through with plastic.
George
- -----
Good-luck,
Rich - Ashburn, VA
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