C2 radiator

[Steve D.]

I have a copper and brass aftermarket radiator. I've read that aluminum radiators have 25-30% more cooling capacity. I am rebuilding the car to drive, perhaps 5,000+ miles a year. Is upgrading to aluminum recommended? I realize that other factors, such as timing, are a part of the equation, but as a practical matter I am wondering how big a factor copper vs aluminum is.

Steve

[Mike McKown]

It's all in the archives

No matter which board or forum you go on. The copper radiator will not cut it if you drive in hot weather, stop and go, have A/C etc. If you drive 5000 miles a year, sooner or later you'll run into a circumstance where you'll wished you had spent the money for the correct replacement and that means the DeWitts.

In my own case, I get away with a copper radiator because I do not (will not) drive my car in hot weather and I live in a mostly rural area where I am not stop/go driving. Some copper radiators will overheat on the highway.

Spend the money or take your chances.

[Mike McKown]

It's all in the archives

No matter which board or forum you go on. The copper radiator will not cut it if you drive in hot weather, stop and go, have A/C etc. If you drive 5000 miles a year, sooner or later you'll run into a circumstance where you'll wished you had spent the money for the correct replacement and that means the DeWitts.

In my own case, I get away with a copper radiator because I do not (will not) drive my car in hot weather and I live in a mostly rural area where I am not stop/go driving. Some copper radiators will overheat on the highway.

Spend the money or take your chances.

[Donald O.]

Re: C2 radiator

Steve,
I replaced my copper brass radiator with a correct, fully detailed DeWitts aluminum. I'll sell you (or anyone for that matter) my copper brass (used 2 years) for $100. I'll ship it in the box my DeWitts came in.

At Bloomington in St. Caharles this summer several vettes overheated waiting/idling to get in and park. Mine did not. Any questions?

Don

[Donald O.]

Re: C2 radiator

Steve,
I replaced my copper brass radiator with a correct, fully detailed DeWitts aluminum. I'll sell you (or anyone for that matter) my copper brass (used 2 years) for $100. I'll ship it in the box my DeWitts came in.

At Bloomington in St. Caharles this summer several vettes overheated waiting/idling to get in and park. Mine did not. Any questions?

Don

[John H.]

Re: C2 radiator

Steve -

The issue isn't copper/brass-vs.-aluminum material, it's how much tube-to-fin contact area the basic design provides (which is the only area where heat transfer takes place). No conventional-core copper/brass replacement radiator can even come close to the tube-to-fin contact area provided by the original Harrison stacked-plate design, which is what makes it so efficient. If you want to watch the scenery instead of the temp gauge, get a DeWitt's.

[John H.]

Re: C2 radiator

Steve -

The issue isn't copper/brass-vs.-aluminum material, it's how much tube-to-fin contact area the basic design provides (which is the only area where heat transfer takes place). No conventional-core copper/brass replacement radiator can even come close to the tube-to-fin contact area provided by the original Harrison stacked-plate design, which is what makes it so efficient. If you want to watch the scenery instead of the temp gauge, get a DeWitt's.

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 radiator

Thanks all.

I'll be ordering soon.

Steve

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 radiator

Thanks all.

I'll be ordering soon.

Steve