alloy or a conventional radiator

Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Location: GREENBANK

what your thoughts on running a alloy radiator for a hj47 landcruiser 2h turbo using it for touring pros and cons other than cost as i can get a radiators made on the cheap #Sniper

Joined: 15 May 2005 Location: Bayside, Brisbane

If price is not an issue, why not go the Aluiminium rad.

Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Melbourne

You can have them made so that a standard radiator will fit right in if the ali one fails, good for when you are stuck in the bush and just need a rad to get out..

Try Aussie desert Coolers in Preston, cheap as for ali rads and they will build to your requirements.

I paid $750 for mine, same as a Hilux V6 rad with 2 extra inches of depth for the body lift and with a single 40mm core. Has worked quite well for the last 6 months.

Cheers

Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Location: Ipswich

The alloy in theory will transfer the heat better only little thing i could see is maybe the alloy being a little more prone to cracking from vibration this really comes down to the alloy thats being used. i say go for it especialy getting it made for the right price armsup

Joined: 27 Mar 2005

Alloy is far superior in cooling capabilities compared to copper/brass.

Just be aware of electrolysis as this can kill your cooling system dead very quickly if left un-noticed. Just get a sparky to check your vehicle for voltage leak to be sure and make sure all electrical items are properly earthed.

I wouldn't be concerned about metal fatigue, 99% of vehicles in the last few years are equipped with alloy rads due to price, weight and efficiency, even 4wds including Landcruisers that are extensively tested in all conditions to the enth degree.

Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Location: Ipswich

guzzla wrote:

I wouldn't be concerned about metal fatigue, 99% of vehicles in the last few years are equipped with alloy rads due to price, weight and efficiency, even 4wds including Landcruisers that are extensively tested in all conditions to the enth degree.

Even plastic tanks have been around longer. Off topic a bit Another thing starting to see more now is plastic intake manifolds on cars

Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Location: N/E Victoria

Sorry to rain on your parade but if I had the choice i'd have the Brass one.
I was able to repair mine on the side of the Odnadatta tk all you need is a good souldering iron and a gas torch.
If touring outback is your game then The old tech is the go.

Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Location: Buggered if I know Mal.

I agree with Cyrel. I do alot of remote and bush work and it is far easier to repair a brass radiator in the field than alloy, and even if don't know how to fix it youself a half decent mechanic or stationhand will.

Joined: 02 May 2003 Location: Visiting my house

guzzla wrote:

Alloy is far superior in cooling capabilities compared to copper/brass.

Agree with your rest - got anything to justify the above?

Seems to be lots of opinion and I have yet to see facts in this space.

Paul

Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Location: Melbourne

me3@neuralfibre.com wrote:

guzzla wrote:

Alloy is far superior in cooling capabilities compared to copper/brass.

Agree with your rest - got anything to justify the above?

Seems to be lots of opinion and I have yet to see facts in this space.

Paul

http://www.engineersedge.com/properties_of_metals.htm

Copper is streets ahead of Aluminium. It never ceases to amaze me how widely this urban myth is portrayed with alloy radiators being superior in cooling qualities.

Joined: 02 May 2003 Location: Visiting my house

the_quokka wrote:

me3@neuralfibre.com wrote:

guzzla wrote:

Alloy is far superior in cooling capabilities compared to copper/brass.

Agree with your rest - got anything to justify the above?

Seems to be lots of opinion and I have yet to see facts in this space.

Paul

http://www.engineersedge.com/properties_of_metals.htm

Copper is streets ahead of Aluminium. It never ceases to amaze me how widely this urban myth is portrayed with alloy radiators being superior in cooling qualities.

Putting it politely - the thermal conductivity of the intermediate (water - copper - air) material is unliekly to be significantly relevent in STEADY STATE operation. I would suggest that material thickness, internal and external surface areas, water flow rates, air flow resistance etc would all be far more significant.

So back to copper vs aluminium radiators - anyone seen any performance data?

Paul

Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Location: Wheeling in my backyard

me3@neuralfibre.com wrote:

So back to copper vs aluminium radiators - anyone seen any performance data?

Paul

Are we talking welded/soldered units or ones pop rivited together?

Joined: 04 Aug 2008 Location: Geelong

Quote:

or ones pop rivited together?

ROFL

More pop rivets means more cooling, but more weight unfortunately,
and every pop rivet matters. Very Happy