461 needs a radiator. 3 or 4 row?
November 27th, 2014, 07:23 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 40
461 needs a radiator. 3 or 4 row?
Replacing the radiator in a big block 76 cutlass. It's a .030 over 455 with 11:1 forged TRW pistons. Actual comp.ratio is about 9.5:1. 280/290 duration .472/.496 cam and headers. It has a 3 row brass radiator in it that I had repaired but is leaking again. Wouldn't stay cool on a hot day or if I was running it hard.It's coming out. Don't know whether to try an aluminum 3 row or go big with 4 row. The big one is only like $100 more so I'm thinking go with that but a hundred bucks will fit in my pocket real fine if it's just overkill. what say you all?
November 27th, 2014, 09:45 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Delta BC Canada
Posts: 3,688
November 28th, 2014, 03:48 AM
#4
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: S.E. Louisiana, so far still in U.S.A.
Posts: 1,613
The bottom line is try to get the unit which transfers the most heat. The thermal conductivity of copper is better than aluminum, but when it gets combined with zinc to make brass, the aluminum transfers better. But there are other factors that determine the total ability of the unit to transfer heat. I have a tendency to go for the thickest core that will fit, irrespective of the number of tubes. I don't like plastic tanks. If a repair is ever needed, the brass & copper may have an edge in ease.
November 28th, 2014, 05:30 AM
#5
Out of Line, Everytime😉
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Melville, Saskatchewan
Posts: 8,963
Actually a good design rad like a Griffin 2 core will out cool a 3 or 4 core. Get the Griffin Dominator series for the A body. My current 2 core out cooled my Champion 3 core in my Cutlass. The Olds 403 and 455 run warmer than some other brands. Make sure you have a factory 7 blade fan with a heavy duty clutch or good electric fans and a heavy duty closed impellar water pump.
November 28th, 2014, 05:52 AM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Rogues Island, USA
Posts: 3,613
http://www.usradiator.com/cores
You decide.
http://www.cgj.com/2013/06/27/alumin...-great-debate/
5 part debate.
You decide.
http://www.cgj.com/2013/06/27/alumin...-great-debate/
5 part debate.
Last edited by TripDeuces; November 28th, 2014 at 06:12 AM.
November 28th, 2014, 07:04 AM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: S.E. Louisiana, so far still in U.S.A.
Posts: 1,613
Apples to apples; oranges to oranges
A new radiator with clear tubes of any materials or design will likely outperform a used radiator with partially obstructed tubes of any materials or design.
I wish that there was a side by side comparison of new radiators made of different materials and designs which indicated actual heat transferred to the air. Then we might get an accurate evaluation.
You can use your infrared thermometer to search the core for non-uniformity or cooler areas on operating used radiators.
On coolant try to get one that is less acidic. The acid seems to be most hard on aluminum.
I wish that there was a side by side comparison of new radiators made of different materials and designs which indicated actual heat transferred to the air. Then we might get an accurate evaluation.
You can use your infrared thermometer to search the core for non-uniformity or cooler areas on operating used radiators.
On coolant try to get one that is less acidic. The acid seems to be most hard on aluminum.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Indy_68_S
General Questions
11
November 24th, 2010 07:52 PM
Giddy
Parts Wanted
1
March 10th, 2009 11:37 AM
