aluminum radiators
 

Hey Y'all, what aluminum radiators do you recommend? stay away from the $150 eBay ones? 3 row?
my truck always runs at 180. this upgrade would be cosmetic. last thing i want to do is replace a good radiator with a shiny one thats made like junk.

as far as i can tell by looking at the shape of my radiator and how the brackets are, i have a car radiator that fits a 1957 bel air, nomad, etc.

heres two pics attached.. first one is a more expensive one( $280.00 delivered)that is the same shape as mine. seller claims its the best radiator because it has bigger tubes and a better transmission cooler.
second one goes for only $150 delivered. looks nice... but is it junk?

Re: aluminum radiators
 

I have an American Eagle 650 HP model from Ledfoot Racing. They carry Champion as well. I think they are both the same company.
Ledfoot makes a nice electric fan shroud for them too.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

Before I thought it through I had my original radiator rodded out & rebuilt. Spent like $400 on that - stupid because the top tank is dented up and will never looks good, which I'd prefer.

I like the first photo you posted because the tank looks factory. I've always been NOT to buy one that has any epoxy in it. The differing expansions, etc will tear it aprt over time.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

Here's my American Eagle:

http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/da...1/IMG_5576.JPG

http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/da.../IMG_12381.JPG

http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/da...1/IMG_6833.JPG

I have a 16" Maradyne fan on it. I had my shroud made at a local shop. Ledfoot's shroud looks almost identical to what I had made.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

I used a PRC radiator in my 48 truck and 56 Chevy, added the shroud and Spal fan to my order as well. They are made in Indiana and are good pieces. The 56 was for an LS so they mounted the inlets on the right side tank in the crossflow radiator and added the steam vent. I had a question about the install on the 56 and the company was quick to answer. We had the 56 on HRPT last year idling in traffic for hours with no over heating issues. The only issue I didn't like was the need to drill mounting holes in the brackets. And that can be a plus for mounting where needed. I will use the same in my Burb.

http://www.prchotrod.com/products/pr...-radiators.php

Re: aluminum radiators
 

I've been told to also look at the the transmission cooler. Cheaper radiators will has a simple tube where as more expensive will have a plate type heat ex-changer.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

This champion radiator is $224.00 delivered

Re: aluminum radiators
 

This one is $209 with free shipping,

search #161618202475

Do you have a pic of your radiator?

55-57 chevy car radiators were different between 6 cyl and v8 cars.

I've had a champion 3 row in my truck for two years, with no problems.
Drove it all weekend at the frog follies street rod show for three days in august with 95°+ heat.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

My radiator

Re: aluminum radiators
 

I have to measure to confirm , but looks like v8 car radiator

Re: aluminum radiators
 

Yes, that's a 55-57 V8 car radiator.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

Agreed

Not sure what the Champion has but I was pleasantly surprised to find the Universal Cross Flow Alu radiators from Summit have a cylindrical plate-type bladder for the trans cooler... lots of surface area.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

I just ordered a 3 row aluminum radiator off of ebay for 174.00 delivered. the name on it was KKS radiators looks like the first picture. Going to install it in my 57

Re: aluminum radiators
 

I'm running a U.S. radiator aluminum with shroud and fan. 300hp 350 and it never breaks 190* with the AC on in south Florida heat and humidity.

Re: aluminum radiators
 

can someone look at these two listings and give opinion? they look exactly the same. the more expensive seller claims that the inside is totally different.. two larger rows instead of three smaller ones? also claims to have a better trans cooler? of course I cant see inside the radiator to confirm any claims. the less expensive one claims to cool 35% better than stock radiator... so if that's true, why pay $100 extra for the other one?
my truck has a 1957 chevy v8 car radiator
heres the two links:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-3-ROW-AL...69b473&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-BEST-195...ed2d6c&vxp=mtr

Re: aluminum radiators
 

Eastwood has just come out with a triple pass 2 row 1 inch tubes will sell for $250 but if you buy now it's an introductory $200. 19Hx22w got mine yesterday looks real nice.
I will post a pic tonite when I get home.