Hey guys,

I was wondering what your guys' opinion on the effectiveness of all metal (copper/brass) dual core radiators vs all aluminum ones. I figure the all aluminum ones are better but are they worth 3 times the price? I'll be running around 8-10 psi of boost.

Thanks,

t.t.

 

How about a 1" all-aluminum that's just as cheap as any OEM? ($279 shipped)

http://www.coolradiator.com/HPAMazdaMiata3.htm

 

Well not as cheap, the dual core all metals are around $120. Even if they were the same price, would 1 row alu cool better than 2 row brass/copper?

 

copper is a slightly better cooling material however,

Aluminum radiator should be lighter. The design of the aluminum tubes should allow for higher pressure levels and as result should allow for better cooling.

Typically, A two core aluminum radiator should cool better than a 4 row brass/copper.


How thick are the OEM dual cores btw? I know my 1" has quite a bit of cooling capacity over my OEM.

 

dont forget that is also a 2 core radiator...

I have an OE auto radiator, its better than stock, but I cant say about any aluminum one, Im really interested as well

 

From this site:
http://www.absoluteradiator.com/Prod....asp?idProd=16

"The radiator core is about twice as thick as the factory radiator, (1 5/16" instead of 5/8" 'early' or 15/16" 'late' ), providing extra cooling capacity. This radiator also has twice the number of cooling tube rows as the factory radiator, (2 instead of 1), "

I'm guessing the 5/8" and 15/16" are single cores?

Also it looks like the price went up from last I checked, $132.95 :(

 

I forgot to mention they also have aluminum core dual rows for $149

http://www.coolradiator.com/HPAPMazdaMiata.htm

 

Here's a cheap aluminum core radiator:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Yeah, that appears to be the same stock replacement I bought years ago. Plastic end-tanks and all.

 

I second coolradiator.com stuff, I've had no problems with mine in the past couple years.