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final word on radiators, alum/plastic or copper? 700

posted by  Rtilghman on  Sun Mar 28 11:14 CST 2004
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1985 745t m46

So it seems that my radiator has finally dropped over the event horizon and needs replacing. I'm looking at the choices and wondering if a consensus was ever reached on whether to replace with the two-row aluminum/plastic (like OEM) or three row copper (both Nissens obviously).

From what I remember and have found aluminum transferes heat better and is thus a better performer than copper. It also doesn't react with certain anti-freezes (the orange?) that corrode the copper. However, the copper has greater surface area and thus SHOULD transfer more heat (in theory greater surface area = greater capacity for heat transfer). Also, the copper is solid copper and thus doesn't run the risk of catastrophic plastic failure.

I don't anticipate owning this brick for a HUGE amount of time (like 5+ years), but I'd like the radiator to last and be durable. SO which one is the better choice for my manual turbo? Anyone have specific experience with the copper for a yea or nay?

Thanks in advance.

-rt

p.s. and then there are two-row brass units apparently that I found on volvo world... totally unfamiliar with theses: http://www.volvoworld.com/700/Section_2_10.htm

Radiator (new, not a rebuild) 2 rows brass core, with plastic sides like original Volvo. For cars with auto or man transmission. No sensor hole.

Radiator (new, not a rebuild) 2 row brass core, with metal sides for longevity. For cars with auto or man transmission






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