alloy or a conventional radiator

[AZZA'S HJ47]

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

[Mr DJ]

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

[Struth]

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

[Sic Lux]

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

[guzzla]

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.

[Sic Lux]

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

[Cyrel]

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.

[ricey]

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.

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

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

[the_quokka]

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.

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

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

[sierrajim]

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

Paul

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

[chpd80]

or ones pop rivited together?

ROFL

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