Replacement Radiators in Stock?

[Chipper Chapman]

Are the newer style GM aluminum/plastic tank rads acceptable as a replacement for the old copper/brass rads? Thanks.

[Bob Gullett]

No they're not. I had mine leak in the Nova at Vegas last fall and asked tech if I could get one as a replacement and they said no it has to be of the original material.

[Run to Rund]

However, there may be lighter weight radiators that fit but were intended for smaller engines, with two rows instead of three, etc. Also, "budget" radiators today may be of thinner material and lighter.

[FED 387]

-- NO IT MUST BE original material/style too---If your looking for a Camaro/Nova replacement look for either one for a Camaro 6 cylinder manual trans or the Nova 4 cylinder manual engines---the priginals did not have any provision for cooling lines for an automatic trans also 2 row much lighter too---will work with a V-8 but ya hafta use an electric fan or pump to keep the temps down as well as a deep fan shroud to pull all the air thru ya can--FED387

[Alan Roehrich]

NHRA thinks that it is the radiator that weighs a lot. The water weighs more. The difference between a copper/brass replacement and an all aluminum replacement is not that great.

With the run on ammunition by the public, as well as the massive orders placed by the government, copper/brass radiators keep getting higher. Aluminum is a much more cost effective replacement. They should just specify that postage stamp radiators with plastic tanks are not legal on cars that did not have plastic tanks from the OE.

Honestly, if they allowed the all aluminum radiators with 1-1/2" tubes, they'd save people who needed a radiator money, and make it easier on people trying to make it back to the lanes in the late rounds.

[Phillip marvetz]

The aluminum radiator in my Duster is 1 pound lighter than the old 6 cylinder rad. Hardly worth the cost,lol.

[Evan Smith]

I needed to replace the radiator in my Mustang and the replacement part from any of the auto part chains sells a duplicate of the original, but with plastic tanks, rather than aluminum. The total weight savings is 3 lbs. (weight may differ from car-to-car). I recognize some older radiators may show a greater differential in weight, but capacity should be more of an issue than material.

So, let's understand this: I can remove the heavy clutch fan and replace it with a light electric one, install a $350 billet aluminum water pump in place of the stock heavier one, but the radiator is a no-go?

This is akin to the rear rule: you can install gun-drilled axles with scalloped flanges, aluminum spool, and have a back-cut gear (essentially reducing the weight of everything that turns), and, you can change out the axles tubes and ends, but no aluminum center section?

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

I needed to replace the radiator in my Mustang and the replacement part from any of the auto part chains sells a duplicate of the original, but with plastic tanks, rather than aluminum. The total weight savings is 3 lbs. (weight may differ from car-to-car). I recognize some older radiators may show a greater differential in weight, but capacity should be more of an issue than material.

So, let's understand this: I can remove the heavy clutch fan and replace it with a light electric one, install a $350 billet aluminum water pump in place of the stock heavier one, but the radiator is a no-go?

This is akin to the rear rule: you can install gun-drilled axles with scalloped flanges, aluminum spool, and have a back-cut gear (essentially reducing the weight of everything that turns), and, you can change out the axles tubes and ends, but no aluminum center section?

What? You were expecting a common sense rule?

Of course, there will be someone come along and tell us how 5 pounds is magical, when their car won't repeat any closer than 2 hundredths. Then we'll see another post about "Oh my GOD! It doesn't LOOK stock!!!!" when they have headers, braided hose, a billet water pump, and aftermarket valve covers.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

So, let's understand this: I can remove the heavy clutch fan and replace it with a light electric one, install a $350 billet aluminum water pump in place of the stock heavier one, but the radiator is a no-go?

Probably only because an aftermarket radiator manufacturer hasn't shown an interest in becoming an NHRA major sponsor yet.

[Tom Goldman]

Originally Posted by billy nees

probably only because an aftermarket radiator manufacturer hasn't shown an interest in becoming an nhra major sponsor yet.

bingo!