Oppo : I Need Some Help With a Radiator.

"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
10/16/2014 at 09:41 • Filed to: HELP, Monte Carlo SS

So as some of you may know the radiator in my 86 Monte Carlo has been leaking recently, to the point where I no longer feel comfortable driving, it even short distances.

Currently the Radiator is a custom 4 core brass/copper piece made from the OE radiator about 10 years ago. Short of being stuck in the Dream Cruise it has never surpassed 210 degrees even on trips to the drag strip. I use the factory clutch mechanical fan. Butt Dyno says 325-375hp from the 355 V8. (I can provide detailed engine specs if needed)

Here are my options.

Factory OE Replacement. One row Aluminum. $109

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Pros: Cheap. Cons: probably not enough for a trip to the drag strip or racetrack designed for 190hp.

Two Row Aluminum $170

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Pros: Decent price, probably adequate when moving, all aluminum construction. Cons: might not be adequate in heavy traffic with clutch fan.

Three Row Aluminum $220

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Pros: Best cooling. Cons: most expensive, will this work well with my factory clutch fan and shroud?

The other option is to try and have the radiator i have now repaired.

With the holidays and hunting season coming up, I want to stay on the cheaper side of things, no BeCool craziness. but i could use some opinions, how much to do I gain/lose going from a brass/copper to aluminum design?

DISCUSSION (11)

505Turbeaux > Sweet Trav
10/16/2014 at 09:47

why dont you just have the current one brazed and cleaned?

Sweet Trav > 505Turbeaux
10/16/2014 at 09:52

I have to imagine its going to cost more than $150 to get it fixed.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Sweet Trav
10/16/2014 at 09:54

I would recommend the top option. Three row Aluminum.

Why?

Because overheating all the time is a pain in the ass

This is something I'm telling you from experience.

Also, I have no idea if it works with your seat up, just get the most cooling you can get.

505Turbeaux > Sweet Trav
10/16/2014 at 09:58

my local guy would have it out the door cleaned and brazed for $75. I am sure there has to be someone out there (wherever you are) that does it still. If you give me the locale I can do some digging. This guy rebuilds everything and has saved my ass numerous times. If it is copper and brass if you have it fixed it could last forever. Cheap aluminum ones, just throw them in the trash and replace.

Rock Bottom > Sweet Trav
10/16/2014 at 10:03

Back in the 90s I ran a stock radiator in my 1981 Regal with a mild 383 and I don't recall any problems... Regals do have a larger front end opening than your Monte, which can make a significant difference. I also had a fan from a 2500 Suburban on mine, so it's possible it was flowing more air (it sounded like a damn garbage truck).

Trevor Slattery, ACTOR > Sweet Trav
10/16/2014 at 10:18

I would get an estimate and lean that way personally. You know it will drop right back in with zero mods and will perform properly.

Sweet Trav > 505Turbeaux
10/16/2014 at 10:45

Metro Detroit.

505Turbeaux > Sweet Trav
10/16/2014 at 10:49

right on Woodward, this place seems highly recommended http://www.ferndaleradiator.com

I would just give them a call and see what the pricing is

NaturallyAspirated > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/16/2014 at 12:34

I agree.

Overcooling? That's what your thermostat is there to prevent.

BoulderZ > Sweet Trav
10/16/2014 at 12:42

I've been down that road before. If the one you have works well (sounds like), and is repairable, go that route. Repair is usually fairly cheap. I had one cleaned and rebrazed for my truck in Seattle. It was $40 in 1998 dollars, so probably about double that now in 2014 dollars.

If it's not repairable, go with the 3 row aluminum option. It's false economy going with the lesser options (i.e. save 25%, lose 50% of your functionality). Z's are notoriously undercooled, so I replaced my stock brass with a crossflow aluminum unit ( http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/… ). It was substantially less expensive in 2007 or so. It stays right on temp spec all day at the track and no problems in 110-degree summer driving. The only time it's gotten hot is at the Golden Super Cruise, and if I bothered to seal to the core support and make a fan shroud that wouldn't be a problem, either.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > NaturallyAspirated
10/16/2014 at 12:58

exactly