Which radiator for better summer cooling???

[Syclone#2960]

My water temps are running at 170* in the cool AM without the AC running. I'm running 100% water with a bottle of water-wetter, autozone radiator, Mr gasket 160* performance stat & ramcharger fans. The pump is new.
I remember while running the AC the temps would rise upto 225* before the pump swap.
I want to drive the ty more often regardless of the outside temps with the AC running.

What would be the best radiator to combat the high temps??? A direct bolt on would be nice. I think brass cools better than aluminum.

 

[DaveP]

Re: Which radiator for better summer cooling???

If coolant temps rise as the ambient goes up, you need more air flow. I see "ramcharger fans" in your list. Go back to an engine-driven fan, factory shroud and fan-clutch, and I think you will see a dramatic improvement in cooling system performance. Aftermarket electric fans have never impressed me as being "better" than the OEM engine-driven (or modern, current, OEM electric) fan.

That single-row aluminum radiator has a heck of a lot more capacity than you give it credit for. It is good for tow ratings up to 5,000 lbs in an L35 Blazer. Aluminum does have better heat-transfer than brass, too.

 

[Shift220]

Re: Which radiator for better summer cooling???

If your running electric fans, make sure you can support the increased load on the alternator. If your voltage drops your going to lose cooling capacity

 

[Syclone#2960]

Re: Which radiator for better summer cooling???

If your running electric fans, make sure you can support the increased load on the alternator. If your voltage drops your going to lose cooling capacity

My volts are at 13.6-8 (140amp altnr) with the fans running. Got up to 180* today. Going to find a stronger electric fan (Ford Taurus/crown victoria) and see if it helps.

 

[Syclone#2960]

Re: Which radiator for better summer cooling???

If coolant temps rise as the ambient goes up, you need more air flow. I see "ramcharger fans" in your list. Go back to an engine-driven fan, factory shroud and fan-clutch, and I think you will see a dramatic improvement in cooling system performance. Aftermarket electric fans have never impressed me as being "better" than the OEM engine-driven (or modern, current, OEM electric) fan.

That single-row aluminum radiator has a heck of a lot more capacity than you give it credit for. It is good for tow ratings up to 5,000 lbs in an L35 Blazer. Aluminum does have better heat-transfer than brass, too.

Yeah the stock radiator works great on the sy w/ the same ramcharger fans & electric pump. Completely different animal with the ty.

Come to think of it, I suspect the pump even though it is new. Maybe I should try an Edelbrock aluminum pump.