Car Radiators. how much more effective is an aluminum radiator than a regular one?

Question

in terms of how long will it take for the water to heat up.

Answer 1

The main reason that car manufactures went to aluminum and plastic radiators is weight. The aluminum ones weigh as little as one third of a regular copper and brass one. As to effeciency the aluminum ones will disipate almost exactly the same as a copper one. HOWEVER, a copper one with its big brass tanks on top and bottom (or sides) along with the central heavier coils acts as a big heat sink so it takes longer for the coolant to heat up in the engine. That longer period is bad for smog control of the engine.

Answer 2

As to the first post, I agree and disagree. The difference in weight would not actually be that noticable. If anything, you might shave off a pound.

If you are speaking about a full aluminum radiator (looking like a giant intercooler), then that would only be needed for a race motor. It does add reliability, since everything is welded together. When dealing with an OEM radiator, you will more than likely encounter either a tin or aluminum core with plastic upper and lower end caps. The plastic and the place where it meets the core are the week spots.

A full aluminum radiator could cool down faster depending on size and design, but is more known for the rigidity and durability of it.

Answer 3

Modern radiators often use aluminum so an aluminum radiator IS a "regular" one.

The radiator design has little impact on how long it takes the vehicle to warm up. The thermostat is closed during warm-up and water is not flowing through the radiator.

Aluminum has excellent thermal transfer properties though it has corrosion issues. Older radiators were typically made from brass. Brass didn't have as good thermal transfer properties as aluminum but was more corrosion resistant. For this reason, it is critical that you use the manufacturer's recommended anti-freeze with an aluminum radiator. Using the wrong anti-freeze or plain water can result in cooling system failure very quickly.

Answer 4

really, there is no difference as to how fast it heats up, it is the engine doing to heating, so as fast as the engine can heat will ditirmine how hot the radiator gets. And, honestly, I think an aluminum radiator is a bad idea, simply for the same fact as aluminum heads and blocks, if you should have a problem, and the car ends up running very hot, you could actually warp or blow the radiator. Basically an aluminum radiator is for racing, where you don't want the weight of a steel one, and it will have no effect of the cooling of the engine, unless it is bigger than stock, or if it is a 4 or 6 core compared to a stock 2 core unit.

Answer 5

The radiator cools the water, it has nothing to do with heating the water. The engine heats it. The only difference is that the aluminum radiator is lighter.

Answer 6

Unless your car is modified to a professional race type engine an aluminum radiator is a waste of money.The primary reason for aluminum radiators is to reduce weight.Aluminum radiators will not cool any faster than there counterpart,the rate of cooling depends on the number of chambers in the radiator not the material they are offered in.

Answer 7

they are simple better, resist corrosion better conductor for cooling then copper and brass and with the correct coolant like Dex a cool will last 10 times longer than regular type, but don't get me wrong copper ones are very good as well and some mechanic prefer them over but all nascar ones are aluminum
good question