Several there are less than $200: http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=/egnsearch.asp&N=400030 The aluminum ones are almost always 2-row, but as someone else already mentioned, they are wider rows with more surface area, so they are closer to a 4-row copper/br*** when it comes to efficiency.
Well I went over to Danchuck's this afternoon and compared the 55-57 "High-effeciency" (a ton of fins!)4 core unit. It is extremely close and actually slightly smaller. I went ahead and picked it up as it looks like some small L brackets will get it right in. I'll post some picks when (if ) I get it in this weekend.
Thanks slide, I missed those cheaper radiators and the information about the rows. it was late and been staring at the computer too long Let us know how the 55 radiator works out.
Just in case anyone was still interested: The 55-57 Radiator would have fit fine with some small L brackets and a short water pump. The unit actually has sightly smaller dimensions (except for the core) and would have been a breeze to install. Also would have looked "correct". Unfortunately the one I picked up had large weld "slug" come falling out while I was about to install. Not wanting to destroy my w/p and new (defective) radiator I returned the one I got and now have a lead on a aluminum radiator w/fan through a buddy. BTW: 50Chevy; I love that avatar, where did you find it? (no offense meant if you made it)
Thanks for the update! I had wondered how well the tri-5 radiators would work, since the top tanks and dimensions looked so similar to the 49-54 versions.
FYI: A good resource is the US Radiator site. They list all the dimensions with a drawing. Really wish the one I had picked up wasn't "junk". Oh well, it all works out in the long run. Anyone want a stock 54 radiator? haha
I have a guy here in NJ who custom builds radiators. I nave already bought about 4-5 of them for various cars ai'v ebuilt for myself and customers. He uses br***/copper. The most recent one, just ordered on Weds. is for Vic's 48 Merc. Small block chevy. I spec'ed it out for about 400 HP, even though it's only got a stock 350 (right now!). I had him install a trans cooler, an extra bung for a sensor for an electric fan (if necessary), and had him add capacity in case we put AC in the car. What it came out to, is a 3 in. 5 core radiator, and MY cost on it was $496. Probably retailed for 600 or so. Well worth it in my opinion! Cooling is very important, as we drive out cars more in summer, often in traffic, here in always congested NJ. Considering the cost (money, aggravation, wrenching on a newly built car) of repairing, or replacing a fried engine in a nicely painted custom, or rod, it's worth the insurance to get a new one, that's matched to the engine's output. If anyone needs his service building a custom radiator, I can order you one, and you'll get it at my cost.
Thanks for the update. Confused to what you ended up with,since the one you got was defective? So did you get a replacement tri5 radiator? or go with a usradiator model? I guess the think that is most important to know is, did it cool the engine enough? RE: Avatar I made the avatar, Thanks!
Sorry I wasn't clear earlier. I took the tri-5 back to Danchuck (pretty sure it was a US radiator) and just got my $$$ back. It was a 4 row and SHOULD have cooled my motor fine. I was just going to exchange it and get another as I believe they have a 3 year warranty, however I had gotten a lead on a flex-a-lite rad/fan combo that will cost me less (I'm getting a killer deal through a connection). Obviously for most, the economical way would have been with the tri-5, however my situation changed (for the better) and I will now be going the aluminum route. Haven't received it yet and my car is a little ways off from running, so it will be awhile before I know how well it cools. I am fairly confident, however it will be more than sufficient.
The Jalopy Journal
