Keeping Cool

[bigdawg]

hey guys my t type i just got it like a month ago and i finally got all the bugs out of it and now when i drive it a lil rough (ok flat out skating in it) it will overheat. what are some things i can do ive heard of using a radiator from an f-body but which year? is this the best/ most reasonable upgrade? what about a 305 radiator? i cant believe buick put a turbo and left the same radiator shame on them lol. any and all suggestions would be apreciated. could it simply be a bad thermostat? again thanks

 

[78MC-BBC]

you want a good aluminum radiator for a good price, check out these guys
http://www.genesisautoparts.com/all_aluminum_radiator-buick-regal-1986.htm

 

[Bar50]

First thing I would check it the thermostat, swap in a new one I run 180-195's with now issues, summer or winter. The v-6 radiator sucks! Do you have the shroud in place?

My big block El Camino has an F-body radiator in it:

I kept the upper shroud and the fan:

This is a pic of the top shroud, the spring is because my Glasstek hood didn't have a spot for it. I can't recall it, but, I think '93 up. Hit a salvage and look for a similar shroud...?

I had a 455 Buick in an '87 Regal, I ran the 305 radiator, V-8 shroud and ran a fan/clutch off of a one ton 454 truck. No issues. Those radiators used to be around $100 for brass/copper, but, things have changed.....


Hang on....



Looks like a new replacement from the parts stores around here run $115-125 for aluminum 1-2 row and $210 for a brass/copper....

ebay has several aluminum versions in the same price range, I seen some with cooling fan set ups.

 

[bigdawg]

is the v6 camaro radiator different than the v8s?

 

[78MC-BBC]

i would say the v6 camaro radiator has less rows in it, think lighter duty

 

[Bar50]

V6 radiator is about six inches narrower across the core surface. Same height.

 

[bigdawg]

is copper/brass better than aluminum or just more because they are a more expensive metal

 

[Bar50]

is copper/brass better than aluminum or just more because they are a more expensive metal

That's really tough to answer.

Aluminum will transfer heat better than the brass copper. But, the brass/copper does not cause the electrolysis from dis-similar metals (that white crystal stuff growing in radiators) as fast. Water flowing from and aluminum radiator across/thru the iron block will generate electrolysis that builds up (in the same way a battery works) within a year. Thats where the need for orange anti-freeze came from.

Thats why the aluminum radiator is one-two cores and the brass/copper is two-four cores.

Buy what you can afford, I myself also take the warranty into consideration if its a driver.

 

[bigdawg]

so in a year it will be useless or u can just wipe it off? or using the different color antifreese will completely fix that problem. sorry i like asking questions until i am comfortable with my understanding lol

today i bought a new gas tank and thermostat and after swapping my gas tank the thermostat pulled a freakin hodini lol guess il buy another tomorrow, honestly i searched like an hour everywhere in my car/garage and i finally said **** it, it was only 4 bucks lol

should of just changed it along time ago so its off my mind

and i noticed on ur radiator u have that thin red hose wow is that thick enough? on mine when it gets hot the hose shrivels flat thats another weird thing i noticed does that mean i need a new hose

 

[78MC-BBC]

dont let the aluminum radiator scare you, ive had one in my 78 going on 6 years now and still looks brand new and no corrosion. a lot of the f-body's had aluminum radiators too and a lot of the newer cars do. it just plain works better and is lighter than the brass/copper radiators of the old days