Fbody Radiator + External trans cooler vs Aluminum Radiator + Internal trans cooler

[sugarandopium]

Did a search, found no topics comparing these to options......

What is better,
more efficent cooling,
and better for trans cooling.

Fbody radiator + external trans cooler
or
the aluminum ones buickgn and gbody has:
ALUMINUM RADIATOR
GBodyParts.com Online
type setup?

Also, are the aluminum pieces linked above simply a drop in plug and play deal,
or will different lines/adapters have to be ran like when using the fbody rad ?

TYIA

 

[novaderrik]

external coolers shed the heat into the air stream where most of it passes thru the radiator core without getting abosrbed back into the coolant, internal coolers shed the heat into the coolant right before it goes back into the engine.

 

[salvageV6]

The aluminums say drop in replacement so they must be like the stockers.

I'm sure if I bought one I'd keep my external tranny cooler I have with the stock radiator with that one as well.

What is better is subjective, there are cost, mods. vs. plug and play, and many factors to the consumer such as time constraints and install skill level, to make an educated decision on what to buy.

I doubt there have been any comparison cooling tests back to back since once you have one or the other installed it's not an easy, quick, or fun swap even if you are a vendor.

Both are aluminum and work so say all the users, so I doubt there's a huge advantage from one over the other that's an opinion not based on any testing.

I personally would go with a stock replacement aluminum if I could save up the $$$ and run the external tranny cooler already installed on both cars.

And I'd probably paint it black. :smile:

 

[sugarandopium]

Thanks for your replies, this board is awesome, don't know what i'd do without it
going to go with the fbomb and external coolers.

Going to use this as reference and install plan:
TurboBuicks.com - Upgrade To The F-Body Radiator

Has anyone used different fittings/hoses to do this...
like something i can order easily at summit when i get the coolers?

The aeroquip fittings and hoses seem like a PITA to locate.
Summit carries some aeroquip products, but none listed in this write up.
Any other options?? Part #'s, want to order today and do this asap.

Am deff going to paint them back Salvage, no brainer :biggrin:
Hope a can of the high heat stuff will take care of it.

 

[salvageV6]

Eastwood and probably a few other companies make radiator paint that's what I'd try to find.

And I'm sure plenty of people keep the big $$$ aluminum ones shiny silver for the bling effect.

 

[turbobob924]

Interesting topic. Can't believe there isn't more information!

Be cool claims that they guarantee at least 20 degree decrease or your $$ back?

 

[sugarandopium]

Be cool claims that they guarantee at least 20 degree decrease or your $$ back?

It better be at least 20 degrees cooler with the price tag on that damn thing!!
I believe its like 600+$ if I was looking at the right part # for our cars.

 

[bad V6]

Summit does carry the fittings, do a search for SOCKETLESS. Then pick out the proper size fittings. I used them on my car when installing an external oil cooler. Another place to check would be a local hydraulic hose making company, they should be able to provide you with any hose and fittings you may need, and would probably make up the hoses for you.

 

[Pronto]

Hands down the best cooling radiator I've ever seen is my friend's stock recored with a 4 core. It stays at 160* and never moves. Don't know the brand of the core or who did it since came with his car. It is FAT and probably weighs a ton but it sure works.

 

[turbobob924]

recore stock radiator to 4 cores

There are plent of rad shops her ein chicagoland. I never thought of recoring it withmore cores!

Great tip!

 

[INEEDAGN]

F body rad has an internal trans cooler in it. Use it. If you feel you need more run it through an external cooler after the internal. Water is 8 times more effective at heat transfer than air. If your coolant temps are kept in check the internal trans cooler will do FAR more than most people think it will. I get a chuckle at car shows when I see a bypassed internal trans cooler and a $25 tube and fin trans cooler zip tied in the front. NOWHERE NEAR enough trans cooling. They do make good external coolers that can stand alone, but if the radiator cooler is not plugged with crap then it will do a damn good job on it's own. If you are running a higher stall torque converter then yes you may need more. The real question should be what to do with the oil cooler. The trans. cooler in the fbody rad doesn't work worth a crap for engine oil, might even cause engine damage. SO if you buy an fbody rad you need to decide if you want to remove the oil cooler completely or buy an external oil cooler. Oil coolers require bigger hoses and fittings than a trans cooler.

hope this helps
bob

EDIT: sorry for the book, hope I didn't come across as an a$$hole, but this topic has come up so many times it needs a tech document written up and made a sticky. Every time I post one of these I tell myself i'm going to sit down and type up a formal copy, but I never do.

 

[zues1]

recore radiator

ive worked in family owned rad shop for 20yrs+ if you have it recored make sure they dont use a cheap core( 4row 3/8 tube low fin count) this can hurt more than help.if there is a good shop near you tell them you want a 3row 5/8 tube 16fins per inch cools same as 5row and can use your 2.3/4 factory headers&rad tanks but you might need to upgrade fan for enough air through rad will keep stock look and i would put money cool better than fbody.but will be more $ . ive used many of these in hotrod street rad applications never had an issue if i can help any more just pm me alot times i dont look back on post mike