-
Radiators are the primary heat-elimination element in your car. There are many different designs in use today, but any debate over effectiveness is centered on only two---those made from copper or aluminum.
Types
Almost all cars come stock with a radiator made of about 90 percent copper. Aluminum radiators are rare and are used primarily in aftermarket and racing applications.
Copper's Advantages
Since a radiator's job is to dissipate heat, it makes sense to use the most conductive metal on the market today. By volume, copper radiators are the most efficient coolers available.
Copper Disadvantages
Copper's only real drawback is weight. That excellent conductivity comes at the expense of high density. Copper tips the scales at 3.3 times the mass of aluminum.
Aluminum's Advantages
Aluminum radiators are often used on show cars since they can be polished to a mirror shine. Aluminum is also stronger and less apt to have a high-pressure blowout.
Aluminum's Disadvantages
Aluminum radiators are thicker than copper units and usually cost two to three times as much.
Source:
car Craft magazine: Aluminum vs. Copper Radiators
Absolute Radiator: Radiator FAQ
Resource:
Hot Rod with Aluminum Radiator (Video)
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC