My radiator just got a crack in it so I went to get a new radiator and they have plastic and metal. Its not a metal fluidyne, its a CSF radiator. I wanted to know which one I should get and why?

 

Get aluminum. The will last longer and will not crack like plastic.

art

 

I would recommend aluminum for its thermal capabilities and its ability to withstand vibrations. Plastic works great on a daily driver with 0 mods and no intent of ever getting raced on. Of course if Arturbo throws a cup of **** on it anything is possible.

 

what are the prices between the metal and plastic?? and where will you be getting them???

 

Yeah, if price isn't an issue get the aluminum one; it will last longer and outperform a plastic radiator by far. But most aluminum radiators will run between $300-$450 where as you could find an OE replacement for less then $200.

 

So it look like aluminum all the way. I believe the CSF radiator is made of copper/brass, its more durable then aluminum but are there any complaints about a copper/brass radiator?

 

I purchased a Fluidyne radiator from carparts.com when mine blew, if you use their 20% coupon the total should be around $300, I paid $303.** shipped including tax. The 20% coupon is from http://www.importhookup.com btw.

 

Yes, Im selling my thermal ****. Gaurenteed to keep things 15deg cooler....

 

i did the exact same thing... 303 shipped to my door
go to http://www.importhookup.com

 

if you aren't over taxing a plastic radiator, expect it to last about 90k... maybe less. I bet a metal one would easily last 200k...

 

..... or get a Fluidyne and never have to replace it again, ever, for any reason (short of impaling it). I got my Fluidyne when carparts.com had 33% off coupons -- ended up being $272, shipped to my door.

Anyway, where most radiators (OEM, anyway) fail is at the seams. This results from the use of crimped seams, used to attach the radiator core to the endtanks. After age, use, and wear, these seams just weaken enough to start leaking. If you get a metal replacement, chances are good that the seams will be welded, rather than crimped. This will reduce the chance of the seams failing again. The Fluidyne, by the way, is all aluminum with nice welded seams.

Good luck with the fix. At least swapping radiator isn't too difficult -- I've done it many times, now.

 

I have been extremely impressed with the quality and finish of the Fluidyne.

 

I think the ITR radiator is all alluminum and it fits a little easier then the fluidyne. It may also be cheaper.