My radiator just went and I called up ABC and they said they had two different ones I could use. One that's completely steel and on that has the plastic ends. Price only differs by like 10 bucks so money is not the issue but I can't afford like a high quality one at this time period. What is the difference between these two and how much more does the all steel one weight? Which one do you guys think I should go for?
Thanks
Scott

 

ive seen plenty of plastic sided radaitors crack and break...



ive seen only a few metal ones spring a leak, and thoes were brazed shut for a fraction of the cost of a new one....



get the metal one.

 

Plastic sucks for going through hundreds of thermal cycle, Last plastic radiator I changed for a friend had the neck come right off with the hose. Stewart Racing built a cooling dyno and did much research on cooling systems, Brass and Steel is the best combo for heat disapation, even over aluminum. AL just looks nicer, brass should be painted.

 

Aluminum's big benefit is lighter

 

ummm, NO.

the slight diff in weight between the 2 is more then made up for when you add in the fact that the alum one holds more water.... and water is HEAVY.


the alum aftermarket ones are generally more efficent because of the design.... NOT because of the material.

 

Get the all metal one. It will last a lot longer and can be fixed whereas the plastic cannot.

 

If U decide to get plastic, get Modine. They have a good warranty!