Ive seen auto parts and people on this forum use these new PLASTIC/ALUMINUM CORE RADIATORS... are these actually any good? do they last just as long? or are they worse? whats the deal with these? I can get one for my third gen reeeal cheap.... I just want to know how good these are. Thanks

 

They are real good,the only problem isthat the plastic end tanks seem to start to crack over time,but you can replace those seperatly.Other than that they seem to be a good radiator.They have been using tham on cadillac for a long time,and only the end tanks with cracking pose a problem.

 

how long do they go from the point of purchase (assuming you install the radiator and run it from then on) to the point of cracking? a few years?

 

With proper care the radiator should last 10 years or more.

 

I would agree,they ussually last betwenn 4-10 years.It just depends on the plastic I suppose.

 

The plastic with aluminum core has been around for 20 years or more and are great. You should not be concerned about the lifespan, mine lasted around 18 years.