It looks like I figured out my problem...

Using a cooling system compression testor, I discovered a crack in my radiator in the upper right side... so I need to buy a new one.

I think that I am going to Autozone to get it, but here is my question:
What is the difference between the "Plastic & Aluminum (1-row)" and the "Metal (3-row)" radiators? Besides the obvious compositions... Which one should I get for the bird?

 

I would definately get a 3 row radiator, which will have increased surface area creating better cooling.

 

i just put a 3 row one on my camaro and i noticed that it runs cooler and heats up faster.i only paid 130 bucks for it shipped to my door

 

I got my Griffin 3 row aluminum from summit for $180.

 

i don't know how much a stock replacement costs but i put a Griffin in my car for about $190.00

 

Get the aluminum one with the plastic tanks just like the stock one. I tried both the copper brass one with the three rows and the aluminum one that looks like stock. The aluminum one kept the car about 10/15* cooler, I had the 400 in the car at the time also.

 

I got a radiator out of the boneyard , pulled it myself . Almost looks like new . I checked it real good for rust and looked at it before I left with it . Only cost me $50

 

I did the same as Wayne...mine cost 35 with the shroud at a u-pullit, Go tit out of a firebird and it works great Ive yet to see 200* Find one still holding coolant.....

 

Actually there is a reason GM switched to the single wide row aluminum radiators. Heat being displaced across a wider plane with increased vane area cools better. I read a tech article on it somewhere, I can't really remember all the specifics. But believe me, or not, the single wide vains have more cooling area than the 3 row. But old schoolers will jump in to dispute the claim.

 

Wouldn't that depend on the width of the vanes of the 3 row??

 

I would suppose a ROW of 3 single row radiators would cool pretty good.