Radiator for vintage air? Stock or aluminum?

[dalekerr]

I am ordering Vintage Air for my new toy, 67 with 327 upgraded a little. The car is currently running a bit hot now, I know the stock radiator needs cleaned out. Will the stock 21 inch radiator be able to handle the new AC unit? Or should I change it to a 3 core alluminum.
The car  is not 100% original the last owner added rack and pinion steering along with a new modern distrubuter.

I plan to drive the car about 3,000 miles per year.

[cook_dw]

A little searching and you could make an educated decision.  Factory required at least a 3 row radiator when A/C was added.  If your stock radiator is 2 row then go ahead and upgrade to aluminum 3 row since originality isn't a concern.  If you are running a stock fan & clutch and are still concerned with overheating then add an electric fan.  But 190-195°F is normal operating range.  Hell newer cars with aluminum engines run even hotter but that is also partially due to emissions and the ability of its sensor monitoring system.


http://www.camaros.org/coolingsystems.shtml#application

[dalekerr]

Thanks, so a 190 thermostat and three core radiator and I should be fine?

[maroman]

My radiator guy says aluminum radiators are junk, tubes are too big. I would use a three row brass and copper to keep him happy.

[cook_dw]

Age old debate.  They both have their pros and cons.

[maroman]

I agree.

[KurtS]

Aluminum is not repairable, fwiw.
See http://www.camaros.org/pdf/corv_cooling2.pdf

[dalekerr]

Well vintage air is installed and blowing cold. A blessing here in Louisiana, with the temps in the 90’s now. Car runs cool while driving down the road with aluminum 4 core radiator and stock fan and shroud (190). Gets up to about 220 while setting a while, I may need to put on an electric fan.

Thanks for all the help from members of this site!