Aluminum radiator, cooling fans and wiring

N

NigelProdrive

True Classic
Did this mod several years ago:

The condition of your 46 year old original copper radiator probably isn't in as good condition as you might think even if its not leaking. Could be a good time to upgrade to an aluminum radiator and flush the cooling system. Aluminum transfers heat better and since weighs less aids performance. They are same unit as X/19 and available now. The aluminum gives the car a more modern appearance.
Scorpion 18.JPG
Scorpion 19.JPG


Ditch the heavier factory cooling fans for larger lightweight slim racing fans. Wire them both to run off the temperature sensor instead of having one wired into the AC wiring diagram. (Center tunnel removed for photo only). Some of you without AC probably have a fan attched not foing anything ever. Don't overtighten the radiator mounting nuts, the mounting bolts are weak so just enough to be tight.

Scorpion 20.JPG


Throw away crusty old radiator.
 
NigelProdrive said:
Did this mod several years ago:

The condition of your 46 year old original copper radiator probably isn't in as good condition as you might think even if its not leaking. Could be a good time to upgrade to an aluminum radiator and flush the cooling system. Aluminum transfers heat better and since weighs less aids performance. They are same unit as X/19 and available now. The aluminum gives the car a more modern appearance.

Ditch the heavier factory cooling fans for larger lightweight slim racing fans. Wire them both to run off the temperature sensor instead of having one wired into the AC wiring diagram. (Center tunnel removed for photo only). Some of you without AC probably have a fan attched not foing anything ever. Don't overtighten the radiator mounting nuts, the mounting bolts are weak so just enough to be tight.



Throw away crusty old radiator.
Click to expand...
Nice job but to set the record straight, aluminum has a thermal conductivity of about 150 to 240 depending on the alloy while copper runs in the 350 to 400 range. Unfortunately, Fiat (and I am guessing Lancia) used steel fins on their copper radiators and steel has a thermal conductivity typically below 60. I replaced my radiator core with a new copper core with copper fins. It came to about the same price as a new aluminum one.
 
And aside from the materials, newer radiators are a more efficient design that transfers more heat...even for the same capacity. ;)
 
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