Dr.Jeff
True Classic
This is along the lines of what I have said previously. Aftermarket aluminum "fabricated type" rads have been around for a long time and have had great success with other vehicles. However there have been some applications where they have not done so well (as seems to be the case with our X's so far). Some groups insist the failures are due to the brand/manufacturer (including the one that is now being used to make the latest design for the X), others think it has to do with the specific design (which has been suggested in our case). A interesting note is the differences in prices for various applications. Granted the size and construction requirements will have some impact, as will the demand and production quantity. But in most cases the prices are significantly lower than many of the ones I've seen offered for the X. If price was an indication of quality (which I do not believe it is), then one might expect the X units to be more successful. I'm sure the other factors already mentioned are part of the reason for prices.Apples and oranges, but I have used an aftermarket aluminum radiator in a few Datsun Roadsters over the years,a bunch of other people use them and they work well. Very high vibration cars, no rubber in the suspension (from the factory!) very stiff springs and radiator bolted to car with no rubber insulators but none have leaked as far as I've heard. They are much smaller vertical flow units, so might be less stressed where core welds to tanks. Mine was the prototype made by Champion, then the knockoffs started appearing.