Editing Bulletproof cooling system (section)
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==Aluminum radiators== If you are designing/redesigning a cooling system for your car, the utilization of the aluminum radiator is the best overall product on the market for the dollar. This is not to say that the radiators made from copper and brass are not good, and if you have one that works, don't go out and change for the sake of change. But, the choice of aluminum media will outperform their copper counterparts quite easily even though copper is a better conductor of heat. What is a lesser conductor of heat (aluminum) makes up with more surface area available for heat exchange. A 1.25" two-row aluminum radiator will cool just about anything up to 450 HP. If designed correctly, it will outperform most 4 or 5 row copper brethren. Not only does aluminum offer a great deal more surface area for cooling, but also has a more rigid structure, making for a less likely leaky situation. Also to the credit of this technology and the fact that more modern cars are implementing aluminum, more and more vendors are competing in this product line making for very attractive pricing. ===Sacrificial anode in aluminum radiators=== When running an aluminum radiator or any aluminum parts in contact with the water jacket, make sure to run a sacrificial anode. Aluminum is prone to electrolysis and corrosion and in many cases cannot be repaired. Usually zinc, magnesium or a combination of the two can be used as a consumable "edible" part to prevent the electro-displacement of the aluminum radiator. This may save the aluminum core, in the short run.
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