IHADAV8.com - Turbo Buick Tech, and Nonsense

Tech Area => A/C, Heating and Cooling => Topic started by: SuperSix on August 29 2012, 11:21:52 AM

Title: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on August 29 2012, 11:21:52 AM
I am getting closer to putting the motor in, and I am not sure if I can trust the coolers, etc in the stock radiator I have for the GN.

I would *like* to retain both coolers - and these units seem pretty nice.
http://alradco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=29 (http://alradco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=29)

Any input?

Thanks



Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: daveismissing on August 29 2012, 12:25:37 PM
1KWIKSIX has one.  I think its "almost" stock sized
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: Just a Six? on August 29 2012, 02:04:22 PM
Whats the price? Can you get it with only 1 cooler or no coolers? Just curious??
My stocker still works fine but I don't use the oil or trans coolers on it.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on August 29 2012, 02:15:58 PM
Whats the price? Can you get it with only 1 cooler or no coolers? Just curious??
My stocker still works fine but I don't use the oil or trans coolers on it.

$575 for the black version, I think. (Too lazy to click right now)

I have all new oil cooler lines, etc, and want to use the setup. If I wasn't, I would just get an F-Body radiator and be done with it.

My tranny cooler lines will be -6AN - so i can move them around if need be.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: phil_long on August 29 2012, 05:02:05 PM
That unit hella expensive. Its very nice from what i read.  You can get it for both coolers, or just one, or none. That was a unique option. I think they where working on having a kit so it comes with a fan if you want. Dont quote me tho
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: phil_long on August 29 2012, 05:03:42 PM
http://turbobuick.com/forums/threads/alradco-dual-fan-kit.374354/ (http://turbobuick.com/forums/threads/alradco-dual-fan-kit.374354/)
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on August 29 2012, 05:32:29 PM
I have fans. Many complain about the intrepid units - I have had good luck..

It's pricey - but cooling is very important to me.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: 1KWIKSIX on August 29 2012, 05:36:06 PM
Yup, I got one & installed it over the winter.


It's a beautiful piece....I went for the black powder coated unit......want ed to keep it relatively stock looking.


It is a direct bolt in!  You will not be disappointed.


Maybe some will say it's too expensive....b ut  you get what you pay for these days.
Just compare it to a BeCool Radiator & I think you'll agree it's good value for the money.


I wanted to retain both coolers in the radiator & this fit the bill perfectly.


Overall I give it a big thumbs up.


dave
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: Just a Six? on August 29 2012, 05:37:02 PM
I have the old Ramchargers & never an issue. I think those are the Intrepid units??
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on August 29 2012, 06:48:26 PM
Yup, I got one & installed it over the winter.


It's a beautiful piece....I went for the black powder coated unit......want ed to keep it relatively stock looking.


It is a direct bolt in!  You will not be disappointed.


Maybe some will say it's too expensive....b ut  you get what you pay for these days.
Just compare it to a BeCool Radiator & I think you'll agree it's good value for the money.


I wanted to retain both coolers in the radiator & this fit the bill perfectly.


Overall I give it a big thumbs up.


dave

Thanks!

I have the old Ramchargers & never an issue. I think those are the Intrepid units??

Yes. Many issues come from people not using a good harness. I did have a pair melt a stock wiring harness - that was my fault though. I use the Racetronix harness.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: 1KWIKSIX on August 29 2012, 07:22:59 PM
I've got the RamChargers Dual Fan set up too.


Have had no issues since it's been on the car for the last 4-5 years.


The RamChargers are a tight fit with the Precision SLIC, but it does fit like a glove. Also use the wiring harness with dual relays...(not sure if it's Jacks (Racetronix) or Johns' (Caspers).
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: daveismissing on August 29 2012, 07:32:33 PM
I thought you said you had to modify the rad support or brackets?
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on August 29 2012, 08:39:39 PM
I thought you said you had to modify the rad support or brackets?

If I remember - you have to grind away part of a fan support to accommodate the steering box, and I had to make little aluminum clips to hold the top. I'm sure there's a less redneck way of doing it though.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: $1987 GN$ on August 29 2012, 08:46:31 PM
Yup, I got one & installed it over the winter.


It's a beautiful piece....I went for the black powder coated unit......want ed to keep it relatively stock looking.


It is a direct bolt in!  You will not be disappointed.


Maybe some will say it's too expensive....b ut  you get what you pay for these days.
Just compare it to a BeCool Radiator & I think you'll agree it's good value for the money.


I wanted to retain both coolers in the radiator & this fit the bill perfectly.


Overall I give it a big thumbs up.


dave

Curious does it have the open rails like the OEM or is it boxed in?

AJ___
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: 1KWIKSIX on August 29 2012, 09:58:15 PM
I thought you said you had to modify the rad support or brackets?




No modifications necessary to the rad support or bracket for mounting the RamChargers fans......but I did have to cut off their mounting feet / outriggers in order to fit inside the radiator footprint..... .I just had to modify 2 angle clips to mount the top onto the radiator cover and two small mounting bars to attach to factory bottom bracket that is attached to the bottom of rad support. Since these pictures were taken, I've got all the brackets black powder coated.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: 1KWIKSIX on August 29 2012, 10:08:52 PM
Curious does it have the open rails like the OEM or is it boxed in?AJ___


It's got the same open rails as OEM rad....end tanks are same shape too....visuall y, looks like the closest thing to the factory radiator that's available.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: 1KWIKSIX on September 01 2012, 10:08:44 PM
Brought the car home from the shop today. Finally got a chance to see what difference the engine operating temperature was with the new Alradco Aluminum Radiator.


All I can say is WOW!
While cruising home the engine temperature varied from 148deg F to 152deg F. Outdoor temperature today was relatively mild at about 26deg C (approx. 79deg F).  Engine operating temperature range is a bit lower than I'd like to see.


It did eventually warm up at stop lights / stop signs...up to 165 and eventually reached 175deg F, where the fans would come on as the activation point for the fans is 175 on my Extender Extreme G chip.  I may need to switch out my 160 deg thermostat for a 180 deg stat!







Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: Steve Wood on September 02 2012, 12:02:57 AM
Or get one that works
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: gordyzx9r on September 02 2012, 08:10:30 PM
I just got this radiator for the white car.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on September 02 2012, 09:26:04 PM
What's wrong with the rad that was in the white car?
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: 1KWIKSIX on September 03 2012, 04:01:01 PM



Or get one that works


Steve, I've got a new 180deg thermostat on its way from Glenn at NOS4GN. Will be swapping out the 160deg T-stat that's in there now!

Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: Steve Wood on September 03 2012, 06:11:59 PM
Sounds like the 160 is defective
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: 1KWIKSIX on September 12 2012, 09:07:15 PM
Hey Steve,


Well, I just finished replacing the 160 T-stat that was in there.  I installed a new 160 T-stat and the engines coolant operating temperature is much better.  Goes up to about 175 when fans are activated and cools down to 165 deg F.


Seems like the T-stat I took out must have been defective. Probably staying open and not shutting...how else could you explain running at 148deg F to 152deg F on the hi-way?


Anyhow.....all is good now!




dave
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: Steve Wood on September 12 2012, 10:50:55 PM
when you said it ran that temp initially, the only thing it could be was a defective thermostat...o r a defective temp gauge :)

Thermostats are not very precise as they tend to open gradually over some temperature range and close the same way...I have seen several variations of failures over the years....tossi ng them into a pan of hot water will usually show the behavior but it is easier to just try another one :D
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: alradco on October 04 2012, 12:11:01 AM
Whats the price? Can you get it with only 1 cooler or no coolers? Just curious??
My stocker still works fine but I don't use the oil or trans coolers on it.

$575 for the black version, I think. (Too lazy to click right now)

I have all new oil cooler lines, etc, and want to use the setup. If I wasn't, I would just get an F-Body radiator and be done with it.

My tranny cooler lines will be -6AN - so i can move them around if need be.

Actually the standard finish with both coolers is only $425 right now. If you add the black powder coated finish, it's only another $75. For those of you that know powder coating, you know that's a good price. So $500 if you want it in black. We also offer a chrome powder finish which is like a polished version, but much more durable.

This isn't a Chinese radiator. These are built right here, specifically for our cars. Drop in installation. Both coolers just like stock.
Yes I have a 87 GN myself as well. :) Can you start to tell I love these cars just a little bit??? :D

Thanks for the good words.

Peter
BTW, I'll email you about sponsoring the site as well. Here's a sneak peek of the dual fans we're about to release. All black on our black radiator too.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on October 04 2012, 08:03:56 AM
Whats the price? Can you get it with only 1 cooler or no coolers? Just curious??
My stocker still works fine but I don't use the oil or trans coolers on it.

$575 for the black version, I think. (Too lazy to click right now)

I have all new oil cooler lines, etc, and want to use the setup. If I wasn't, I would just get an F-Body radiator and be done with it.

My tranny cooler lines will be -6AN - so i can move them around if need be.

Actually the standard finish with both coolers is only $425 right now. If you add the black powder coated finish, it's only another $75. For those of you that know powder coating, you know that's a good price. So $500 if you want it in black. We also offer a chrome powder finish which is like a polished version, but much more durable.

This isn't a Chinese radiator. These are built right here, specifically for our cars. Drop in installation. Both coolers just like stock.
Yes I have a 87 GN myself as well. :) Can you start to tell I love these cars just a little bit??? :D

Thanks for the good words.

Peter
BTW, I'll email you about sponsoring the site as well. Here's a sneak peek of the dual fans we're about to release. All black on our black radiator too.

i will be buying one soon. Great product!

I don't accept traditional sponsorships, (w don't charge for advertising, and only run free banners for quality TR vendors) but will be happy to run your banner for free.

Thanks
Mark
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: alradco on October 05 2012, 03:23:23 PM
Well since you don't charge for advertising and you want a radiator, maybe we should do a little group buy and save you and members some $$$.

Peter
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: Pyro6 on October 05 2012, 03:39:52 PM
I'm interested in Rad. and your  new fan setup.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on October 05 2012, 04:07:53 PM
Well since you don't charge for advertising and you want a radiator, maybe we should do a little group buy and save you and members some $$$.

Peter

That would be a good idea.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: alradco on October 05 2012, 06:22:59 PM
Ok, let's do it. I have a flight to catch in a few hours but will be back Sunday so will post up details this weekend as I can.

The fans are on a great pre-sale special right now at only $369 for the standard kit. Price will be going up on all of them as soon as we go into production in a few weeks.


Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: alradco on October 23 2012, 12:07:30 PM
Ok, inventory was very low so I wanted to build it back up a little. What do you guys want? Free shipping? Free RMI? Powder coating at a discount? Let me know and we'll do something special. Thanks.

Peter
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on October 23 2012, 12:34:28 PM
Free radiators for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :rofl:

Free shipping or a powder coat discount appeal more to me.
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: alradco on October 25 2012, 07:26:50 PM
OK, free shipping ($38 OFF) on radiators for you guys. Orders can be placed online at www.alradco.com (http://www.alradco.com)
At check out, enter coupon code " ihadav8 ". Do not type the quotes, just the text between them.

Any questions, just let me know. We sell HID conversion kits for Turbo Buicks and other cars too.

Peter
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: SuperSix on October 29 2012, 09:23:07 AM
Damn - just read this.

is this offer exclusive to IHADAV8.com?

Thanks
Title: Re: Opinions on AlRadCO radiator?
Post by: alradco on October 31 2012, 11:45:24 AM
Yes. Ends this Sunday the 4th.
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