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OE Radiator replacement, Koyo or Napa

broncfan56

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 22, 2012
Messages
46
Location
Divide, CO
I'm in need of a replacement radiator as mine has a pinhole leak. I've read various opinions on different radiators, however, I am confused as to which would be better in this case. Koyo copper 2 row radiator, or Napa Aluminum single row radiator.

My understanding currently is aluminum dissipates heat better and last longer than copper, but 2 copper rows may cool better? I am sure either will work just thought I would get some opinions before I made a decision. Thanks in advance.
 

rdomeck

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 1, 2011
Messages
620
Location
Indianapolis, In.
I purchased one from Carquest that looks like the Napa one for under a $100. It is the thick single row and I have not had any problems with!
 

turbowop

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 29, 2001
Messages
11,972
Location
Yakima, WA
Unless you're road racing the car, pretty much any of the cheapo replacement radiators will work just fine.
 

broncfan56

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 22, 2012
Messages
46
Location
Divide, CO
Thanks guys, bought a cheap plastic one. It will work, but I hate buying parts that I feel are sub-par.
 

Vr4junkie

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
596
Location
Some wack town in CA
which one did you end up going with? I always liked Napa the quality of there parts are always a little bit better than most other auto parts stores.
 

broncfan56

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 22, 2012
Messages
46
Location
Divide, CO
I agree that NAPA parts can be slightly better quality in many cases. But after looking at both NAPA and other parts stores they all looked the same, all plastic, so I went with a Spectra Premium from rock auto for $85. I will keep my eyes open for a quality new radiator on the forum, I am sure someone has one sitting in their garage.
 

JNR

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 23, 2004
Messages
9,820
Location
ca
yeah a good quality replacement radiator is all you'll need and sadly they all seem to be plastic end tank and alum. cores anymore...aluminum does not conduct heat as well as copper, but is lighter. The exception is a different design in the plates and FPI density and/or more rows, but I doubt many of the aftermarket radiator mfr's put a lot of thought into this, as far as optimum heat exchanger goes. These engines are quite small, so they really don't need a lot of radiator beyond the oem, so you should be fine with what you have, as long as it doesn't crack (the plastic) and your cooling system is running right, so to speak.
 
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