Radiator - Re core vs replace + trans cooler question

[Rusty]

Hi Guys,

Have just developed a leak in a core of a VR 5L Steel radiator.

Is it worthwhile re-coring the original steel radiator (quoted approx 120) or replace it with a modern copper or alloy radiator? I have been told to avoid the new ones and to stick with old faithful but I want more of an opinion.

I also have a shift kitted Auto with stallie and was considering getting a trans cooler in the process. Would any of the modern radiators be sufficient enough to negate the need of a trans cooler? As in, should i shop for a bigger radiator to allow for the extra heat from transmission or is no such thing available?

Thanks in advance for the advice and apologies for yet another radiator question!

[F l a k]

From memory a new radiator is about the same price as a re core, you should be able to get a decent one under $200 easily. I think my new ADRAD one a few months back was about $120 but that's trade price. I have a separate trans cooler, and I think it's probably worth buying one. Mines a genuine one that's been there since it was near new as the car is used to tow our ski boat.

[Rusty]

Thanks for the advice mate. Will look into an additional trans cooler. I had no idea that some of the Holden's came with them new!

Do you need to have matching radiator and trans cooler internals to avoid corrosion etc? As in I should get copper trans cooler and copper radiator (or alloy/alloy and so on) so I can use an appropriate mix of water and coolant? May sound confusing but corrosion may be an issue if I have a steel radiator with a copper trans cooler or am i just confusing myself further? OR do they run off separate lines and not share fluids (yep im confusing myself....)

[calais_cruzin]

if u got a separate trans cooler u can pipe it directly from trans into the cooler n not have it run back into the radiator.

If corrosion was a issue, im not sure there, i run alloy rad, steel trans cooler

[F l a k]

I'm not sure how mines plumbed up, I've never really played with it. I think I would have an alloy radiator and possibly a steel trans cooler as well. Google some common replacement parts and you'll soon know what works together (i.e. standard radiator replacement and genuine trans cooler materials)

[wraith]

Just get a standard replacement radiator and be done with it. No need to pay more.

[Rusty]

Cheers for all the info guys.

Ended up fluking an awesome 5L Radiator for $40. Is an oldie but no leaks and no dings in the core or anything.

$40 and half a day off the road and she is alive again! Schweeet