I need a new radiator, the existing one is leaking. I looked on eBay and found all aluminum radiators running $100-$150. They appear to be chinese made, straight from China. Many of them have sold 50-100 units, but no reviews. From searching this forum I found most people recommend a stock replacement for $120ish from the Auto Parts store. But the OEM replacements from the auto parts store have a reputation of failing after a year or two.

What's wrong with the eBay all aluminum radiators? Anyone have good experience with any particular eBay aluminum radiator?

 

I purchased a 3 core aluminum radiator from pro tuning lab for 145$ it seems to be hanging in there! Runs really cool and seems of decent construction.

 

How long have you had it? Did you have issue with the hoses leaking at the radiator connection? Any fitment issues? What year do you have? Where in VA are you, I'm in VB.

 

i have had if for less than a year. No fitment problems, hoses fit great! The side tanks are solid welded aluminum. i have an 88 but switched to the new style radiator with the cap and no pressurized overflow tank. I just moved to California, I was in VA, I miss Virginia Beach. I am in the dessert where it is hot!

 

I'm not sure what radiators you're referring to failing in a year, but the one for under a $100 at AutoZone is the recommended one and has the reputation, on here, for lasting a long time.

 

Why is the stock replacement from AutoZone preferred if an all welded aluminum radiator with increased capacity is available at a slightly higher price ($20-$50 more)? This seems like one of those too good to be true deals. What am I missing?

 

Napa here. I've used numerous with no issues....and I live in Arizona.

 

You don't count for living in Arizona. You live up in the pines where the hottest is like 65 in the summertime. Lol

 

Leaks from the welds is main the issue from what I recall. Even CSF radiators have had issue. There is a significant amount of weld on all aluminum.
Copper core is more efficient at heat transfer/dissipation than aluminum. The plastic tanks/copper core stock radiators have proven to be reliable.

 

Hell I don't!!. Lol. It gets over 100*F here in the summer with huge hills.

 

I understand what you guys are saying with the OEM replacement is capable of handling the heat loads. BUT, if I can install one with a higher rating at about the same price, I want to. If the faults with the all aluminum aftermarket units are with initial build quality, then I don't mind fixing them before I install it. If the issue is poor weld penetration that leads to premature weld failures, I don't want to deal with that.

 

that was my uncle's experience with the Chinese eBay radiators... wasn't sure exactly where he got the 2 that failed but called him to confirm and they were aluminums from eBay... running the AutoZone one now... granted there are many sellers, but he said the seller he used had good reviews

 

Where do you think the Auto Zone one is made ? they are almost all made in other countries . unless you buy some of the expensive aluminum radiators like a griffin radiator.

 

well yeah duh... but on eBay your going through basically an unknown seller that you have no idea what you're really getting. The autozone one has at least proven reliable.

 

A higher rating/capacity for the aluminum would be required to match the effectiveness of stock size copper core radiator.