PY Online Forums - Bringing the Pontiac Hobby Together

PY Online Forums - Bringing the Pontiac Hobby Together (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/index.php)
-   77-81 Firebird & Trans Am TECH (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=441)
-   -   79 TA radiator question (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=885621)

Campbellbennet 05-27-2026 11:20 AM

79 TA radiator question
 
I have a 79 ta with a 455 in it, It has a 3 core rad which is pretty stopped up ! Will the 3 core alum . rad from auto zone cool this motor ok or do I need to buy the 4 core brass one ? the alum one weighs 24 lbs less !

srmmmm 05-27-2026 11:38 AM

You should be fine with a 3 row aluminum unit as long as the frontal area is the same as the old one. Aluminum has a better heat transfer rate than copper/brass.

78w72 05-28-2026 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campbellbennet (Post 6617713)
I have a 79 ta with a 455 in it, It has a 3 core rad which is pretty stopped up ! Will the 3 core alum . rad from auto zone cool this motor ok or do I need to buy the 4 core brass one ? the alum one weighs 24 lbs less !

I would avoidthe no name or cheap name brand from auto zone etc... the best value alum rad is the Champion brand, can buy the 3 row for your car for around $200-250 shipped to your door last I checked, lots of sellers online or ebay. They have a very good lifetime warranty too.

I have the 3 row thats rated for ~700hp in a 72 firebird with a 500+hp stroker Pontiac, it has the stock shroud & worn out clutch fan that cools in 90+f temps city driving or all day at the dragstrip. Been working great for 10+ years.

srmmmm 05-28-2026 10:08 AM

The Autozone radiator I see for your car is a 4 row aluminum model number B477 for $400. It has a lifetime warranty. I would avoid the plastic tank model they carry.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:07 AM.