Quote:
Originally Posted by SparkyRnD
if the whole radiator was copper, it would have a single even dissipation rate for cooling, and would be better. but when mixed with brass, they have different cooling rates. That is one reason why the aluminum is more efficient, is that it heats up and cools at a single even rate. That also leads to less stress cracks, as you don't have two dissimilar metals heating and cooling at different rates that are in contact with one another.
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This is a big one, along with having bigger tubes means less blockages, even heating and cooling helps prevent cracking, copper can deteriorate if paint chips off and you are limited to pipe size. As long as you can help prevent oxidation of the Aluminum radiator you're good. A quality aluminum and copper radiator will likely last a long time and cool perfectly. With aluminum, if you go quality (big tubes 1'' - 1.5'') you get less blockage, more weight savings, less cores which means more airflow through the core, and comparable cooling to a higher numbered core copper rad. Copper may be more thermally conductive, but for the construction of a radiator, aluminum wins.