FAQ - GENERAL RADIATOR & COOLING pg.1

1) Does an aluminum radiator cool better than a copper brass radiator?
An aluminum radiator does cool better than a copper brass radiator. For example, an aluminum radiator with 2 rows of 1" tubes is equivalent to a copper brass radiator with 5 rows of 1/2" tubes. Aluminum provides high efficiency, is lightweight, and has a longer life compared to copper brass.

2) How does your radiator compare to a competitor’s?
Griffin is a true manufacturer. Almost anyone can buy components and assemble a radiator, and truth is that a lot of so-called manufacturers do just that. Griffin is an integrated manufacturer. We make the tubes, fins, headers, side bands, mounting brackets and tanks. By controlling every step of the manufacturing process, we produce a radiator with components that are performance matched for optimum cooling capability. A Griffin is more than some off-the-shelf; one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter product. It is a performance radiator made to meet your specific application.

3) How many degrees will my temperature go down if I switch to your radiator?
A decrease in degrees not only depends on the radiator, but also the other facets of your cooling system, such as fuel, moisture, pulley ratios, timing, etc. Griffin products are designed for a high performance level and are very competitive within the industry.

4) Is a thicker radiator a better radiator?
Thickness requirement depends on the application. There is no reason to build a thicker radiator than required to meet your specific cooling needs.

5) Is a cross flow better than a down flow?
The cross flow and down flow radiators work about the same. Selection is usually based on packaging the radiator into the engine compartment.

6) How many fins per inch do you use?
It depends on the application. More fins per inch generally increases the heat rejection capability of the radiator, but also increases the pressure drop through the radiator. The radiator needs to be properly designed to meet your specific engine cooling requirements.

7) On your race radiator sizes, is that the overall size or the core size?
The sizes listed for our race radiators are actual overall sizes.

8) Will I have to make any modifications to use your radiator?
Modifications should be minor but do depend on the specific customer application.

9) Why do you use epoxy on your radiators, and your competitors don’t?
Griffin uses epoxy to give extra strength to the tube to header joint. The epoxy also provides an extra level of leak protection.

10) Should I be using any kind of additive in the water to protect my aluminum radiator?
Griffin recommends a coolant that contains an aluminum protective additive.

11) What coolant to water ratio should I be using?
Generally the coolant to water ratio should be 50/50.

12) Should I run Redline "water wetter" in your radiator?
Redline "water wetter" is more costly than premium antifreeze, with no apparent advantages.

13) Can I get one of your 4 row aluminum radiators?
Griffin doesn’t recommend a 4 row radiator for street use; because of high air side restriction, excessive fan power would be required to meet idle requirements. All or most of our street radiators will use one of our 2 row 1" or 2 row 1 1/4" tubes. However, if you specifically need a 3 or 4 row aluminum radiator, Griffin has the capability to custom build one for you.

14) What size is the inlet and outlet?
Standard inlet and outlet sizes vary depending on the model.

15) My Griffin radiator cools just fine on the highway but the temperature begins to creep up if I get into traffic. What is causing this?
There can be many causes and the problem needs to be properly diagnosed. This is not necessarily indicative of a cooling problem. Front end air flow goes down with slow/no speed. It is only a problem if you get too hot.