Which read is best - an alloy one or a copper-and-brass one?

[Ireland]

I'm getting a new rad for my car and the rad people I've spoken to over here are talking about it being better to put in another copper-and-brass one but I've always thought the alloy one was a better option with it being lighter and also potentially better to cool.

What's the general feeling on rads?

What have you replaced your one with and how good / bad is it compared to the old one?

[Jhonno]

Copper is better material at transferring the heat.. Depends on the copper/brass ratio.

[Tanguero]

Thermal conductivity in W/(m.K)

aluminium 205
copper 401
brass 109
hd polyethylene 0.45

so a lot will depend on the design and makeup of the individual radiators.
The stock radiator has plastic end tanks which wont help so in real world terms there probably isn't a lot to choose between them.

[Ireland]

Oh and will one of the mods please edit the title of the thread to read "RAD" and not "READ"

Fat fingers are not made for typing



Thanks