Seller gives three dimensions for overall size (19.68" x 10.51" x 3.54"), but only two (15-1/2" x 9-7/8") for core, with NO dimension given for thickness and no mention of tube size. This seller's photos seem chosen to disguise the inset of core front and back into frame compared to other seller pictures of same unit based on details including fan bracket design and similar prices that show a visibly deep core inset.
Shrink the core by much, and it does cut material costs/unit so you can sell cheap. But you end up with less cooling fin total area, and shrink tube width to fit giving less surface and coolant flow, all reducing heat exchange capability. To make matters far worse, aluminum only has 61% of the thermal conductivity of copper, so you theoretically need around 40% more surface area in an aluminum radiator just to equal the BTU transfer of a given copper unit.
I will be interested to hear what actual finned core thickness and tube IDs are when these start arriving. But if other pictures tell the story, my estimate is core is at most 2" to as little as 1-3/4". By comparison, I have a 3-row aluminum, but very different design with 3-1/2" wide frame. And that core is dead flush front and back under single sheet frame lip. The results is a full 3"+ core, which also allows for wide 5/8" x 1/8" ID tubes with space for and aft of each. So there are some really good aluminum ones made. But is this particular eBay offer one of them, or just OK for cooler locales outside the US?
These cars tends to run hot for most owners, more so here in the US, and worse for higher hp engine changes. With places like NYC and Fargo repeatedly hitting 100°F summer temps, and Minneapolis/St. Paul hitting 102°F today (06/20), never mind routine daily summer triple digits down south and west, if this deal was a full 3"or larger core, or very close given a 3.54" overall width claim (which I would also like to hear confirmation from someone who bought one), plus nice large tubes, it may well be a super bargain. But if it is anything like what other seller's photos are showing of this type, I would want both core width and tube specs before ordering. Frame width only tells me the core must be smaller, but how deeply inset is a big question.
If you got one of these, measure the core, estimate the tubes (look inside either host connection), and share the actual widths. That way we will know if it is a deal, or a dud. And keep in mind for comparison, your factory radiator may be old school with straight fins, but it does have a 3.8" core with tons of fin area to shed heat, unfortunately crippled in part by a weak fan and a somewhat leaky shroud. I suspect if you put a good fan (read: 10" Spal, although design constraints require a less effective pusher, not cheap China pancake) along with a good seal around the shroud on your stock unit, and this aluminum has the small core I think it does, your original can equal and likely outperform this eBay deal given the same fan setup.
Core (frame minus core inset front and back) and tube ID size, anyone?
