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Champion 2 row efficient enough?

o1gnah

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I ordered a 2 row champion 26” radiator for my basically stock auto 318. I didn’t realize at time of order the 3 and 4 row options. I also spoke with the guys over at Leadfoot and they said it’s probably enough cooling. What are your thoughts? More is not always better in these situations I’ve read.
 
Could be. It depends on the tube diameter as tube diameter and number of rows combined equals total outer tube surface area for cooling. I'm running a 26" 2-row Griffon aluminum radiator with 1.25-inch diameter tubes and it cools great. The 3 and 4 row radiator tubes will be smaller, but since more rows and copper tubes, likely also great. The good thing is you went with the larger 26" instead of the 22" that would have likely been stock for your engine. The 26" size provides more surface area for air flow. I'd say you'll be just fine.
 
I used a 2 row Champion in the Turbo 360 Duster I built last year with their recomended fan. Works great. Their tech guy was great. Actually steered me to a less costly radiator. Lifetime garantee to boot.
Doug
 
I ordered a 2 row champion 26” radiator for my basically stock auto 318. I didn’t realize at time of order the 3 and 4 row options. I also spoke with the guys over at Leadfoot and they said it’s probably enough cooling. What are your thoughts? More is not always better in these situations I’ve read.
I use a ECP 2 without any issue at all.. thing stays like ice.. The cores are oval though so they cover more area per core, not sure if champion does that.. BUT.. i can't see a 2core not being enough for a 318
 
My concern would be if the radiator fits without modifications. Otherwise, it will cool just fine.
 
Could be. It depends on the tube diameter as tube diameter and number of rows combined equals total outer tube surface area for cooling. I'm running a 26" 2-row Griffon aluminum radiator with 1.25-inch diameter tubes and it cools great. The 3 and 4 row radiator tubes will be smaller, but since more rows and copper tubes, likely also great. The good thing is you went with the larger 26" instead of the 22" that would have likely been stock for your engine. The 26" size provides more surface area for air flow. I'd say you'll be just fine.
I had the original 26" radiator in my factory A/C 440 GTX re-cored two years ago. Shop said their best option for maintaining stock appearance would be a 2-row with larger tubes, would perform same as stock original 3-row. They were right. I drove the car to Carlisle last year in 95 degree heat, and ran the A/C without any overheating.
 
2 row alum keeps my turbo 383 cool on the street. Lots of underhood heat idling in July and August! The temp will creep up some in those conditions but you've got something much tamer
 
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