quote:Originally posted by mike the snake:
I had asked about the pre-mixed coolant/water just becasue it sounded easier than seeking out the correct water (of which there are differing opinions) and not have to deal with mixing ratios. For an extra $20 if I can just pour if the correct stuff that works with aluminum and won't cause leaks down the road, than I'm game for that.
As far as brass verses aluminum, it sounds like both seem to function equally as well.
Like the Frosted Mini wheats commercial, The "responsible adult" in me tells me to use a brass replacement, but the "sugar frosted racer" in me says "save the weight, because, Racecar!" lol.
I wish they made a mini Frosted Wheat radiator, half brass and half aluminum, that worked and tasted as good as the cereal. lol
There are certain items that are very "touchy" and sensitive to even talk about. Aluminum vs. brass radiators is one of them.
I can tell you that on the "vintage" Mustangs like my 67 & 68 Shelbys, if you relocate the battery to the trunk, you take the entire weight of the battery off of the nose of the car and put it in the tail.
That weight difference is approximately the difference between the aluminum and brass radiators in the Pantera.
That change in the "Mustangs" will show a significant difference in the engineering calculations as far as weight distribution percentage, center of gravity and more I am sure.
I have autocrossed these things, done high speed events with them for 40 years.
(Pist...hey Buddy, it don't make no freakin' difference on these cars)
I had that discussion years ago with Gary Hall. He just laughed about it and said "the only advantage to the aluminum is for racing, getting the overall weight of the car down".
You want one? Fine. Let me know when you find someone who can solder the aluminum leaks up when they start to appear.
You know, as a matter of fact, the nose of the Pantera gets very light and a little spooky at around 150 mph. Granted that is from aerodynamic lift, but it doesn't help that the nose is 50 pounds lighter. You stay airborn longer.
At 150 mph, that's something like one football field of travel every heartbeat.
Just hope that the trees weren't out all night drinking and they hide and wait until you get to close, then run out in front of you? I hate when that happens?
