Automan2164 Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Time to start ordering parts for the wrecked '97 XJ. The radiator is one of the items on the list, and the current one is the single core with plastic tank ends. I'm coming here because the Spectra single core replacement is only $81.79 from Rockauto.com. The double core Omix-ADA they offer is $169.79... I come here to ask... Is it worth the extra? Seems opinions are everywhere out there as to the efficiency of the single large cores or the smaller double rowed cores... Could go either way depending on what forum you pull up. Since the opinions here are the only ones that really matter to me, can anyone convince me to spend the extra dough for a double core? Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Do you want to do it twice? If not, get the dual core. Aw4 can and do overheat. You are going to end up pulling something with it eventually, and will want the peace of mind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeepman Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I run the 3 core All metal CFS 2671 Rad and Would recommend any all metal Rad over the plastic/Aluminum crap out there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big66440 Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I'm running a CSF 2671 3 core Radiator, it fit like a glove and it works awesome!!! I've never overheated and don't even have a fan shroud ( next on my junk yard list) altough it's more expensive than either one you mentioned I don't think less cores are better for cooling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddFoot Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Row-BRAND-NEW-Aluminum-Radiator-Jeep-Cherokee-Comanche-2-5-4-0-/170857355687?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1997%7CMake%3AJeep%7CModel%3ACherokee&hash=item27c7e459a7&vxp=mtr what I'm using good on 4 jeeps so far http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROW-91-01-JEEP-CHEROKEE-COMANCHE-2-5L-4-0L-l4-l6-FULL-ALUMINUM-RACING-RADIATOR-/221416774089?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1997%7CMake%3AJeep%7CModel%3ACherokee&hash=item338d77d9c9&vxp=mtr what i used on my 88 xj rock crawler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepcoMJ Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I like that full aluminum. Any feedback on it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee21490 Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I'm running a CSF 2671 3 core Radiator, it fit like a glove and it works awesome!!! I've never overheated and don't even have a fan shroud ( next on my junk yard list) altough it's more expensive than either one you mentioned I don't think less cores are better for cooling. You can pick up a new shroud on ebay for $15 shipped. Ordered one last friday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeepman Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I had that style all aluminum rad and it lasted maybe 3 weeks and blew up and started leaking. I took a chance and tried it over the CSF 2671 all metal 3 core and it was a mistake, it didnt fit right and had to mess with the cooler fittings as well then of coarse it started leaking. I would say stick with the proven CSF 2671. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpdriver1 Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I also run the 3 core -- hasn't gotten over 210 degs yet -- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Regardless of 1 or 2 core..........matter of quality. I went cheap, with regret, now on 4th rad in a year. Omix-ADA gets my vote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 It's not that I am nervous about the spectra... I have gotten them before and they are great. I was just more or less trying to justify the extra cost. <br /><br />Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dando Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Now keep in mind I don't do any off-roading other than forest roads, but quite frequent towing, 600mi + highway trips, and normal daily driving . I have had only the single cores in my jeep for the life of it and it is currently sitting at 230kmi and as long as the rest of the cooling system components are operating properly I have never had a single problem. Only time I have ever overheated was when my water pump took a $#!&. I vote for save the money for something else and just get the single. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue XJ Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I ordered a GDI 3 core about 10 years ago. They actually sent me a CSF 3 core instead, it's been a decade and it's still going strong. Barely gets over 200 degrees on the guage. Go with a quality one, it's not a place to cheap out on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timeless Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I would suggest staying away from the chinese all aluminum radiators on ebay. I don't think I have ever heard anything good about them. A quality aluminum with plastic cap radiator should last a while too. The general consensus is that the CSF is the way to go, especially if you will be wheeling, though not everyone will agree. Regardless of which radiator you choose, do add an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akula69 Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I have used both the Spectra and the 3 core CSF. The Spectra does an OK job on Ryan's jeep - keeps it within the specs and has not overheated...but...that is with a newly boiled out, rebuilt engine. When he was running the Renix 4.0 we could not keep it cooled down without the CSF 3 core. I ordered it from the Radiator Barn. I'd go back with the 2 core if I had to do Ryan's again. And, I second a quality aux cooler for the transmission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 Sounds like the 2 row is justified enough. I have an aux cooler from a police equipped XJ I plan on adding while I have everything apart. Thanks fellas. Rob :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyinajeep726 Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I'd get the CSF 2 or 3 row. Also, while you're there (since the AW4 heating was mentioned), get a B&M 70268 transmission cooler. You'll be glad you did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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