Large Rad vs Many Smalls?

mrcpickering

mrcpickering

mrcpickering

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Joined
14 Jun 2014
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Surrey
So quick question just came into my head. Tried to Google it with no definitive answer. I'm not concerned with one make vs another make or company vs company.

QUESTION: Are 2 smaller radiators better than 1 large one?

EXPLAINED: The first option you have is two small identical radiators with equal fin density and depth, say 2x 120's long. In the other hand you have one large rad, same fin density and depth as the 2 smaller rads but the only difference is that this one rad is twice as long at 4x 120s long.

Which would be better or would there be no noticeable difference?
 
As a noob, I would have thought that 2 smaller rads would be more flow restrictive, but probably not in any really impacting way.
 
Smaller rads = more U-turns + more wasted space for end tanks. I prefer going with larger rads as much as possible.
 
Smaller rads will also require more fittings/$. Performance won't be any different assuming 2 small rad sizes = one large rad size.
 
although with a big rad done you get a little bit more fin space for the total area as you don't need too "tanks/pipe returns" at the bottom end just the one sao you have a bit more space that can be fins.

you knwo what i mean
 
Tefal said:
although with a big rad done you get a little bit more fin space for the total area as you don't need too "tanks/pipe returns" at the bottom end just the one sao you have a bit more space that can be fins.

you knwo what i mean
Click to expand...

The fin space would be the same :) The difference is the 480 rad would require less overall space, 1 less end tank :p

2x240 rads, assuming same make/width etc will offer identical surface area (cooling potential) as a single 480 so wouldn't make a blind bit of difference to temps.
 
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