Thread: 3 vs 4 row radiator advice needed

I know this subject has already been addressed many times but I really do need urgent advice on the issue of effectiveness vs cost for a replacement radiator in my 1993 SE Range Rover. It has a (Graeme Cooper-built) 4.6 top hatted engine on dual fuel. At present it does very few Km mostly from the bush to town and back for supplies, is comfortable and affordable on gas. Because I currently do not sit in stalled city traffic, there is no indication of overheating but of course that might not always be the usage situation.

The original aluminium/plastic radiator blew the oil cooler. I replaced it with a Chinese unit that failed in spectacular fashion after just 20 Km. Fortunately, the supplier refunded the money without question.

I refuse to buy another Chinese unit and have now spent many hours trying to find a suitable replacement and it seems to have come down to a choice of the following from a trusted supplier:

option 1. - rebuilt 3 row copper core version $1120+gst
option 2 - rebuilt 4 row copper core version $1250+gst (this is the one they recommend but I want the opinion of others please)
option 3 - brand new radiator (presumably 3 row) non-genuine but with the proper copper brass $895 +gst

I cannot really afford the 4-row unless it is really necessary and wonder if the new non-genuine might be a perfectly suitable alternative, saving around $300. I have to fix this vehicle pronto. My other RR is playing up and because I live in a remote rural area, for safety reasons alone I absolutely must have a reliable vehicle

What do others think please?

Thanks again - you have saved me nearly $400.

Also, even the radiator specialist who sells those after market radiators conceded that all of the imports were unreliable, so here is a warning to all who think they can save money with one of those all-aluminium EBay jobs.

I ended up with a 3 row copper OEM unit that will be completely refurbished - expensive but worthwhile