Since the IC sizing thread turned into this discussion. I’ll give it a full writeup.
Tube and Fin - Pros
Generally weighs about half as much as a bar and plate core of similar dimensions
Generally less expensive
Generally less flow restriction within the core than bar and plate designs
Less flow restriction through the exterior allowing better flow to the rear of the core and to a radiator, AC condenser, tranny or oil cooler, etc. which may be behind it
Cons -
Those with less flow restriction than bar and plate cores offer less heat rejection
Generally have more fins which means they’re more likely to be damaged by rocks/debris which cuts down on cooling efficiency
Charge air entry extends beyond core wall making it more difficult for air to enter the core cleanly
Bar and Plate - Pros
Generally off greater heat rejection than tube and fin design
Those with turbulators offer even greater heat rejection
Offered in tons of varying shapes and sizes
Less likely to be damaged by rocks and debris
Charge air entry sits flush with core allowing for cleaner entry
Cons -
Weighs about twice as much as a similarly size tube and fin core
More expensive
Blocks more airflow to radiators, etc. which may be behind it
Those with turbulators have greater flow resistance to the charge air
Remember that there’s a balancing act between cooling and airflow restriction within the core. The more densely packed turbulators are within a bar and plate core the more cooling will be done as the air passes through, but the greater flow is restricted. Alternatively, air blowing straight through a pipe isn’t restricted or cooled much at all. {thumbup}
As Zerodaze pointed out in the other thread, there are many crappy bar and plate design cores for sale on ebay. In the product images they show the cores and you can see right down them because there are no turbulators present. Without these all you have is a heavy core with poor cooling. Flow might be great, but most straight pipes do flow pretty well.
In terms of the core itself, some bar and plate cores use radiused ends (not end tanks) to promote flow. I made a quick drawing to illustrate this. You can see how the airflow will enter the core more readily when the ends are radiused rather than flat. It’s less likely to collide and swirl, and more likely to curve in.
And here are some pics which illustrate what I meant when I said the charge air entries on a bar and plate sit flush with the core…and the tube and fin entries protrude:
Enjoy!
-Mike
