kplange

I'm looking to replace the radiator in my '81 Olds 98 with a 307. Obviously not a high performance vehicle. I'm seeing prices online, all over the map from $77 to $400 for this car. I'm sure there's a point where you're spending money unnecessarily. Are the cheaper ones with the plastic tanks any good? Any advice would be appreciated.

Fun71

Aluminum core / plastic end tanks are OEM on all newer vehicles (1990-ish up) and work very well. They have a limited lifetime due to the core to tank seals eventually leaking or the plastic end tanks cracking due to age and heat cycling. Several of my newer vehicles radiators lasted 10+ years before starting to leak slightly, but replacements were under $100. All cooled very well even in the Phoenix summer 110+ temperatures.