Aluminium Radiator for 1991 S3c

[Little Nicky]

Ladies and gents, I need your help.

Does anyone know where I can source an aluminium radiator for my 1991 S3c that could be delivered to South Wales before the weekend?

I've had an order in with Racing Green for over a month now and there is no sign of anything coming from them any time soon.

I've missed most of the summer now - I'm trying to salvage what's left of the year if possible.

Beers waiting for anyone who can help me out.

Thanks guys.

Nick

[magpies]

Apparently the Classic Subaru Imprezza rad fits with only a little work - maybe you have a local (ish) tuner/rally emporium?

[mentall]

That's right: slight mods to the four mounting points. Everything else fits a treat.

I put up pictures in a thread a few years ago.

Googling "TVR S Series aluminium radiator Subaru siteistonheads.com" will find it, and loads of other help.

In spite of reservations, mine is still fine after several years (though not many miles).

[mentall]

Bloody smilies: that one is "colon capital P", no spaces.

[mk1fan]

I second the Subaru approach - factory Subaru would do too.

Aaron radiators in Crystal Palace may be able to help with a 'proper' TVR S3 rad in ali. Expect much £££

[phillpot]

If you have the remains of the original (Copper/Brass) I'd have that refurbished, but probably too late now.

[v8s4me]

phillpot said:

.If you have the remains of the original (Copper/Brass) I'd have that refurbished, but probably too late now.

I'd second that. Yes the Subaru mod can be done but why bother. The OEM works perfectly. If you still have the old one get it re-cored locally for a fraction of what Racing Green would be charging. I went through TWO Radtech rads in 3 years before giving up and going back to an OEM rad. NO problems since.

[mentall]

v8s4me said:

Yes the Subaru mod can be done but why bother.

The Subaru item was half the price of re-coring, is lighter and has a bigger core area (tho' I agree that doesn't matter, if the rest of the system is OK).

And the old rad is in store so I can re-core it later if I need to. Or sell it.

[frontfloater]

X-Works fitted an Impreza radiator into my S2 a couple of years ago. The part price was £195 + VAT = £234 total (plus labour). Heath is a good bloke and may be willing to tell you the part number, if you phone him : 01772-684448.

BOB

[ChazUwe]

ACT or Racetech?

[v8s4me]

mentall said:

The Subaru item was half the price of re-coring, is lighter and has a bigger core area (tho' I agree that doesn't matter, if the rest of the system is OK).......

frontfloater said:

X-Works fitted an Impreza radiator into my S2 a couple of years ago. The part price was £195 + VAT = £234 total (plus labour). Heath is a good bloke and may be willing to tell you the part number, if you phone him : 01772-684448. BOB

That's quite a bit more than a re-core, even at South East prices. There is a weight saving in favour of the alloy rad compared to the copper one but as a percentage of the weight of the car it's negligible. A lot less than a 5lt can of fuel in the boot.

The extra cooling may be an advantage but if the system is clean and in good condition there's no significant advantage because the thermostat and otter switch will ensure the engine runs at the same temperature regardless of what type of rad you have.

More info HERE.
Based on my (expensive!!) experience, alloy rads look cool but that's about it in their favour as far as I'm concerned.

Edited by v8s4me on Friday 3rd September 19:54

[frontfloater]

"That's quite a bit more than a re-core"

Maybe so ; but the key factor in the original post was "delivered by the weekend", so clearly there was urgency. Being able to book and obtain a recore within 2 days was very unlikely.

[v8s4me]

Actually the requirement was.....

Little Nicky said:

............. that could be delivered to South Wales before the weekend?......Nick

Was it?