Any UK Esprit owners replaced their rad?

[83 turbo]

I wish to replace the Rad in my 83 Turbo, I believe it had an HC rad put in when the engine was replaced with an HC unit. I would like to replace the unit with a more efficient one. Any one got any info on suppliers or prices? Or even info on replacing the std HC unit.
Thanks in advance, Jez UK.

[Lotusguy]

I wish to replace the Rad in my 83 Turbo, I believe it had an HC rad put in when the engine was replaced with an HC unit. I would like to replace the unit with a more efficient one. Any one got any info on suppliers or prices? Or even info on replacing the std HC unit.
Thanks in advance, Jez UK.

Jez,

At least here in the states there are a lot of radiator shops. Many of these can fabricate a radiator to the specs you want and the prices aren't all that awful. You might consider pulling the old one and bringing it to such a shop and inquire how much they would charge to make a replacement which could contain more rows or better, more efficient materials. Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE

[hilly]

I replaced the rad in 1981 S3 recently. I just contacted a local radiator repair shop and asked them if they could get an uprated core. My old 2 core matrix was replaced with a triple core unit but still using the same ends so it fitted straight in.
The cost of the new matrix fitted and pressure tested was £200.

Just give a local rad shop a call

Andy Hills
1981 S3

[PatHeald]

I'm in the middle of this job on my 87 Turbo HC.

I might be going soft in my old age, but the old radiator was an absolute pig to get out.

I am told that the whole radiator duct ought to come off the car to do the job properly, but this involves removing the air conditioning condenser and the oil cooler.

I managed to slide the old radiator out by unbolting the duct and letting it hang down, without disconnecting the condenser or oil cooler. It was very tight.

The radiator went to SJ Sportscars to be reconditioned at a cost of £195+VAT, but expect to replace a couple of hoses, jubilee clips and lots of fasteners while you are under there.

Don't forget to put the drain plug back in BEFORE refitting the radiator. It is a bitch to get to with the radiator on the car.

Good luck.