Chimaera Radiator

[gavmitchell]

Just been out in my Chimaera and noticed hissing sound as I walked past. Further inspection revealed coolant coming out of top of radiator on passenger side. So a few questions if anyone can help. Is it knackered? How much is new one? What vehicle are they from? How much? A free beer at Pistonfest awaits the first respondant to help!

[The Bodyman]

You need a new rad. Can I have my beer now?

Jon
www.tvrbodyrepairs.com

[rat]

They start with a Range Rover unit but the bottom hose connector is modified (so you can't just swap in a Range Rover one). Prices for reconditioning seem to range £120-£170, and £250 for a new one.

Andy

[T88CAN]

would have posted quicker but not going to Pistonfest you need a new radiator

[Ballistic Banana]

Heard today that some company in/near siverstone do the ali one for £200 can anyone elaborate on this??

BB

Kempston Radiators in Beds will do a recon for around £90.

BB

[simon.b]

Don’t be tempted by the cheaper repair, get it re-cored my last one was £140

That £200 ally one sounds good though, any more info ?

Cheers,

Simon.

[shpub]

A specilaist in Silverstone made the 520 rad but it was not £200. Try double that and then I had to change the fan fittings as they couldn't mount on the ally without causing problems. If they get damaged then the repair bill is not pleasent either.

Steve

[Ballistic Banana]

simon.b said:

Don’t be tempted by the cheaper repair, get it re-cored my last one was £140 Simon.

I dont think the one i Had was a cheaper option at £90 it is a very competive price, the company is a family run on and has specialised in making Radiators for all sorts of classic cars and has an excellent name.
Also when i took my Rad down there they reconised what it was from straight away which is more than can be said for most.
And also explained why it was leaking because of the crap job that had been done before.

So cheaper option , NO not if taken to Them.

BB

[victormeldrew]

My Forge Motorsport ally rad was about 400 - detail is in my cars history. No probs with fan mounts. Excellent bit of kit and worth the extra dosh IMHO.

Heat transfer is much improved, for example when fans come on if standing at idle for a long time they now come on and off in about 30 secs, rather than coming on and staying on.

Steve isn't impressed however - probably over cools the engine and causes damage. Personally if feel that's an easier problem to overcome than marginal cooling (eg rad blinds), but each to their own!

[bob the planner]

Just had the same problem in the same place. The rest of the radiator looks fine and the leak is from the seam at the top near side of the radiator.

Which fix did you go for Gavin ?

Bob

[snorky]

Ring Rob Ingleby - he told me of the firm in Silverstone - they do a Griff Rad in ally for £250-280. I had their address somewhere - Damn can't find it now - will look.....

[GreenV8S]

victormeldrew said:

probably over cools the engine and causes damage. Personally if feel that's an easier problem to overcome than marginal cooling (eg rad blinds), but each to their own!

If the thermostat is fitted and working, the engine will never be cooled below the stat closing temperature. Fitting a bigger/better radiator, more fans and so on just enables the thermostat to control the temperature more accurately. Of course, if you take the thermostat out, or it is knackered and doesn't close properly, or you drilled a hole through it, your cooling system can overcool the engine and 'improving' the cooling system would make this worse. Better IMO to fix the problem with the stat rather than compromise the cooling system.

[coach]

Just had mine done at Team Proa-active

About 350 notes fitted for a brand spanker.

Picking up tomorrow.

Cant wait!