Cooling Pro Radiators

[white1.8]

From what I read, longer bolts are required to mount the radiator, sorry if it’s already been mentioned but does anyone know what size bolts are actually required, I'm installing the 42mm version into my 1.8 NA.
Much appreciated if anyone could help

[Hellmun]

Speaking about restrictions on the cooling pro. I did spend some time with a round file slowly cutting away the entry side, there was some of the piping that protruted past the inlet of the rad. Once that was done though it looked like it'd flow twice as well. I didn't required longer bolt or anything though. Just needed to make a shroud to stop air diverting past it.

[bruce]

b) stock radiator is a lighter unit

Is the stock unit (of the same size) lighter than the aluminium one? (guess the plastic top and bottom tanks are lighter than aluminium).

[mitch_f1]

So, i have been reading up on both ASI and CoolingPro, and it seems like this
Cooling Pro
-some fitment issues, mostly fixed
-better build quality
-havent heard of anyone having anything break

ASI
-fits up without any issues in most cases
-dodgy build quality, but does the job
-some cases of radiators having cracked after being sued, but being replaced under the 1year warranty thing they offer.

So to me it seems that each have their positives and negatives, but in the end they are aftermarket, and perfect fitment can't really be expected??


My question though, is if anyone with a 1.6NA has an ARC intake chamber and an aftermarket radiator, and if they have any fitment issues?

[emilmh]

b) stock radiator is a lighter unit

Is the stock unit (of the same size) lighter than the aluminium one? (guess the plastic top and bottom tanks are lighter than aluminium).

Of the same size Im not sure, but as you said I would think plastic is lighter than aluminium.
ASI make 42mm and 52mm thick radiators, i got the 42mm one which is thicker than stock, hence it weighs more. Once you fill it with fluid it weighs even more due to the bigger capacity.

I'm not sure if any of the cheaper off the shelf aftermarket units are the same size, as most people who want them want increased cooling capacity and hence the units are bigger. I only needed it as my stock top tank cracked and a brand new condition 2nd hand aluminium one came up for sale. My cooling system was doing fine otherwise.

[emilmh]

I had to add extra shrouding to keep things at a reasonable level after fitting the thicker unit. Specifically rubber strips between the fan shrouds and the radiator for help with cooling at slow speeds. I also blocked the 1" gap between the radiator and undertray at the bottom and sides to aid high speed airflow.

do you have any photos of these rubber strips? Could you explain what these rubber strips are. I would like to put some foam or something between the fan shrouds and the radiator, but dont know what is suitable and/or where to get something.

Also can you give more details about what you used to block the gap underneath?

Thanks

[Okibi]

I will try and remember to take a photo for you, Bunnings well it as foam weather strip, Clarke Rubber would also sell it.

Think of a long strip of foam 1cm x 1cm X 1cm (or other size if you choose) with adhesive along one side.

Roll looks like this but thicker


more like this thickness

[Muzdaman]

My question though, is if anyone with a 1.6NA has an ARC intake chamber and an aftermarket radiator, and if they have any fitment issues?

It can be done with mods to the fan support.
Its a tight squeeze though.

http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=21576

[mitch_f1]

slim fan might be the go then, that or modified stock fan :p

[olboy]

Just installed a cooling pro this weekend
had to bend a couple of brackets for the air cond thingy to clear. It would have just touched otherwise
No clearence problems on the engine side. had to use longer bolts to replace the pins with the rubber bushes on them.
Othwise all went well the new one is about 42mm, I didn't measure the original but it felt alot thinner and
I put an extra Liter of coolant in which is all in the radiator to keep the engine cool so it should work well

[olboy]

Just had another look and the original had a single row of tubes 16mm thick
The 42mm radiator has 2 rows of tubes which look to be about 16mm each.
I guess that means that the 42mm has twice the cooling capacity of the original
What does the 50mm ones have

[Mr Morlock]

I very much doubt that twice the surface area or twice the capacity actually results in twice the cooling performance and how would you measure it? A standard MX5 I assume will have a radiator which is fit for purpose ie for normal conditions. Most car makers like Toyota, Ford Holdens source radiators and aircond - cooling systems which can cope with the Middle East and Outback conditions. Is there something lacking with an OE radiator for the MX5 for normal driving conditions?

[broady]

Is there something lacking with an OE radiator for the MX5 for normal driving conditions?

I agree. The only reason to upgrade would be if you've done some relatively serious work and are hitting the track.

[olboy]

Anybody know what a OE radiator is worth

[Okibi]

Brand new?

Second hand it's worth as much as someone's willing to pay, depending on the age and condition.

Which model MX-5 are you talking about?