engine swap E30 Rad Or Something Else?

[TurkisM2002]

Yeah I hate to bring up yet another radiator discussion...but I couldn't help myself.

 

I bought an e30 rad a while back for my m20 swap but I can't recall what drove me to make that decision. Perhaps since the 323 rads are so damn expensive. I'm at a point where I can start measuring and cutting for the radiator, but want to be 100 % sure I'm going down the right path.

So I'm wondering if I should stick with the e30 rad or swap to something else like the scirocco rad but I'd like to hear some horror stories from anyone with experience. Looking for something that functions and has reasonable form. I have an electric fan from Ireland so space is a concern.

 

Also what are the inlet/outlet orientation requirements for the radiator? And there are a million "scirocco" rads on ebay, some with different configurations.  

Thanks

Edited September 4, 2014 by chrisracer79

[TurkisM2002]

Frick. So it's been a year since I bought the radiator and I think it has the wrong inlet/outlet locations. Upper right/lower left.  Let's see if bavauto will take a return!

 

The inlet/outlet locations should be on the right(passenger) side correct?  Oddly enough I have googled for this information and can't find an answer. 

 

Thanks

[esty]

The inlet/outlet locations should be on the right(passenger) side correct?

 

correct, for an original radiator, inlet & outlet hoses are on right hand side

[BLUNT]

correct, for an original radiator, inlet & outlet hoses are on right hand side

 

My late e30s have upper rad hose on drivers side and lower on pass side

[TurkisM2002]

My late e30s have upper rad hose on drivers side and lower on pass side

Yeah I have a late E30 rad right now in the box. I was concerned with the location of these in/outlets. Anything will work right of course, if you have a big enough hammer and patience.  ... 

 

Anywho, would I be better off going the scirocco route? These 2 rads are completely different in dimensions of course. The e30 rad being more "square" seems rather large. 

[TurkisM2002]

Griffin has a somewhat comparable-in-size radiator to the Scirocco's, however it has a built in filler tank.  Do you think this would be sufficient to cool the M20? 

 

Edited September 4, 2014 by chrisracer79

[M3M3]

My late e30s have upper rad hose on drivers side and lower on pass side

yup.  changeover year was 88 for side of inlet hose.

[BLUNT]

Yeah I have a late E30 rad right now in the box. I was concerned with the location of these in/outlets. Anything will work right of course, if you have a big enough hammer and patience.  ... 

 

Anywho, would I be better off going the scirocco route? These 2 rads are completely different in dimensions of course. The e30 rad being more "square" seems rather large. 

Id use what you have and make it work. You have to cut anyway and bigger is better when it comes to cooling. Buy the hoses to make it work rather than another radiator would be my plan

[TurkisM2002]

Id use what you have and make it work. You have to cut anyway and bigger is better when it comes to cooling. Buy the hoses to make it work rather than another radiator would be my plan

 

 

Perhaps I will...I do have an entire E30 cooling kit (hoses, clamps, etc). Just worried about the fit. 

[AceAndrew]

Chris,  this may prove helpful (if the e30 radiator is aluminum).....

 

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/143759-m20-swapped-2002s-roll-call/?p=964357

[TurkisM2002]

Chris,  this may prove helpful (if the e30 radiator is aluminum).....

 

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/143759-m20-swapped-2002s-roll-call/?p=964357

 

 

Sadly it is not alum. Damn. 

 

Andrew would this alleviate having to cut the upper nose brace or just the lower portions?

 

 

I see TEP offers this 2002 rad made by Griffin. 

 

http://www.racetep.com/02rad.html

 

bit pricey. But if it fits in stock location, cleans the M20, and cools sufficiently then it might be money well spent. 

 

 

Perhaps I should get the motor in the car first to see how much clearance I really have...

[AceAndrew]

Perhaps I should get the motor in the car first to see how much clearance I really have...

 

Wise words, clearance ends up being more of an issue of the engine placement.  That 02 radiator will not clear any better than the E30 or scirocco unless you start strategically cutting.

 

The only way I can see to optimize radiator clearance would be to mock up the engine and then use the left over dimensions to have Ron Davis make you a custom radiator to your specs.

 

Edited September 5, 2014 by AceAndrew

[TurkisM2002]

Wise words, clearance ends up being more of an issue of the engine placement.  That 02 radiator will not clear any better than the E30 or scirocco unless you start strategically cutting.

 

The only way I can see to optimize radiator clearance would be to mock up the engine and then use the left over dimensions to have Ron Davis make you a custom radiator to your specs.

 

 

 

I checked out Ron Davis earlier today. Would LOVE to get one of his custom rads with an integrated oil cooler.  $$$$ I'm sure. 

 

BTW thanks everyone for their thoughts.

Edited September 5, 2014 by chrisracer79

[TurkisM2002]

 

Wise words, clearance ends up being more of an issue of the engine placement.  That 02 radiator will not clear any better than the E30 or scirocco unless you start strategically cutting.

 

The only way I can see to optimize radiator clearance would be to mock up the engine and then use the left over dimensions to have Ron Davis make you a custom radiator to your specs.

 

 

 

Damn that's gorgeous. 

Edited September 5, 2014 by chrisracer79