other Radiator - Refurbish Or Buy New?

[Stevenc22]

I had my original radiator recored for $300. I have a AC car in Texas Heat and have had no problems with the recored radiator. Nice thing about a recore is you know it will fit without modifications!

[BLUNT]

Great info! Thanks to all.

 

Hope the information helps the OP, since I sorta invaded the thread with my questions.

Harry  Please report back after install. I know the fittings are a separate system and will not induce a leak if not capped but my understanding is they impede installation unless cut off. While I havent installed one of the spectra radiators myself Ive sold a bunch of them and have had conversations with customers installing them. I THOUGHT I knew what I was talking about but if those fittings do not have to be removed that would be useful information for me to relay to customers

[Emyers]

I have been running an OE rad from a 77 320i for the the better part of 30 years.  Uses the same hoses as the 2002, nothing to modify.  All metal as well, up to the introduction of the 1.8L 320i in 1980 when they went to the disposable plastic and aluminum version.

Earl

74 02Lux

02 M roadster

72 Volvo 1800ES

Edited July 9, 2014 by Emyers

[Conway]

I had mine flushed and pressure tested for $40 at an old school radiator shop.  It didn't need to be recored or anything.

[jrhone]

When mine started leaking I bought a good used one from a FAQ member for 90. Had it pressure and flow tested and it passed so I installed it. That was 3 years ago. I also got a free radiator from a FAQ member cleaning out his garage and the plan is to go with a 3 core upgrade when the time comes.

[HarryPR]

Harry  Please report back after install. I know the fittings are a separate system and will not induce a leak if not capped but my understanding is they impede installation unless cut off. While I havent installed one of the spectra radiators myself Ive sold a bunch of them and have had conversations with customers installing them. I THOUGHT I knew what I was talking about but if those fittings do not have to be removed that would be useful information for me to relay to customers

Will do, Steve. Didn't know you sold these!

[TobyB]

I have used that Spectra all- metal E21 rad too.  It works fine.  It's a bit lightweight, but it

cooled very well for as little as it cost.

 

The Pinto rad from the early Pinto was the 'original' update from the early '70's and it

works well.  BUT you have to modify the car, and it is a lot harder to remove later if you

want to.  The E21 rad takes a few reversible mods, and works equally well.

I run the plastic late E21 rad and hoses in everything now, and that seems to

be quick, easy and very reliable, even a race car.

 

t

 

ps, don't use the trans cooler as an oil cooler- it's not made for 100psi+ oil at startup,

and it is too small to flow enough anyway.  Even though it's a good idea otherwise-

it actually WARMS the oil at first, which is a very good thing indeed.

Edited July 9, 2014 by TobyB

[peterschop]

After I bought my car, I had overheating problems. I went to a local old time radiator shop and had my radiator recored for $350. Two years later and no problems. 

[Simeon]

 

 

ps, don't use the trans cooler as an oil cooler- it's not made for 100psi+ oil at startup,

and it is too small to flow enough anyway.  Even though it's a good idea otherwise-

it actually WARMS the oil at first, which is a very good thing indeed.

Thanks Toby. 

[glemon]

RE: The bottom fittings on the 320i radiator, I wondered about them interfering with the fit too, concerned about the possibility that the fittings would make the radiator sit up too high.   I trial fit it without the hoses attached and it seemed to be ok, and then fit it it may sit slightly higher but no problems, and maybe that blocks some of the radiator bypass airflow and helps cooling? just speculation, but it sure cools the engine well.

[autobon7]

My 75 is an automatic and running warmer than I like (between 1 and 2 o'clock). Have been contemplating what to install. This may be the answer. Any thoughts on hoses or fitment to an auto trans? 

[thinksound_mike]

Here's how mine looks mounted in the car. It sits higher than the original radiator but there's enough clearance between the cap and the hood. I had to drill two holes on the battery side to mount it since it's wider than the original. Other than that, it fit just fine. 

 

On the photos, I'm going to reverse the bolts so that the install is cleaner looking. But I'm very happy with the result and the price. 

 

 

[DaveyG67]

My 75 is an automatic and running warmer than I like (between 1 and 2 o'clock). Have been contemplating what to install. This may be the answer. Any thoughts on hoses or fitment to an auto trans? 

 

 

autobon7, I've the same car as You & had the same problem. Check your thermostat… mine had failed so I replaced with a new one as well as having my rad serviced couple weeks ago… all is good now, running much cooler in the Sacramento heat.

[autobon7]

 

 

autobon7, I've the same car as You & had the same problem. Check your thermostat… mine had failed so I replaced with a new one as well as having my rad serviced couple weeks ago… all is good now, running much cooler in the Sacramento heat.

 

New thermostat last year and didn't change much if any.

[HarryPR]

I received my radiator today. Fast shipping to P.R. via UPS Air for free!

 

I thought the auto tranny cooling fittings were larger. It looks like they will not be an issue.

 

I'll get installed this weekend if I can find the Sunbird hose locally and will post results.