LocostBuilders - powered by XMB

Possible Polo rad alternative?

GeoffT - 20/7/12 at 10:58 AM

Been looking to replace the existing (rotten) Caterham rad in my car, unfortunately even the smallest Polo rad won't squeeze easily inside the MK nose cone.

Been doing a bit of searching, found this rad from the Honda Civic:-

Civic rad

....it's actually the one from the 1.6i vtec, but most Civics of that era have something similar. The external dims are roughly 350wide 450high.

Anybody used one of these on their car or any other comments? It seems very suitable I'm just a bit surprised it hasn't surfaced before.....

[Edited on 20/7/12 by GeoffT]

loggyboy - 20/7/12 at 11:30 AM

The standard polo rad is tiny, VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1983-1990 / DERBY / SEAT TERRA RADIATOR NEW - 2 YEAR WARRANTY | eBay
how can that not fit?

[Edited on 20/7/12 by loggyboy]

loony - 20/7/12 at 11:31 AM

It's very popular locost radiator in USA, where VWs aren't as popular as Hondas...

Another advantage is that there are "aftermarket" uprated radiators for Civic - same external dimensions but thicker core.

GeoffT - 20/7/12 at 11:43 AM

quote:

The standard polo rad is tiny, VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1983-1990 / DERBY / SEAT TERRA RADIATOR NEW - 2 YEAR WARRANTY | eBay how can that not fit?

....it's too wide, the MK nosecone has 'swaged in' sides that make it rather narrow internally.

Also the hose outlets are in somewhat inconvenient locations for my installation.....

[Edited on 20/7/12 by GeoffT]

Bluemoon - 20/7/12 at 11:44 AM

I think MK used to use micra ones?

Jimbob - 20/7/12 at 12:01 PM

I used one from a suzuki alto (51 plate), the fan and expasion tank fit nice too.
It is tight on height though so had to lean back a little.

progress5

[Edited on 20/7/12 by Jimbob]

JAG - 20/7/12 at 12:16 PM

I have a Polo rad' in my Stuart Taylor Locost. It works well and has never given an issue.

However; biggest 'down' is the location of the feed pipes - Honda part would be easier for me to plumb

Davegtst - 20/7/12 at 12:17 PM

I have a mk2 escort one on mine supplied by MK. It's had the top where the rad cap fits cut off and a plate welded instead. The bottom hose outlet has also been extended to clear the steering rack.

Westy1994 - 20/7/12 at 12:41 PM

Back in the racing days with a different car, i used to take a trip to the local breakers yard with tape measure in hand, if I found a decent rad that would fit and the pipe works were in the right places I would either take that one or make a note of the car it came from and visit a dealer for a new one. Polo one fits in a Westy nose ok .

GeoffT - 20/7/12 at 01:10 PM

quote:

Another advantage is that there are "aftermarket" uprated radiators for Civic - same external dimensions but thicker core.

......yes, I'm tempted by one of these.....

HONDA CIVIC B16 B18 D16 D15 VTEC SI 1992-1995 ALUMINIUM HIGH FLOW RACE RADIATOR | eBay

loggyboy - 20/7/12 at 01:13 PM

quote:
Originally posted by GeoffT

quote:

Another advantage is that there are "aftermarket" uprated radiators for Civic - same external dimensions but thicker core.

......yes, I'm tempted by one of these.....

HONDA CIVIC B16 B18 D16 D15 VTEC SI 1992-1995 ALUMINIUM HIGH FLOW RACE RADIATOR | eBay

Looks far too tall to me...?

GeoffT - 20/7/12 at 01:24 PM

quote:

Looks far too tall to me...?

....not really, 460mm fits fairly comfortably under my nosecone, I suppose you can always angle it a little if you need a bit more

I think that measurement also includes the two pegs which stick out the bottom, hopefully I can remove those.

stevebubs - 20/7/12 at 01:43 PM

I have a csv with hundreds of rad sizes. U2U me with your email and I'll send it over....

GeoffT - 20/7/12 at 01:53 PM

quote:

I have a csv with hundreds of rad sizes. U2U me with your email and I'll send it over....

...thanks! u2u sent

40inches - 20/7/12 at 02:48 PM

I used a Clio rad, works well and fits nicely, I have it as far forward as I could get it.

Description

ian locostzx9rc2 - 20/7/12 at 04:52 PM

I used a clio rad on a locost but cannt remember which one ,went to motor factors and looked at there rad books and found the best one to fit.

mad4x4 - 20/7/12 at 05:22 PM

Suzuki SJ 4x4 jeeep

GOJO - 20/7/12 at 05:53 PM

I have this rad in my mk indy r fits fine top hose in better position than polo for bec zzr 14 lower hose angle goes under the rack id post a pic but im lame at it on here.
I also hav it sat to 1 side so ive room to put a oil cooler if need be.

GeoffT - 20/7/12 at 08:12 PM

Thanks for the input guys, lots of possible alternatives to check out too.....

SausageArm - 24/7/12 at 08:01 PM

I'm using one of those Civic radiators in my Mac#1 Worx

[Edited on 24/7/12 by SausageArm]

GeoffT - 26/7/12 at 09:11 AM

quote:

I'm using one of those Civic radiators in my Mac#1 Worx

Nice looking installation, should give you ample cooling by the look of it.

Is that one of the ebay offerings - quality doesn't look too bad. Could I ask what the overall height is?

Geoff.

SausageArm - 11/8/12 at 12:47 PM

quote:
Originally posted by GeoffTNice looking installation, should give you ample cooling by the look of it.

Is that one of the ebay offerings - quality doesn't look too bad. Could I ask what the overall height is?

Geoff.

Thanks

Sorry about the slow reply, with work etc i forgot all about it.

Here are the dimensions you asked for.

overall size : 420 x 360 x 50mm
core size : 350 x 350 x50mm

edited to add : yes it is one of those ebay offerings.

[Edited on 11/8/12 by SausageArm]

GeoffT - 15/8/12 at 09:05 AM

Thanks for the info - good news it's just 420mm tall, the was the one dimension that looked a bit tight.....

SausageArm - 15/8/12 at 11:37 AM

quote:
Originally posted by GeoffT
Thanks for the info - good news it's just 420mm tall, the was the one dimension that looked a bit tight.....

Phew!