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Radiator types - whats the best
nib1980 - 17/12/08 at 10:12 AM

Hi All,

I'm uping the performance of the engine, and I was looking to improve the cooling too.

I currently have a escort Rad thats looking tired and occasionally pops it's cap.

What rads are easy to acquire and use? I've heard polo mentioned alot? if so which specific one?

would be great if someone had a alloy escort one for sale cheap

Many thanks

eznfrank - 17/12/08 at 10:54 AM

The earliest polo rad seems to be the most popular choice. Should be able to get an ally one brand new for about 30 sheets on ebay.

Dangle_kt - 17/12/08 at 10:59 AM

Not sure how "performance" you want it, but there are some beauties you can get made from ali.

THink MK or MNR provide one, but obviously loads of places do.

I personally have a polo rad, and I'm sure it will be fit for purpose.

nib1980 - 17/12/08 at 11:05 AM

cheers dangle,

do you know what size the inlet and outlet points are?

many thanks

Dangle_kt - 17/12/08 at 11:32 AM

Not off hand, but a search on polo rads might help, I bet its been covered before.

quote:
Originally posted by nib1980
cheers dangle,

do you know what size the inlet and outlet points are?

many thanks

Bluemoon - 17/12/08 at 01:20 PM

Search polo and user surrey dave..

Dan

philhoward - 17/12/08 at 01:36 PM

Polo rads have a 32mm inlet and outlet pipe

DavidM - 17/12/08 at 04:12 PM

I used a Micra rad. Very efficient and comes with a fan. It looks very similar to a Polo rad.

David

nib1980 - 17/12/08 at 04:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by DavidM
I used a Micra rad. Very efficient and comes with a fan. It looks very similar to a Polo rad.

David


interesting, and potentially very convinent, K12 i presume?

DavidM - 17/12/08 at 07:18 PM

Hi Neil,
I don't know what a K12 is, but if it's a Mk1 Micra then yes. You're welcome to come and have a look.
David

quote:
Originally posted by nib1980
quote:
Originally posted by DavidM
I used a Micra rad. Very efficient and comes with a fan. It looks very similar to a Polo rad.

David


interesting, and potentially very convinent, K12 i presume?
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Rescued attachment P1010078.JPG

dave r - 17/12/08 at 09:05 PM

as you are local ish
go and see kempston radiators
i told him what size would fit and where i wanted the outlets, he then made me one with outlets and positions to suit

wasnt a great deal of money compared to a standard one

C10CoryM - 18/12/08 at 01:29 AM

If you haven't already done so, you may want to look into ducting the radiator correctly. You may be suprised how big of a difference correct ducting makes to radiator efficiency. Don't forget that getting air out is just as important as getting it into the radiator. If done correctly you may not need a new, bigger radiator.
Cheers.

alistairolsen - 18/12/08 at 11:00 AM

any pics of examples of good ductin?

C10CoryM - 18/12/08 at 09:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by alistairolsen
any pics of examples of good ductin?


No actually
I can't find any pics.
First and foremost you want to seal the nosecone so that any air that enters the hole must go through the radiator. That alone will make a big difference in cooling operation. More air through the rad, and air through more of the radiator. Instead of just going through the middle of the core the air will go through the edges as well.

After that, the radiator exhaust should ideally go to the sides of the vehicle. Cars often duct it out the top but that can cause more of an effect on aero/drag.
Most cars just dump the air out the bottom which reduces downforce but probably improves cooling.