Radiator Options

Started by stphnpoe297, October 09, 2012, 03:11:35 PM

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stphnpoe297

Hi everyone!  I'm new to the forum.  I am in the process of swapping a bmw 325i engine, transmission, and differential into my 1970 tr6.  I just reunited the frame and body.  Right now, I am looking at my options for a radiator.  How did some of you guys mount your radiators, and what sizes are they?  As of now I am considering a 19X22 radiator for a small block chevy.

Thanks in advance!
   Stephen
swap.jpg

Jim Stabe

Fit the biggest 2 row aluminum radiator you can in there and a good OEM electric fan(s) with a shroud covering the full core. Frontal area matters. Lincoln MkVIII, Ford Taurus and Volvo all have good fan units and they are cheap at the Pick&Pull

motek

If you want to go new Summit Racing has a wide selection in many sizes. That's what I did. Just make sure you buy one with holes or threads to attach to. Mine was just bare and I had to clamp/brace it.

George

rficalora

I'm with Jim, max radiator size and 2 row is a good recommendation.  The efficiency drops off significantly with each extra row.  And, the OEM fans move way more air than any of the after market ones.  The Lincoln is generally considered the best if you can fit it.  Taurus also well known.  The Volvo appears to use the same motor and blades, just packaged in a way it's easier to adapt - and just 2 or 4 (depending on donor model) screws to remove it.  Here are a couple of pics...

1st pic is at the salvage yard showing what the fan looks like.  Note too the relay pack - simple hook up and easily 4-5 feet of good quality, appropriately gauged wire for power and ground connected to it...
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This pic shows it installed after cleaning it up.  So far the low speed is all that has kicked in and that brings my engine temp down from 195 (thermostat "on" temp) to 180 (off temp) in about a minute.  I haven't installed one yet, but there's a BMW thermostat switch that handles both low and high in one switch.  Here's the info on them.
Solution #1 = BMW 80 / 88* C (176/195*F) dual temp switch Part # 61318361787 < $16 from Rock Auto
Solution #2 = BMW 91 / 99* C (195/210*F) dual temp switch Part # 61311378073< $11 from Rock Auto


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tomsbad6

Hello my name's my TR six has a small block Ford in it I do everything low-budget but the radiator seemed to be a good deal if you go online put in radiator for Pontiac the fiero v8 conversion there are two companies that make an aluminum 3 row radiator it cost about $157 shipped to my door my radiator fan and shroud our Dodge Caravan early 90s any junkyard the bottom mounts on my radiator are just stock General Motors rubber mounts I do not have any digital pictures of my radiator but I do have a video on YouTube of what it looks like Michigan was in the 90s most of the summer very hot but the car did not overheat this option might be a little big for what you're doing I needed as big as I could get here is that video on YouTube notice I laid the radiator forward to buy more spacehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mspFrBOwfM

PS the BMW option you chose for your car I believe is the best conversion option for a TR six I am going to build one with that motor trans and rear end someday that thing is going to rock good luck

Lincoln

I am guessing you are talking about the Champion 3 row radiator for the Fiero. I got mine off e-bay and have never had any issue with over heating, and I am running a turbo 3800. This radiator has become pretty much the standard radiator for modified Fieros, and a lot of stock ones.

tomsbad6

Yes that would be the one champion three row