11 replies to this topic

[foggy]

Can anyone give me advise on what combination to use to mount a radiator to the front of my Clubby?

It's a fibreglass front so should have plenty of room up there. What i really want to know is what would be the best combination to use? I was also hoping to leave a header tank out of this if possible, but if any boffins out there can advise me either way i would appreciate it.
Cheers

[TopCatCustom]

A lot of people use Fiat Cinquecento (?) rads, I used a VW Polo (IIRC) one, which is too big for a standard engine bay I think. Metro ones have been used as well. Have a look on ebay for ones that look about right, a lot of them have dimensions in the listings.

[foggy]

Thanks. Would i be able to use just the rad and leave out the header tank tho?

[Big_Adam]

A lot of people use Fiat Cinquecento (?) rads, I used a VW Polo (IIRC) one, which is too big for a standard engine bay I think. Metro ones have been used as well. Have a look on ebay for ones that look about right, a lot of them have dimensions in the listings.

I'll be, that Fiat Cinquecento one is just the sort of thing I'm after, ta for that.

[MRA]

Ive used both metro types in a clubman, but realistically get yourself down to the local scrappy and have a look at whats available, buy it with a fan mounted on the rear as it will fit just in front of the alternator / distributor then..

[MRA]

They are but both fit with plenty of room in a clubman..

[MRA]

It's swings and roundabouts for me....

The earlier type will fit in but the fan will need a slight modification, however the pipes, ie both of them are on the same end which also happens to be the end that they would be needed...

The later type is thinner and smaller and easier to fit and will fit in any Mini shape, however the top hose exits right over the top of the starter motor and has to be routed over / through the alternator..

If its a roundnose Mini then you will need an ECU, as the distributor is in the way.

[MRA]

Its your choice to take it as you wish, however if I were the OP i'd be looking at modern cars that are a) readily available and b) cheaper to get hold of second hand, as you will need a fan

[MRA]

Thanks. Would i be able to use just the rad and leave out the header tank tho?

Yes and no.... the header tank allows for more expansion and also has this handy little screw cap however you can make a fabricated part with a feature to fix a cap to.

[Ethel]

Any expansion space needs to be the highest point in the system really, gravity will make it so, even if you plan it differently. There are some rads with built in expansion, like the Mini's, Honda seemed fairly keen on the concept. I agree scrapyards and ebay are great for sussing out this sort of thing, look for vehicles with about the same power output.

[foggy]

Thanks all. I will keep an eye out for a metro rad system..either should be fine for mine as it's a removeable front so has loads of space.

[skoughi]

I've recently tried the saxo rad as it has an expansion tank built onto the side of it but going by my rough calculations the screw cap on the expansion tank wasn't going to be high enough. Not 100% sure about this as the engine isn't in the car at the moment so if your engine is in then it would be worth trying one in to see if it would be higher than the thermostat housing. I've ended up buying an MG Metro rad and will have to use a seperate tank and the MG thermostat housing.