So my 914 project needs a radiator up front. It needs to be compact. It also needs side exits, not top or bottom. I have found a couple that work BUT aren't as ideal for packaging in different ways.
The Celica radiator most use fits perfectly within the area!!! However the inlet and outlet oppose the hose sides I have entering the "frunk". I need the inlet to be on the right side and the outlet to be on the left hand side. I could technically make the hoses cross over inside the frunk, however that's not ideal as the hoses entering aren't super flexible without kinking and it would be great to just have exactly what I need. Preferably no splices.
Then there is the MR2 radiator. It has a couple flavors for outlet/inlet. As set up from the factory the inlet is on the correct side, however it's a bit higher than I'd prefer. I know this is knit picking but I would like to keep the hoses tucked low if possible. The overall height is a smidge taller than preferred as well. I don't know why they call the width in the pic below height, but I'm talking about the 14.5-15" top to bottom measurement to be clear.
Now there is the option of the MR2 with the inlets and outlets both being on the same height. Maybe I can flip the whole assembly upside down? Is this okay? I can't think of a reason for it not to be since it will still have the ability to burp with the petcock fairly close to the highest point. Like previously mentioned these are taller than preferred BUT I think it is closer to ideal. I think?
Then there is the Sciorocco radiator. Smaller in packaging which I like, but the inlet outlet are on the same side. Ideally if I can find one packaging size the same with the inlet/outlet opposing each other at a lower point I'd buy it.
But then I thought to myself, this is GRM, someone on here may know of the perfect radiator for my needs.
So any suggestions or comments on current options?
I was thinking maybe an X1/9 radiator, but that has similar inlet/outlet layout as the MR2 one. Might be a tad smaller, though.
If you know someone who can weld aluminium and/or have a race shop not too far away, I'd be tempted to get the radiator with the best fit and have a competent welder relocate inlet and outlet as necessary.
Was going to suggest an LH chassis rad, but it's dimensionally the same as the MR2 rad and the inlet/outlets are in the same place. Then just 1 inch core with plastic end tanks, does tell me to look into an MR2 rad if I want to upgrade...
Does engine size count for anything? I mean would an LS is need more radiator than a WRX motor?
What about width? Is than an issue? You might look at Jeep Cherokee rads, they're fairly wide and short.
Jeep Cherokees had an exceptionally wide, short radiator with side ports. You can even buy an all-aluminum one on RA for $216. They have plastic tank ones under $100.
If you go pre-1990, the filler is remote. I used a junkyard one on the GRM Free Europa. It cooled the mighty 3.5L V6 just fine with a pair of cheap 10" fans.
1990 and later, the filler is integrated.
Sonic
UberDork
10/25/24 2:37 p.m.
Why can't you just run the flow in the first radiator backwards? Both hose ports are quite low, not like one at the top and the other at the bottom.
Width wise I'm maxed around 29" mark. I'll double check dimensions available this evening but the Celica dimensions are about spot on for the opening available. The MR2 would be next in line as far as fitting the area.
In reply to Sonic :
I really don't know the answer to that question. Would it effect the thermal transfer and flow if reversed? Like you say it's only a slight height difference but I don't know enough about the subject to be sure.
I really don't know the answer to that question. Would it effect the thermal transfer and flow if reversed? Like you say it's only a slight height difference but I don't know enough about the subject to be sure.
In reply to Sonic :
The direction of flow internal to the radiator does not matter for heat rejection. The only thing that may pose issues is differential neck sizes from one side to the other.
Also flipping the MR2 rad to get the water necks down low will not be an issue since you have the petcock for bleeding. X1/9's have a similar bleeder that is invisible, but can be reached blind.
In reply to stafford1500 :
If the direction of flow isn't a problem with the Celica setup it would probably be easiest for packaging.
