Custom Radiator Project
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Custom Radiator Project
My spring project this season was to finally get a custom radiator done at Specialty Engineering. As much as the old Monza cross flow has done me well, I thought it was time to upgrade.
With the large oil cooler on one side and my inter-cooler on the other, I just could not drop in an off the shelf item, at least one that would maximize my radiator support opening. There was also the simple issue of maintenance. I have a large oil line fitting that projects out towards the end tank from the bottom of the oil cooler.
Andy decided to put a small taper into the end tanks, and, make a nice cut out for the cooler line, so the radiator goes straight down when installing. He put two threaded pop rivets for the brackets to hold the tank in at the top, and used my existing saddles on the bottom, with a thin rubber cushion.
My old Honda fan was an issue to, so we just decided to put another fan out front. This is a major bonus for me as I can now get at my methanol injection system for any servicing, without major hassle. I had to re-route the two feed lines for my water spray and methanol, dropping them to under the radiator.
Andy also noted my crinked fender eyebrow trim and my bottom stainless grill trim was missing the three mounting tabs....don’t remember why they got removed....! In a few minutes Tracey had some nice used pieces, finishing the front off nicely. The new fans sit further in too, so nothing touches the grill.
Andy found a nice hose with a right angle for the top hose, so it kept it square to the top of the radiator, bottom hose was the stock one.
I changed the oil and did my spring nut and bolt check, getting rid of some rattles inside the car.
On Saturday I drove the car back to my work, dazzled by the acceleration again and truly looking forward to this year's drives.
With the large oil cooler on one side and my inter-cooler on the other, I just could not drop in an off the shelf item, at least one that would maximize my radiator support opening. There was also the simple issue of maintenance. I have a large oil line fitting that projects out towards the end tank from the bottom of the oil cooler.
Andy decided to put a small taper into the end tanks, and, make a nice cut out for the cooler line, so the radiator goes straight down when installing. He put two threaded pop rivets for the brackets to hold the tank in at the top, and used my existing saddles on the bottom, with a thin rubber cushion.
My old Honda fan was an issue to, so we just decided to put another fan out front. This is a major bonus for me as I can now get at my methanol injection system for any servicing, without major hassle. I had to re-route the two feed lines for my water spray and methanol, dropping them to under the radiator.
Andy also noted my crinked fender eyebrow trim and my bottom stainless grill trim was missing the three mounting tabs....don’t remember why they got removed....! In a few minutes Tracey had some nice used pieces, finishing the front off nicely. The new fans sit further in too, so nothing touches the grill.
Andy found a nice hose with a right angle for the top hose, so it kept it square to the top of the radiator, bottom hose was the stock one.
I changed the oil and did my spring nut and bolt check, getting rid of some rattles inside the car.
On Saturday I drove the car back to my work, dazzled by the acceleration again and truly looking forward to this year's drives.
- Attachments
-
- ANDY MADE A SPECIAL TOOL TO FLARE OUT THE TUBE ENDS, TO HELP WITH FLOW.
- IMGP9180 (Large).JPG (393.35 KiB) Viewed 4891 times
-
- CUT OUT FOR OIL COOLER LINE
- IMGP9185 (Large).JPG (284.62 KiB) Viewed 4891 times
-
- IMGP9187 (Large).JPG (330.18 KiB) Viewed 4891 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
MORE
- Attachments
-
- OLD VS NEW, MORE VOLUME
- IMGP9190 (Large).JPG (438.98 KiB) Viewed 4889 times
-
- IMGP9191 (Large).JPG (403.3 KiB) Viewed 4889 times
-
- IMGP9192 (Large).JPG (374.7 KiB) Viewed 4889 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
MORE
- Attachments
-
- THREADED POP RIVET
- IMGP9201 (Large).JPG (286.25 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
-
- TOP MOUNTING TABS
- IMGP9202 (Large).JPG (293.15 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
-
- FINISHED RADIATOR
- IMGP9203 (Large).JPG (452.88 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Re: Custom Radiator Project
I'll bet the weight difference is huge.
But the first thing you'll notice on our drives is how fast the aluminum radiator will take the heat out of the system compared to the brass unit.
That core looks very similar to the one I used, did Andy base it on the Ford Aerostar rad core? If not, what was the original application and dimensions of the core or radiator?
Byron
But the first thing you'll notice on our drives is how fast the aluminum radiator will take the heat out of the system compared to the brass unit.
That core looks very similar to the one I used, did Andy base it on the Ford Aerostar rad core? If not, what was the original application and dimensions of the core or radiator?
Byron
Love people and use things,
because the opposite never works.
because the opposite never works.
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
MORE...BYRON...I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS RIGHT AT THE START
- Attachments
-
- IMGP9210 (Large).JPG (398.65 KiB) Viewed 4885 times
-
- IMGP9206 (Large).JPG (457.33 KiB) Viewed 4885 times
-
- IMGP9205 (Large).JPG (523.18 KiB) Viewed 4885 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
MORE
- Attachments
-
- IMGP9207 (Large).JPG (376.71 KiB) Viewed 4885 times
-
- NEW EYEBROW TRIM AND STAINLESS STRIP
- IMGP9208 (Large).JPG (367.84 KiB) Viewed 4885 times
-
- NOW I CAN EASILY GET AT MY METHANOL SYSTEM
- IMGP9182 (Large).JPG (353.67 KiB) Viewed 4885 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
MORE
- Attachments
-
- OIL COOLER LINE CUTOUT
- IMGP9213 (Large).JPG (512.88 KiB) Viewed 4883 times
-
- IMGP9214 (Large).JPG (424.29 KiB) Viewed 4883 times
-
- IMGP9215 (Large).JPG (349.65 KiB) Viewed 4883 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
MORE
I sure noticed how active the temp gauge is now, on the drive back. I could see EXACTLY when the thermostat would open, temp would drop 5 degrees, come back up 10 degrees, then crack again.
When I shut the car off, and left the fans running, the rad was cooled right off, after maybe 5 minutes.
This is going to be so nice for when we get stuck in traffic for any length of time, let alone just better for the engine.
I sure noticed how active the temp gauge is now, on the drive back. I could see EXACTLY when the thermostat would open, temp would drop 5 degrees, come back up 10 degrees, then crack again.
When I shut the car off, and left the fans running, the rad was cooled right off, after maybe 5 minutes.
This is going to be so nice for when we get stuck in traffic for any length of time, let alone just better for the engine.
- Attachments
-
- IMGP9212 (Large).JPG (330.92 KiB) Viewed 4880 times
-
- IMGP9211 (Large).JPG (442.1 KiB) Viewed 4883 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Re: Custom Radiator Project
Very nice Mr Vorgon.
The twin fan installation is so simple in its mounting, Andy did a great job forming the mounts to daisy the fans together.
The threaded insert tool if a tool i have been looking at buying for some time. Fabory makes a beautiful insert in steel, but the pneumatic tool in install it is nearly $800. But it's on my wish list for a someday purchase. The threaded inserts sure make a nice installation. The rad will slip down in seconds with easy access to the fasteners. On the Bronze I opted for the top plate to be the securing point, but now I think that what you have done, even with two small fasteners, is a better way and gives more back up. My rad in the Bronze also sits in a saddle at the bottom.
My guess is that, like the Bronze, when you stand at the rear of the car you'll feel the heat right past the rear bumper when the fans kick in. My two fans draw 14 amps at start up, man they do push some serious air, and I suspect yours will as well.
After all these years worrying about the temp getting too high when traffic slows in higher temps, you are going to love the peace of mind moving forward with this set up. Great work Bert, as always.
Byron
The twin fan installation is so simple in its mounting, Andy did a great job forming the mounts to daisy the fans together.
The threaded insert tool if a tool i have been looking at buying for some time. Fabory makes a beautiful insert in steel, but the pneumatic tool in install it is nearly $800. But it's on my wish list for a someday purchase. The threaded inserts sure make a nice installation. The rad will slip down in seconds with easy access to the fasteners. On the Bronze I opted for the top plate to be the securing point, but now I think that what you have done, even with two small fasteners, is a better way and gives more back up. My rad in the Bronze also sits in a saddle at the bottom.
My guess is that, like the Bronze, when you stand at the rear of the car you'll feel the heat right past the rear bumper when the fans kick in. My two fans draw 14 amps at start up, man they do push some serious air, and I suspect yours will as well.
After all these years worrying about the temp getting too high when traffic slows in higher temps, you are going to love the peace of mind moving forward with this set up. Great work Bert, as always.
Byron
Love people and use things,
because the opposite never works.
because the opposite never works.
- two_68_510s
- Supporter
- Posts: 3894
- Joined: 18 Apr 2010 11:20
- Location: Ben Lomond California
Re: Custom Radiator Project
Very nice installation Keith, solving many niggling problems all at once, and it looks RAD!! (couldn't help myself!)
All kidding aside, it looks very good and sounds like it works like a charm, we need a Specialty down here!
All kidding aside, it looks very good and sounds like it works like a charm, we need a Specialty down here!
Joel
2 '68 510 2 door sedans
'95 240SX
“We will either find a way, or make one.” – Hannibal
2 '68 510 2 door sedans
'95 240SX
“We will either find a way, or make one.” – Hannibal
- bertvorgon
- Supporter
- Posts: 12017
- Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
- Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
Thanks Gang,
Byron..does this answer your question...?
Byron..does this answer your question...?
- Attachments
-
- guys enjoying their Ford.JPG (440.96 KiB) Viewed 4853 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
- McShagger510
- Posts: 1821
- Joined: 26 Mar 2004 20:55
- Location: East Van, Canada
Re: Custom Radiator Project
Looks great Keith! Nothing like peace of mind while stuck in i5 traffic or hard charging in the HOT canyons. Aesthetically speaking, the engine compartment looks even moar amazing. You & Andy did an awesome job as pre usual.
James
James
- Attachments
-
- POWER PIPES!!!!!!!!!
- Screen Shot 2015-04-28 at 9.28.29 PM.png (403.87 KiB) Viewed 4810 times
The person with the sun in their eyes has the right of way. - my brother
'72 2dr. 510 Turbo
'73 240Z all stock
'71 2dr. 510 stock......for now
'91 Nissan truck *SOLD*
'02 TOYOTA Tacoma
'78 Kawasaki Z1-R
'84 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo
'99 Kawasaki ZRX1100
'72 2dr. 510 Turbo
'73 240Z all stock
'71 2dr. 510 stock......for now
'91 Nissan truck *SOLD*
'02 TOYOTA Tacoma
'78 Kawasaki Z1-R
'84 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo
'99 Kawasaki ZRX1100
-
- Posts: 513
- Joined: 15 Oct 2006 12:03
- Location: Eugene,Oregon
Re: Custom Radiator Project
Oh sweet, this means I'll get to see that sweet setup in Canby June 13th & 14th, right, Keith???
Awesome craftsmanship by SE, nothing like aluminum radiators!!!
Awesome craftsmanship by SE, nothing like aluminum radiators!!!
Diego.