Author Topic: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?  (Read 1759 times)

Offline stevo_gj

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Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« on: December 15, 2011, 06:48:49 AM »
Hey all,

I'm Looking to upgrade my 260s radiator and like everyone I've noticed the aluminum ones on eBay. Can anyone who has one make some comments on their performance and maybe clarify the different ones that are available (2 and 3 core radiators have the same pic on the eBay ads)?

I found this one thread where they have one good review, hoping to add to that before I make the purchase.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,7342.msg68952.html#msg68952

Cheers!
Steve

Offline dat2kman

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2011, 07:21:35 AM »
Chinese cheaper than say Desert Cooler, PWR is most expensive.
Few i know have used all three, no issues at all.

For more effective heat transfer from engine to water, do not use ethylene glycol, ie the usual common anti freeze coolant, since wgen, in this country do we freeze!
Instead
Use product like Redline Water wetter, or Penrite Sin coolant, these do not contain ethylene glycol, are dafe to "dum"on a race track, and actually cause more efficient transfer of heat from hot metal into tje eatwr, and cause better air cooling as itasses through whatever radiator you use. It also makes our original equipment radiators work better!
I just race old datsuns:
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Offline wildy55

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2011, 08:02:57 AM »
I've one on my 240Z. Paid $180 delivered. Good product tho had to drill new mounting holes on one side to mate up with the rad. They were about 5-8mm out. No problems with standard clutch fan and have made the car run noticeably cooler.

Offline Scoota G

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2011, 08:30:48 AM »
I fitted mine and blew 2 heater cores before i realised it was the radiator not releasing pressure at the cap. It was clearly a manufacturing fault but the ebayer i bought it off refused to do anything about it because it was out of warranty.
Technology costs a money and a money we don't got.

Offline DTF260

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2011, 08:45:49 AM »
I replaced my original radiator with a 3 core eBay radiator, apart from the 2mounting holes being out on one side by 1-2mm, mine has been going strong for the past 6months.car even runs cooler :). I run mine with twin thermos though.Overall I would recommend it or the price , I think mine was roughly 200 to my door.

Offline MaygZ

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2011, 09:15:14 AM »
Good thread!

So there appears no doubt hey are better and then even better again if we use Redline Water wetter, or Penrite Sin coolant.

So now where is the best place to buy them.  Are the local sources just as cheap as evilbay?  Which evilbay stores are good and which should be avoided?  maybe some store links could be posted of people's positive experiences?

Ash, do you sell these?

MaygZ
Zeds are more fun than women!!   You know I'm right, but you're too scared to admit it!!

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,7841.0.html

Offline Z

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2011, 09:58:54 AM »
Just rang PWR... $850. It is a 12 core apparently, but still... $850.

Offline benny

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2011, 10:07:18 AM »
12 core... wow!! would it even get hot enough to run properly??

Offline Z

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2011, 10:45:39 AM »
I have no idea Benny, I'm pretty sure he said 12, I just ran with it. I could have been suffering from shock!

Offline Gareth. J.

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2011, 10:48:44 AM »
I run the 'champion cooling' 3row with shroud and twin electric fans. It has been great on track and in peak hour traffic. The only issue is the shroud and fans are 8mm away from the water pump pulley, so if you go with that option there is zero chance of running the oem fan.

PWR is just too pricey for me  :o

Offline luvemfast

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2011, 12:00:43 PM »
12 core?  :-\
Computer says no.......

I got on from evilbay for $215. ASI brand
triple core, needs mods to fit.
Fins are very soft, so be careful.
Seems to be ok for me.

Offline benny

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #11 on: December 15, 2011, 12:08:13 PM »
buy ebay one at $215


turn this into stencil and spray paint onto said radiator



PROFIT=$635  ;)

Offline Z

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #12 on: December 15, 2011, 12:14:07 PM »
Their price on oil coolers was a little better, around $250. They are just a up the road from me so I'll pop in one day... and sqeeze past the twelve row haha!

Offline Zedman240

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #13 on: December 15, 2011, 01:29:00 PM »
I had one built by "Alloy Race Radiators" in Dandenong Vic, all up was around $650 with a 12" Craig Davis fan all mounted ready to go. Has served me well for the past 4 odd years with the only problem (my fault!!) was blocked with dried up sediment from being in storgae while I was doing the engine conversions.. Flush your rads before you store them away!!!!
HS30-00121 'early girl' .........Me love zeds long time..
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Offline RB30X

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Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #14 on: December 15, 2011, 02:05:20 PM »
Get of those Chinese ones with the make an offer option. Offer way less and they'll take it. Redrill the mounting holes when you get it and you're laughing.

Auszcar 240z, 260z, 280zx Forums

Re: Aluminum Radiators from eBay - opinions/experience?
« Reply #14 on: December 15, 2011, 02:05:20 PM »