Cooling a v8 Zed

[wally57]

Guys does anybody have any advice on the best radiator set up to cool a v8 zed. I was looking at using a 4 row aluminium radiator but the JTR manual recommends you don't use a radiator with aluminium tanks, they lean towards one with plastic tanks. I have considered buying one from them in the states but thought it may be worth while seeking some guidance first.

[Sirpent]

In the 80's I helped shove a 350 Chev into a triumph stag, verrrrrrrrrrrry tight fit, it then developed overheating problems, we put in a 4 core rad and then installed an expansion tank out of a Camira sealing the entire system, filling was via the Camira expansion tank, solved the problem.

[PeterAllen]

Not sure if this helps but I spoke to the guys at Davies Craig thermatic fans http://www.daviescraig.com.au/ about this and they recommended 2 x 12" fans for my LS1 so that gives some indication of the minimum area. I'm trying to position the radiator low to facilitate an over-the-radiator cold air intake.

 

I'm having a 12" x 24" radiator made by these guys - $500 to my specifications (which I haven't quite worked out just yet). http://www.alloyradiators.com.au/

 

Mick 'zed240au' should be able to advise you, I think he went with the JTR. What V8 are you running and what HP will be important.

[zed240au]

i ran std radiator with my nissan v8 worked fine with twin thermo 12" fans though did run overflow bottle

With my Chev ls1 i imported jtr radiator from states works good its actually a camaro radiator just with mounts made to suit zed

Did get caught out at first as LS1 runs hotter than the old nissan v8 had to up the pressure of radiator cap

running single fan and over flow bottle

 

Mick

[620Z]

If you want to save some cash just get a 5 core metal radiator and some twin thermo fans from a Ford should bolt straight in. Maybe a little cutting of the plastic shroud to fit the fans in but no big deal. Never had a problem with mine.

[DAT392]

I run a hz holden style radiator built by dessert coolers with overflow.Just had to trim the lower mounting brachet and it slid nice between the rails, giving bonnet clearance.EL ford twin thermo fans ,no engine fan.Stays under 190 on a 30 degree day in normal traffic.Have a factory hz radiator which has been recored ,used with old engine in the zed,will slide straight in if your interested and do the job.

[wally57]

Thanks for the feedback guys you,ve given me plenty of options to choose from and it is really appreciated. I'm leaning towards an aluminium radiator at the moment more for the weight saving than anything else.

[zed240au]

Not sure on price of other radiator's but i found the jtr quite reasonable at $280 us plus freight of $150 ended up at my door $500 aus to my door benefit of weight and made to fit locally i was getting quotes of $800 to $1000

 

mick

[620Z]

Let me assure you $500- extra on getting more HP for your motor will go further than $500- on weight saving on an Alloy Radiator. I want one as well but still steering my cash to more effective places. Just a hint!

[nat0_240_chevZ]

nissan plastic tanks with alloy core from a varity of newer model cars works extremely effectivly.

cooled my chev better than a 3 row copper unit, much thinner and thermo's work more effectively on them as there is less restriction to get air through,m as soon as you go to thick by adding too many rows of tubes, air tends to go aroud the radiator than through it...ask any hot rodder, they swear black and purple that they need another row on their copper unit, but when you give them a slimm ally one, they almost refuse to use it. When they do, what do you know, thay end up painting them black and putting a lrage shroud which cover the puny miniuscule item.

Doing this now to a 42 ford chop top for a friend, he nealy shit himself to see the temp gauge so low wihtout fans!!!!!

nat)

[wally57]

Nat,

What you say is pretty much exactly what JTR say about the aluminium radiator and electric fans. That was why I was originally looking at the JTR radiator. If I can get something locally and save some cash to boot, I would be a lot happier. So can you give me an idea what model Nissan you got your radiator out of.

[zed240au]

Well i still reckon the jtr is good value at $500 sure if you can get someone at a radiator shop to take time you can find something that would fit Out of another late model car that would be cheaper

 

Was way i tried to go but didnt get any help all the shops wanted to do was sell me 3 core for $600 or $1000 for aluminium at that price the jtr was a steal and bolts straight in works great for me i wasnt chasing weight saving just good cooling

 

mick

[wally57]

Guys,

I feel like a bit of a dill on this one. I should have explained earlier that the engine I am fitting is a Holden 5.0L 195KW HSV V8. I have only just realised that the cooling inlets/outlets on this engine are different to the LS1 so the JTR radiator is not going to work anyway. I have picked up a new aluminium radiator out of a VR commodore V8 for $300.00 that is almost a perfect fit, and it will allow me to just use standard Commodore hoses etc so it's all good. Anyway thanks for the advice I've still got to sort out fans and you have all given me some good ideas on this to work on.

 

Wally 57

[620Z]

Good price well done Wally.