Need A New Radiator - But What Sort?

[GLPoomobile 958]

As above......

 

 

I could pick up a new aluminuim radiator from eBay for between £45 and £55. Or alternatively I can go for a standard copper replacement from GSF for £40. I think Neat do one for about the same price which may be better as they are usually true OE but I'd have to pay delivery and the courier company they use are a headache.

 

So opinions please - can I trust an eBay aluminium one to fit OK? Do the aluminium ones last longer/resist corrosion better? Are GSF ones any good?

[Ryan 99]

Copper has better heat transfer properites, but aluminium is much lighter.

 

Not much in it really, I'd just go for whichever works out cheaper.

[Pug_101 0]

Would it pay to go for a bigger type? The Turbo diesel radiators are bigger aren't they,

mind you this could be a problem if changing to Mi later on or would it?

[Rob_the_Sparky 9]

Copper has better heat transfer properites, but aluminium is much lighter.

 

Not much in it really, I'd just go for whichever works out cheaper.

 

Although I'd expect the weight benefit to be not noticable as the water in the rad is very heavy in comparison.

[wildejon 7]

Is this for a 205 or 309?

I've got a used 309 one if its any use to you?

[inferno 1]

turbo dervs are much thicker, but would just involve stepping it out more as with some other mi conversions!

 

40 quid sounds cheap whatever your getting if its new!

[TEKNOPUG 3]

No need to get a bigger rad. A NEAT/GSF one will be fine.

[scotthall39 0]

Depends on if your trying to save weight,

 

Thats the only real difference between them.

 

They all do the same job

[SPGTi 2]

Try and find a motorfactor that stocks nissens aluminium radiators. Usually cheaper than ebay. I have had a couple and I prefer them to the copper as the fins are not so delicate and they are much lighter.

 

Steve

[GLPoomobile 958]

Try and find a motorfactor that stocks nissens aluminium radiators. Usually cheaper than ebay. I have had a couple and I prefer them to the copper as the fins are not so delicate and they are much lighter.

 

Steve

 

Yeah, I heard Nissens ones are good and have seen them on eBay in the past.

 

Thanks Teknopug for directly answering my original questions.

 

For the record, if anyone else wants to comment, I'm after a standard size 205 GTi radiator. Any slight difference (good or bad) in both weight or cooling are not considerations. My only priorities are cost, build quality (does it drop straight in?) and outright lifespan (are the aluminium ones a bit tougher and more corrosion resistant?).

 

I'm sure if I looked around I could get a decent second hand one, but for the sake of £40 or £50 I'd rather buy new and have the piece of mind.

[pug_ham 242 3 Cars]

TD ones are about double the thickness but also double the price.

 

The GSF supplied one is most likely an alloy one anyway but any motor factors should get you the same for a negliable difference on price.

 

Graham.

[Pug_101 0]

Yeah, I heard Nissens ones are good and have seen them on eBay in the past.

 

Thanks Teknopug for directly answering my original questions.

 

For the record, if anyone else wants to comment, I'm after a standard size 205 GTi radiator. Any slight difference (good or bad) in both weight or cooling are not considerations. My only priorities are cost, build quality (does it drop straight in?) and outright lifespan (are the aluminium ones a bit tougher and more corrosion resistant?).

 

I'm sure if I looked around I could get a decent second hand one, but for the sake of £40 or £50 I'd rather buy new and have the piece of mind.

 

Very sorry if thats aimed at me

Found a web dealer of Radiators. while looking for Nissens radiators, check with them if they are Nissens though as it does not state that directly.

RAD

Seem to be good value delivered to your door, a 1.9L GTi 1993 (my car) was £30+Vat+£10delivery.

 

As for this question "are the aluminium ones a bit tougher" there what is used in all forms of motorsport so should last.

Cheers

[TEKNOPUG 3]

It's just a rad man. Any new "205 Gti" one for about £40 will be fine. Nissen are good but it's just a radiator core with some end caps and a couple of connections for the hoses - pretty difficult to get wrong.

[GLPoomobile 958]

Very sorry if thats aimed at me

Found a web dealer of Radiators. while looking for Nissens radiators, check with them if they are Nissens though as it does not state that directly.

RAD

Seem to be good value delivered to your door, a 1.9L GTi 1993 (my car) was £30+Vat+£10delivery.

 

As for this question "are the aluminium ones a bit tougher" there what is used in all forms of motorsport so should last.

Cheers

 

My comment wasn't directly amimed at anybody, was just trying to get back on topic

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I have been offered a nearly rad for £25 from someone on here, but since I'm going to GSF tomorrow I might ask if their rads are alluminium and pick one up if they are.