OK, so I have changed my mind and now plan to go with an aluminium radiator from the US. Problem now is that two guys selling aluminium rads on EBay (
zpeedstarz and dnamotoring) with E9 referenced in the description are both telling me that these rads won't work in a 3.0 CSi . They are not offering alternatives or any explanation as to why it would not work. Baffled! Any advice? (
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232177047...24469d3eaf7&bu=43080115656&cp=1&sojTags=bu=bu )
I agree with Steve[
starz].
The problem may be that the vendors think the car is an automatic and the pictured radiator may or may not accommodate automatic transmission connections as found on the original equipment radiator. (The Zpeed
starz description does not seem to reference automatic transmission cooling.) It is also a possibility that the vendors information does not list a "csi" and they are not interested in having to worry about a return, the cost of shipping and a negative review. This is probably why the ad says:
Professional Installation is Highly Recommended Installation Instruction is NOT Included
I do see two bolts or bung plugs. However, it is unclear (to me) that these are to receive transmission cooling lines or that the radiator has some internal plumbing for them. Otherwise, an E9 is an E9, regardless of fuel delivery.
I also think that if the radiator is exactly as pictured, you may have to do some slight modification to insure permanent fitment in a coupe. I don't immediately recognize the right side mounting tang (or hook). However, the slim plate running horizontally at the top of the radiator seems to have holes that would secure the radiator to the forward bulkhead. Otherwise, if I am not mistaken, the bottom of the tank is actually cradled in rubber. Frankly, there are any number of ways to secure a radiator, so I do not see that as a deal breaker. The one thing that might be critical for most coupes is the radiator fore and aft thickness. I have never been too comfortable with how close the mechanical fan is to the radiator. On one occasion, I had a 3.0 radiator re-cored at a radiator shop. When reinstalled, the top of the unit protruded too far toward the fan, so that there was obvious interference. Fortunately, I had the car at the shop and they realized their error. They had to desolder and reposition the core to make things work.
Lastly, if one size fits all of the models listed, where are the mounts or supports for any shroud as used in the later models?
Best of luck.
