Replacing a radiator

Digital · Post by **Digital** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 10:19 pm

I'm due to get my radiator replaced shortly but was wondering if anyone can recommend the best replacement radiator to go for? I've seen the Eliseparts triple pass radiator suggested previously, anyone got any experience of this? And is it worth replacing the radiator fan(s) at the same time?

This is for a 2005 Exige S2 (Toyota engine).

Post by **campbell** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 12:04 am

I bought the entry-level all-alloy version many years ago - nothing fancy, but improves the plastic end-tanks of the originals (at least as fitted to K-series S1's...no idea what's in S2 Exiges).

Has been just fine.

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:03 am

Just done exactly that on my S2 yota. Had a look at the rad option, asked on here with limited response and decided on the straightforward ali rad from Elise shop at over £100 cheaper than the next up triple pass type. The rad was £240 and is thicker core to take more coolant but essentially just a straight swap. The reason I didn't go triple pass was due to someone mentioning potential increased pressure and strain on the water pump. Oh and the additional cost.
Straightforward swap, my fans worked fine so didn't replace, my brackets were slightly rusty but not overly so, so reused them too. Just the rad replaced.

It seems to run about 2 degrees cooler than the old rad so works well. I had no issues with cooling on the standard rad other than very hot trackdays so I thought this was fine.

Works well and looks nice.

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:28 am

The eliseparts rad is £360 for the non triple pass standard replacement hence why I bought the Elise shop one at £240. The more expensive one may be the pro alloy one but having heard of them leaking in the past I figured I'd take my chances and put the £120 towards petrol.

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 10:21 am

And while you have the clam off, regular top tip for such occasions; change your tow post also!

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 11:46 am

Dominic wrote:And while you have the clam off, regular top tip for such occasions; change your tow post also!

Mine was solid and didn't need it.

T6 KFR · Post by **T6 KFR** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 3:56 pm

Out of interest was it this one ?
http://www.elise-shop.com/aluminium-hig ... p-345.html

My clam is off in few weeks for the hose recall and thought of upgrading.

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 4:37 pm

T6 KFR wrote:Out of interest was it this one ?
http://www.elise-shop.com/aluminium-hig ... p-345.html

My clam is off in few weeks for the hose recall and thought of upgrading.

Yep that's the one. Looked well made for all I can tell. Everything fit where it should too.

Digital · Post by **Digital** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 10:05 pm

Perfect, thanks for the recommendation BigD, one radiator ordered from Eliseshop

Dom, I've already got the towpost on the list of jobs to do, it's looking a bit rusty on mine so better safe than sorry

Cheers,
Jamie

T6 KFR · Post by **T6 KFR** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 8:34 am

BigD wrote:
T6 KFR wrote:Out of interest was it this one ?
http://www.elise-shop.com/aluminium-hig ... p-345.html

My clam is off in few weeks for the hose recall and thought of upgrading.
Yep that's the one. Looked well made for all I can tell. Everything fit where it should too.

Yeh same here thanks for that! Ill need to get it ordered now.

Kev

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 9:10 am

Digital wrote:
Dom, I've already got the towpost on the list of jobs to do, it's looking a bit rusty on mine so better safe than sorry

Cheers,
Jamie

I thought mine looked okay, with a little surface rust, then I started to remove it....

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 11:13 am

Dominic wrote:
Digital wrote:
Dom, I've already got the towpost on the list of jobs to do, it's looking a bit rusty on mine so better safe than sorry

Cheers,
Jamie
I thought mine looked okay, with a little surface rust, then I started to remove it....

Too late now, oh well, I'll do mine when the radiator bursts again.

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 11:15 am

BigD wrote:
Dominic wrote:
Digital wrote:
Dom, I've already got the towpost on the list of jobs to do, it's looking a bit rusty on mine so better safe than sorry

Cheers,
Jamie
I thought mine looked okay, with a little surface rust, then I started to remove it....
Too late now, oh well, I'll do mine when the radiator bursts again.

You are probably okay, you won't need towing, you don't have a K series. And it's not as if you ever venture off the tarmac on track... oh...

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 11:18 am

Dominic wrote:
BigD wrote:
Dominic wrote:I thought mine looked okay, with a little surface rust, then I started to remove it....
Too late now, oh well, I'll do mine when the radiator bursts again.
You are probably okay, you won't need towing, you don't have a K series. And it's not as if you ever venture off the tarmac on track... oh...

I think my wee nose first nudge into the tyres was a perfect test for my toe post as the large toeing eye was in at the time so must've taken a bit of a dunt and stayed in one piece.

Corranga · Post by **Corranga** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 9:21 am

I think the leaking pro-alloy ones were a few years ago and were redesigned since then.

I read (and may have originally posted) that triple pass for a non race car is a waste due to extra strains and pressure etc.

Mine is extremely happy with the pro-alloy 45mm twin pass, though I only bought it as it was lightly used and much cheaper than new..

Scottish Elises