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PostPosted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:25 pm 
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Location: NOR, Perth, W.A.
I just got back from a radiator place and got a heck of a shock when they quoted $950+ to make a custom radiator for my Starlet 4E-FTE conversion - with a core size of only ~300x300mm

I know a few people here have used the EG/EK Honda Civic half size radiators but haven't heard much in regards to how well they cool and whether the Chinee ones you can get are any good longer term after many many heat cycles.

At first thought, I was prepared to pay somewhere around $400 for a decent radiator (a bit more than what I would spend for an average and full size OEM replacement) - even if it has to have the inlet/outlet moved afterward, but $900 was a bit pricey even for Perth.

What have everyone else used for their conversions? Apart from the expensive custom work for even a small radiator that is quite expensive, what other options do I have? I thought it would nice to have the info in a single thread.

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PostPosted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:39 pm 
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Can you find a radiator the right width? (Or the right height is it is a cross flow)
It is easy to shorten a radiator, you just remove one tank and cut the core and re-fit the tank.

Some of the Ebay alloy radiator places say they can custom make radiators. I think someone here got a quote on a custom job, it might have been in the alloy radiator thread.


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PostPosted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 1:42 am 
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I put the civic radiator into the starlet I built, worked a treat and I think it only cost ~$100 + fan.

From memory Brad put a Charade radiator in his and did track work and drags and I don't recall any issues.

JC

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PostPosted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 2:43 pm 
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I went a custom alloy unit but paid nowhere near that price!!

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PostPosted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:51 pm 
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Archangel007 wrote:
I went a custom alloy unit but paid nowhere near that price!!


+1
I even have got a fan on mine and from memory it still wasn't that expensive but I'd have to check to be sure

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 2:04 pm 
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+2 - I got a custom 400x400 aluminium high-flow dual core from PWR for $650, but that was mid 2005. Very happy with mine. :)

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 4:07 pm 
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I have another contact here in Perth of a small but quality custom place where I hope to get a quote for a radiator (and intercooler) within a week. I will post back with what I get quoted.

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I blame my dad for my love of minis. I think I was conceived in the back seat of one :D
I also blame my Dad for me being 6' 1" - not really the optimum height for driving a Mini.


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:21 pm 
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Good luck Al, 300x300 should be around the $450 mark!!

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PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 3:17 pm 
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Got two more prices over lunch today (for 300x300x55) - $780 & $850.

*sigh* I'm not asking for anything dirt cheap, just a reasonable price (which I don't think those $$ are worth for such a small fab job). One place wanted $650+ for a reasonably small 270 x 190 x 55mm (core size) intercooler. What hourly rates are these guys charging?

I wish I could TIG weld...

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I blame my dad for my love of minis. I think I was conceived in the back seat of one :D
I also blame my Dad for me being 6' 1" - not really the optimum height for driving a Mini.


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PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:17 pm 
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Its not that difficult, once you got the motions right it looks quite nice. But ive only ever done stainless, i imagine ally is a whole different kettle of fish.

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PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 11:50 pm 
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Mearcat wrote:
Got two more prices over lunch today (for 300x300x55) - $780 & $850.

*sigh* I'm not asking for anything dirt cheap, just a reasonable price (which I don't think those $$ are worth for such a small fab job). One place wanted $650+ for a reasonably small 270 x 190 x 55mm (core size) intercooler. What hourly rates are these guys charging?

I wish I could TIG weld...



as usual thats why im so over ordering in australia, you support the market and some of these shops stiff you.

order from

http://www.radtec.co.uk/

with combined postage it will be cheaper.

in saying that im going a R1 rad and moving the cap around.

it's the perfect size and alloy.


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