All-aluminum drop-in radiator

**The_underclassman** · 06-30-2011, 09:39 AM

Since the driver side plastic tank failed on my turbo zx2, I decided to invest in something that may not leak as bad. I purchased an Ebay radiator, from radiatorclassic, made with aluminum end tanks. It was cheap--only $86 shipped to my door. I will provide captions for each picture as they all have some reason for being taken.

We'll start off with the box:

This provides a clear part number and manufacturer in case the ebay seller ever tanks.

Next is an overall view:

As you can see, it has an unpolished aluminum look.

This is the driver side inlet:

You can see the welds are pretty solid around and inside the tank.

Petcock area:

This allows for drainage from the stock location. You can also see a bolt hole for the stock fan and shroud to mount to.

Bottom of radiator:

I'm pointing at the bracket on the bottom. This is not aluminum and has a silver coat of paint.

Passenger side end tank:

You can see here the ports for the trans cooler. This can also be used for a water-cooled turbo, which is something I may look into later on down the road. You can also see the two outlet ports on the side of the tank for the water pump and heater core hoses.

Radiator pressure cap:

This one is just about the same as the stock unit, although it has a thicker rubber o-ring and a chain to mount so you don't lose it while topping off.

Radiator fill tube:

This is a machined piece of aluminum with a small overflow nipple tapped into it. I believe nylon tape was used. This is the only non-welded port on the radiator.

Overview back side:

Review:
This is a functional, effective replacement for the stock radiator and very pleasing to the eye as well. The stock fan mounts up. They provide a new radiator cap. The welds look okay. I think it'll outlast the stock radiator that's on the car, even with the added heat/stress from the turbo. For the price, it can't be beat. The company also provides a warranty which covers defects in material and workmanship:

Originally Posted by radiatorclassic @ ebay

Limited Warranty Terms:
We provide limited lifetime warranty on all our products under normal use and service. We warrant our products to be free of all defects in material and workmanship, as limited herein, shall be in lieu of, and exclusive of, all other warranties, except warranties implied by law.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties and/or limitations or incidental or consequential damages, so some of the limitations above may not apply to you.
Purchaser must first arbitrate any dispute or claim arising out of the breach of this warranty agreement, under the arbitration laws of the State of California and the rules of the American Arbitration Association, prior to commencing any lawsuit against company.

**zx2loon** · 07-11-2011, 11:37 AM

Great review. Good to see it got put in here for others to see....

**The_underclassman** · 08-12-2011, 03:42 PM

I'm still enjoying the function and looks of this radiator in my turbo scort. Just thought I'd follow up. About 3k miles on it.

**mellowness65** · 09-11-2011, 11:01 AM

anyone have one of these that they havent installed yet? I pulled my rad yesterday and thought I'd swap one in, but none are listed on ebay and im hella impatient

**recessbilly** · 09-11-2011, 11:22 AM

I do. PM me.

**mellowness65** · 09-11-2011, 08:35 PM

done

**pissdrunx16** · 09-11-2011, 08:39 PM

Really you got one recess? Fuckin sexay!

**zx2loon** · 10-25-2011, 11:58 AM

So how's this been working out?? Inquiring minds want to know??

**mellowness65** · 10-25-2011, 05:30 PM

when i get the car back running I'll let you know

**corbygasm** · 10-26-2011, 12:08 AM

mine is great...not to mention it alot more efficient. this is probably due to the size of it as well as it being aluminum. my cooling fans dont kick on near as much as they used to. this is also confirmed with an analog water temp gauge (not stock).